Evilspeak (1982)

What surprises me most about this title is that I haven't seen it up until recently, as it's right up my alley... dark, nasty, and messed up.This is the story of Stanley Coopersmith, a strange gawky kid who finds it hard to make friends and so ends up as a joke and punching bag for the other cadets at military school. However, while he's being punished by having to tidy up the chapel's basement he finds a secret room and a book of Satanic spells and worship. These were hidden away by a rogue priest Father Esteban, who had been banished to the Americas.Unable to read the scriptures in the book, Coopersmith uses the schools' computer to translate them. and when he finally carries out the Black Mass all hell breaks loose at the school and the chapel.One of the better aspects of this film is the cast as it stars Clint Howard as Coopersmith and it's really nice to see him in a lead role and not just playing a strange and creepy secondary role. Though he's young here, he does a good job.Then there's R J Armstrong who plays Sarge, the drunk janitor looking after the school and chapel, who hates kids and has it out for Coopersmith. Armstrong is great in this portrayal, he gives the air of a man you just wouldn't trust.Charles Tyner does a brilliant representation of a prig of a Colonel who finds it demeaning and below him to run the military school.Finally, Richard Moll is excellent in the role of the Evil Father Esteban. He adds the right amount of power, menace and violence to the character to make him believable as being the hand of Satan.For the time, the special effects would have been superb, especially the computer graphics (which today are cringeworthy and laughable) and most are still passable today. The climax of the film in the destruction of the God's house is very well done and created.All in all, this is a pretty decent horror movie with a lot of the right elements and well directed by Eric Weston. A definite watch for a horror nut and if you're not, it's still worth a look-see on a dark night...

Even if "Evilspeak" is reminiscent of earlier, and better, films, most significantly "Carrie", it's still an entertaining "loser strikes back" story done in an appreciably trashy and cheesy manner.The incomparable Clint Howard scores in his first big leading role, that of Stanley Coopersmith, orphaned cadet at a military school whom almost everybody else hates, for no really good reason. When as part of his frequent punishment details he's required to start cleaning the cellar / dungeon of the chapel, he finds a treasure trove of Satanic artifacts and, with the help of a handy school computer, tries to put together his own Black Mass and get some good and very bloody revenge.First things first: I can understand how some viewers may become impatient by the time the revenge finally rolls around; the movie doesn't really begin to kick ass until its final dozen or so minutes. THEN people willing to stick it out will be rewarded with a lot of fire, a lot of screaming, and some delicious gore gags. Oh, and pigs. "Evilspeak" definitely does not come up short in the pig imagery department. We get that, and we also get to see computers used at a time when they hadn't yet become a common part of everyday human life. Back then, it was still a lot more intriguing to have these machines figure so prominently. The art direction and moody cinematography are quite competent, especially in those dungeon sets. This is one very good looking movie. And speaking of good looks, there are enough attractive young women on hand to keep some people happy. Co-star Lynn Hancock (whose character clearly is turned on by corporal punishment) appreciably fulfils a nudity requirement. Roger Kellaway's music ain't exactly subtle, but it serves its purpose. A top notch cast full of familiar faces add to the enjoyment: R.G. Armstrong as cranky drunk "Sarge", Joseph Cortese as the reverend, Claude Earl Jones as the coach, Haywood Nelson as Kowalski (one of only two people at the academy who show Coopersmith any kindness), Don Stark as head bully "Bubba", Charles Tyner (playing a part not unlike the one he played in "Harold and Maude" 10 years previous) as the colonel in charge, the hilarious Hamilton Camp as an instructor, and Lenny Montana from "The Godfather" as the cook. Even Richard "Bull" Moll turns up as a demented Satan worshipping priest.Most importantly, Howard excels in the main role - a movie like this does need its protagonist to be sympathetic, and Howard makes Coopersmith an effective character in this regard. Some of the dialogue is highly quotable; one could play a drinking game every time the name Coopersmith, or a certain variation on it, is uttered in the movie. It doesn't matter if the theme is familiar, or if the movie isn't particularly "good"; personally, I think it's a great deal of fun, and remains amusing even on repeated viewings.Eight out of 10.

In my personal opinion, this film is absolutely excellent. The perfect mix of teen angst and satanic horror. The last fifteen minutes (or so)need to be seen to be believed.Mainly, it is just about a military school loser who finds an old book whilst on punishment duty, whilst translating the book he finds it works with his computer and becomes an instruction manual for black mass. Which, due to the revenge he wants on his colleagues, performs in the altar room and resting place of Esteban, a Spanish satanic priest who proclaims that he...will...return.The way it is set out reminds me of a Dario Argento film, how it is slow to begin with, but there is consistency but not plenty of kills. But it all pays off in the final moments, especially in this film, a levitating satanic follower with an awesome sword! I can not say enough good things about this film, how Clint Howard makes a sympathetic victim of bullying, to how Bubba is the perfect bully, to how Esteban and his sword looks totally awesome.The only thing that Pisses me off, is that it only gets a 5.0, it deserves much better, this is for the people looking for something different and enjoyable, not for those who want to be scared, this is not that type of film.I F##king Love this film, it is the best horror film, PERIOD!

Clint Howard is a military academy cadet who is constantly being belittled and picked on by a group of his peers. Coopersmith, Howards character is extremely likable, and elicits plenty of sympathy, so when he gets his revenge it is very satisfying. There is a lot of hocus pocus relating to his computerized demonic possession, but once he gets down to business, it is so bizarre and laughable that you have to love it. The strongest point about "Evilspeak" is nothing, and I mean nothing can be taken seriously. Thus the possessed rampaging piggies, and flying Coopersmith, are simply part of the fun. Recommended as over the top entertainment. - MERK