Episode 77: Ralph S. Singleton’s Graveyard Shift (1990)
Rotten Tomato Score: 0%
What happens when a drifter faces off against a monster in a Maine textile mill, and the result is a film with a notorious 0% Rotten Tomatoes rating? "Graveyard Shift" is full of absurdity, and we are here to dissect every gruesome and laughable moment. We kick things off with a Rat’s Tail Cocktail—a quirky concoction that might just make the movie more palatable—and tackle the infamous plot with all its missteps and peculiarities. Join us as we navigate the film’s bizarre journey, highlighting the moments so baffling they become oddly entertaining when shared with friends.
Nothing says 'classic horror' like characters wandering into dark corners or collapsing staircases, and "Graveyard Shift" offers these clichés in abundance. Our humorous critique shines a light on the film’s predictable elements and their impact on its scare factor—or lack thereof. We muse on the awkward comedic attempts that fall flat and ponder the recurring horror trope of mysterious disappearances that no one seems to investigate. It's a whirlwind tour through the film's ill-timed humor and cringe-worthy one-liners, where we question the effectiveness of comedy in horror.
From grotesque settings to perplexing plot twists, our conversation takes a deep dive into the murky waters of "Graveyard Shift." We discuss the film’s moist aesthetics and bizarre occurrences, like the strange creature lurking amid excessive Pepsi product placements and unsettling harassment scenes. Despite the grim overall tone, there are moments of intrigue, like the exterminator's memorable demise, that we can't help but appreciate. We round off this episode with a laugh at the absurd sound effects and plot choices, questioning the logic behind the giant bat and its rat-like features. Through humor and insight, we explore what makes this film a confounding yet unforgettable ride.
Sinister Sips
Rat’s Tail Cocktail
From: BarGPT
Recipe:
2 oz Spiced Rum
1 oz Lime Juice
1 oz Simple Syrup
1 slice Jalapeno Pepper
1 slice Cucumber
Muddle the jalapeno and cucumber in a cocktail shaker
Add the liquid ingredients and ice to the shaker
Shake for 10- 15 seconds
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass filled with ice
Plot Summary:
The owner of an ancient mill hires a drifter to rid the basement of rats. (Taken from IMDb)
Watchability Scale
We were a little varied in our opinion on this film. Sam gave it a 1. Mike gave it a 2, and Chad gave it a 4. We placed the film at 1 on the Watchability Scale.