Psychic Killer (1975)

Psychic Killer (1975) ** (out of 4)Arnold Masters (Jim Hutton) is in jail serving time for killing the doctor who let his mother die. The truth of the matter is that he's actually innocent and is released once the real killer confesses. Before getting out another inmate gives him a special amulet, which gives him a psychic power to kill. Before long Arnold is killing off those he blames for his mothers death and it's up to a couple detectives to try and figure out what's going on.PSYCHIC KILLER isn't what I'd consider a good movie but at the same time it has some rather interesting things that make it worth watching. Obviously the film tries to copy that son-mother relationship of PSYCHO but it throws in some also fits in with the "psychic" horror films that were quite popular throughout the decade. The film benefits from having an all-star cast and they certainly help add to the entertainment value.For the most part I thought Hutton was good in the lead, although I'd argue that the screenplay does less for his character than any other. He's at least believable in the part of this mama's boy who wants revenge. The supporting players are all good in one way or another and this includes Julie Adams (CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON) as well as other familiar faces to the genre inclduing Whit Bissell, Rod Cameron, Aldo Ray and Neville Brand. If you're a fan of the horror genre then those faces are going to be very familiar.The one major issue I had with the film was that it was a tad bit too slow for its own good. I thought a little faster pace would have helped things and I'd also argue that the film had a rather flat look to it. The film is rather weird in regards to what it's going for as there are times it seems happy to be a PG-rated horror film but then, out of nowhere really, we get some rather graphic, if not all that creative, violence. There's a shower sequence that's certainly the highlight of the picture.

"Psychic Killer (1975)" its not that bad, its actually a pretty fun and enjoyable B movie. When it comes to 70s low budget exploitation is hard to find one that actually has some decent elements, and "Psychic Killer" certainly has some notable moments in the middle of all its absurdity.Its decently made and its not boring (its mostly entertaining) even if it has some scenes that are quite dull. It delivers the usual dose of gore and nudity that these movies are known for and it does it in a very amusing way.With an interesting plot, halfway decent scenes and a good pace, "Psychic Killer" stands out from the average 70's schlock.

"Psychic Killer" is quite amusing, and at the least can boast a twist on the usual sort of vengeance-themed murder spree. Some viewers might say that the ideas being explored deserve a much better cinematic treatment, but as schlock goes, this movie does show its audience a decent time. There's a fair bit of gore, and a little bit of imagination in terms of the death scenes. As guided by former actor turned director Ray Danton ("Deathmaster"), this has also got a hell of a cast of familiar faces to keep things watchable.Jim Hutton plays Arnold Masters, a Norman Bates type who was wrongly convicted of murder and sent to a mental institution. While incarcerated, he makes the brief acquaintance of fellow patient Emilio (character actor Stack Pierce, who has a strong presence). Emilio provides Arnold with the tools to orchestrate murders while not being physically present at the murder scenes. As a result, flustered police lieutenant Jeff Morgan (Paul Burke) has to try to solve killings that don't make any sense.The concepts of Kirlian photography (which can be seen behind the opening credits) and astral projection are good enough of a hook to reel viewers in. Hutton is good as the unbalanced protagonist. Making appearances are Julie Adams and Whit Bissell from "The Creature from the Black Lagoon", Nehemiah Persoff, Rod Cameron, Neville Brand (as a butcher whose only real "crime" is charging too much for his meat), Aldo Ray, and Della Reese. Mary Charlotte Wilcox supplies the T & A as a sexpot nurse who likes to tease her bedridden patient. In a supporting role is film director Greydon Clark ("Without Warning"), who co-wrote the picture with Danton and Mikel Angel.This movie is "good" fun, although it does lead to a pretty horrific finale.Seven out of 10.

"Psychic Killer" of 1975 is a highly enjoyable and underrated little flick that should appeal to all my fellow fans of 70s low-budget Horror. This is, of course, pure camp fun, and in no way essential or great, but the ridiculously low rating of 2.6/10 is completely unjustified. This has a somewhat corny and yet quite original storyline. Arnold Masters (Jim Hutton) is wrongfully accused of a murder and put in a mental institution. When the real killer is found, Arnold gets released, vowing revenge on those he holds responsible for his arrest and the death of his mother, who died while he was locked up. Arnold has learned some things about paranormal phenomena like astral projection from a fellow inmate, and he is willing to use his new psychic powers for his revenge... The plot is corny, of course, but it is also great fun. The actors are often overacting, but not in a bad way. On the contrary, the performances were one of the film's best qualities, in my opinion. Hutton fits in the role of Arnold very well and the cast furthermore includes actors such Neville Brand ("Eaten Alive"), Neremiah Persoff ("The Harder They Fall"), Paul Burke ("Daddy's Gone A-Hunting") and, most memorably, Julie Adams ("Creature From The Black Lagoon"), who was married to director Ray Danton. The murders are quite bizarre and fun to watch but, with one exception, not really bloody. The bloody one is quite well-made, especially regarding the obviously minimal budget. Even though often illogical, the film is very imaginatively executed, and occasionally quite humorous. Also, the low budget does in no one lessen this one. If anything it increases the film's cult-factor. Overall, "Psychic Killer" is no masterpiece, but it is definitely better than its reputation. Overall, this is a camp and original little flick that is highly entertaining and recommendable to all fans of low-budget Horror.