Episode 59: Tobe Hooper’s Lifeforce (1985)
Rotten Tomato Score: 56%
Have you ever wondered what happens when space vampires descend upon London? Brace yourself for our take on Tobe Hooper's 1985 sci-fi spectacle, "Lifeforce," a film that left us both baffled and entertained. We attempt to unravel the puzzling narrative with a healthy dose of humor and critique, spotlighting everything from Patrick Stewart's scene-stealing presence to the film's absurd portrayal of astronaut horniness and questionable quarantine protocols. Along the way, we indulge in a cocktail concoction of bourbon, coffee, vanilla liqueur, and orange bitters—trust us, it'll make the cinematic chaos easier to swallow.
Join us as we pick apart the film's special effects, from outdated spaceship scenes to perplexing sound design, which add layers of unintentional comedy to the already bizarre storyline. We share our favorite poorly written lines and scenes so bewildering they could rival moments from "The Office." The film's oddball character names, incoherent plot, and gratuitous nudity provide endless fodder for our discussion, and we can't help but question Canon Films' audacious attempt to transcend its B-movie roots.
Get ready for a whirlwind of "what the fuck" moments and intriguing trivia, like the film's mysterious corpses finding new life in "The Mummy" (1999). From the chaotic depiction of an apocalyptic London to Matilda May's performance amidst the madness, we reflect on "Lifeforce" as a cinematic relic that raises more questions than it answers. Grab your headphones and a stiff drink as we navigate through this cult classic with humor, nostalgia, and a touch of disbelief.
Sinister Sips
Spirit’s Taken
From: Dadpool Cocktails
Ingredients:
2 oz Bourbon
1 oz Coffee
1/2 oz Vanilla Liqueur
1/4 oz Simple Syrup
2 dashes Orange Bitters
Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin with ice
Shake for 10-15 seconds
Serve over ice
Plot Summary:
A race of space vampires arrives in London and infects the populace, beginning an apocalyptic descent into chaos. (Taken from IMDb)
Watchability Scale
Sam scored it higherst at 3. Mike and Chad gave it the lowest they possibly could with 1. We placed it at 1.5 on the Watchability Scale.
Links
Leonard Maltin Review (YouTube)
Fun Facts (Grindhouse Database)
Trivia About the Film (TVTropes)