Episode 53: Luca Bercovici’s Ghoulies (1985)
Rotten Tomato Score: 14%
Can a movie with a 7% rating on Rotten Tomatoes actually be entertaining? Our latest episode kicks off with Mike reading the IMDb summary, setting the stage for our hilarious and critical discussion. We also introduce our Sinister Sip of the day—a vodka slime drink that perfectly captures the movie's gooey, gross-out aesthetic. We then dive into our first impressions and debate whether this film should be classified as horror or comedy, comparing it to other 80s creature features like "Gremlins" and "Puppet Master."
Get ready for a rollicking ride through the movie's quirkiest moments. Mike steals the spotlight with a lineup of memorable one-liners, including a bizarre quote about "Toad Boy" and a character named Dick who seems to channel both Andrew Dice Clay and Steve Martin. We also break down some of the film’s most awkward dialogue and critique its inconsistent special effects, from the odd green eyes to its overall cheap look. The unnecessary and confusing narrator? Oh, we have a lot to say about him, too.
We save the best for last by dissecting the film's most over-the-top scenes, from drooling ghoulies to a controversial sex scene filled with satanic symbols. Ever wonder why a film with such low production value managed to be a surprising financial success? We unravel this mystery while enjoying some nostalgic moments, including the creepy clown doll. Join us for a humorous, nostalgic, and critical exploration of one of the 80s' most bizarre horror-comedy hybrids.
Sinister Sips
Vodka Slime
1/2 cup Sprite
1.5 oz Vodka
1/2 oz Lime Juice
Fill a tall highball glass with ice
Pour in ingredients and stir
Plot Summary:
A young man and his girlfriend move into an old mansion home, where he becomes possessed by a desire to control ancient demons. (Taken from IMDb)
Watchability Scaler
Sam gave the film a 2.5. Mike, despite struggling to make it through the film, gave it a 3. Chad felt there were better movies to watch and make fun of in a group and gave it a 2. We placed it at 2.5 on the Watchability Scale.
Links
Trivia About Ghoulies (TVTropes)
Ten Things You Never Knew (Screen Rant)