Evilspeak (1981)

A large selection of Boomers still think that computers are conduits to Satan.  I don't think Evilspeak had much to do with that, as I am sure they weren't rushing out to see it when it came out in 1981 unless they really wanted to see what adorable little Clint Howard was up to after leaving Mayberry.  They would have been in for a shock, much like the first time their grandson figured out his name was their password and racked up a few thousand dollars in online games or adult websites. 

In this particular case, however, the computer is how our main character summons the Devil or, technically, one of his servants.  He manages to do so on an Apple II which, for context, it was the IIe that most of us played Oregon Trail on.  The graphics on that game were probably a bit much for the Apple II but, unlike other computers at the time, it did have color capability.  I doubt it had the ability to do some of the graphics we see, which look like an arcade game from 1981, but it adds a nice additional layer of retro cheese to this strange little horror film. 

In the 16th century Father Esteban (Richard Moll) is excommunicated for practicing forbidden rites.  Throwing his lot in with Satan, he travels to the New World - specifically southern California - and establishes a church outside the watch of the church.  Around 400 years later the remains are part of the chapel on the grounds of the Andover Military Academy where Stanley Coopersmith (Howard) has been remanded by the state after the death of his parents.

Coopersmith suffers constant bullying from his classmates, led by Bubba Caldwell (Don Stark), the son of one of the academy's biggest donors.  He is also constantly reprimanded by his teachers as well as the head of the academy, Colonel Kincaid (Charles Tyner) and their chaplain, Reverend Jameson (Joe Cortese).  When Coopersmith finds a hidden room in the cellar of the chapel filled with tomes of black magic he begins spending more time there, eventually sneaking one of the school's computers into the room.  Esteban, who wishes to return to life, provides Coopersmith with the means of bringing him back, as well as the promise of revenge against his tormentors. 

The plot about the tormented nerd getting revenge in the end owes quite a lot to Carrie, but writer and director Eric Weston gets away with it because he was able to breathe some new life into the story with the computer angle, despite the fact it's the silliest part here.  The ending, except for the set-up of a sequel that didn't happen, pretty much abandons that for full-on mayhem.  

There are several issues as it seems some parts may have been reassembled out of order or were left in after changes were made.  There are also a few times where things happen but other characters seem to know nothing about them despite the fact they should have been told by Colonel Kincaid.  There is an unfortunate beheading gag at the beginning of the film where too many frames were left in when it cuts from the actress to a fake head, although the resulting cut to the modern day is quite well done.

Clint Howard does a decent job in the lead in what was his first major part in a feature film.  He was 21 at the time, though he looks older, as do many of the other actors that are supposed to be 17 or 18.  Don Stark is average as Bubba, who is a stock bully character right out of any Stephen King novel.  Most memorable other than Howard, though, is R.G. Armstrong as the drunken school fix-it man Sarge, chewing scenery every time he is on screen.  There is also a brief appearance by Lenny Montana as Jake, the schools' cook and one of the few people sympathetic to Coopersmith. 

Evilspeak was not meant to be taken too seriously so the sillier parts throughout are forgivable.  It is another victim of extreme cutting, a good amount for time and some for violence, a number of which, according to Howard, made the movie a bit better.  It's still a lot of fun as it is and, though it did well when it came out, it's a bit obscure, so it's something to visit that's a bit more interesting than the rote slashers of the time. 

Evilspeak (1981)

Time: 97 minutes

Starring: Clint Howard, Don Stark, Charles Tyner, R.G. Armstrong

Director: Eric Weston