Evil Cult DVD

Evil Cult DVD

Reviewed by SuperNova

DVD released by IndieDVD

Horror/Comedy - 2003
87 minutes
English
Not Rated

Written and Directed By: Rob Taylor and Neil Taylor

Produced By: Allen G. Taylor

Staring: Rob Taylor, with Greg Gosser, Matt Zak, Kyle Day and Chris Howcroft

Plot:

Evil Cult opens with a prelude of Neil Stryker’s character and an ongoing feud with a mad scientist. If the scene sounds comical that’s because it is. Rob Taylor who plays Neil also portrays the mad scientist in an absurdly funny role. While it doesn’t really provide any information on the background of Stryker, this is revealed later on in the film, it at least establishes what the viewer is about to forge upon. Swearing profusely before jumping into a time portal, the mad scientist bids Neil farewell only to return to the exact same spot by the quick thinking of Stryker who defuses the portal.

We progress to an isolated desert road and come upon a weary traveler carrying a large duffle bag. Hitchhiking home Neil Stryker (Rob Taylor) is approached by a vehicle and a friendly driver who kindly stops to pick him up. The driver announces himself as Walter (Greg Gosser) an infectiously hilarious and maniacal cult savior. The two exchange in a conversation which results in a welcoming stay at Walter’s home where Neil can get cleaned up, some rest and even food. Once they arrive at Walter’s home things become evident that it’s a place unlike anything Stryker’s seen before filled with love, warmth and caring.

After a quick tour, Neil settles in for the night only to awake from a nightmare regarding his future there at the home. He sneaks out of his room and unjustifiably breaks into a locked cabinet that holds a deep dark secret. Neil discovers that underneath the home is a sanctioned off lab where Walter and his goons experiment on unchangeable minds by using a laser to zap their brains. It doesn’t take long before Neil begins to take actions in his own hands and the war between The Savior and The Destroyer begins.

Fighting off the cult proves to be easier said than done, though Neil manages to dismantle most of the cast all by himself, he enlists the help of a trusty ax to finish them off. But if Stryker thinks he’ll get off this fast, he’s wrong. Cult leader Walter has been taking a magical serum for years that grants him the ability of unsurpassed human strength, has Neil finally met his match? Will the "Evil Cult" prevail? Find out when you pick up this DVD!

Reviewer’s Thoughts:

Evil Cult came about when IndieDVD loaned Rob and Neil Taylor money to create a direct to Video/DVD horror movie. With a fairly limited budget of fifteen hundred dollars and a loaned Sony DV camera the two were expected to craft a full length picture within a couple of months. When eight months passed and the completion of their project was still hanging in limbo the two Clackamas county twins kindly returned the money and set out to make their own movie. Produced by their father Allen Taylor thirteen months later Evil Cult was finished. Finally released on DVD in November of 2003 I now have the pleasure of reviewing this film.

Following in the footsteps of Peter Jackson’s earlier films such as Bad Taste and Dead Alive, Rob and Neil Taylor were able to create a film that very much resembles what cult horror is all about and the specific following that develops alongside it. Many have compared the film to Evil Dead and I suppose there are similarities. Most notably the title then onto the charismatic character of Neil, often sprouting one liners that Bruce Campbell did so well with his character Ash in Army of Darkness, and finally just the overall atmosphere of the film. I don’t believe it’s right to compare and contrast two movies especially given one is relatively low budget and just being released while the other has grown to a phenomenon. I’m certainly not taking anything away from Rob and Neil’s film as it deserves every bit of notoriety it has received, but to compare it to Evil Dead especially given the following it has just doesn’t seem fair.

In my own personal opinion Evil Cult shows tremendous promise for a first full length picture. What we have here is a sleek and efficient effort that goes to show what talented newcomers can do with today’s extensive high tech equipment. It may not demonstrate the qualities of big budget affairs, but certainly possesses enough attributes to put most attempts to shame. Make no mistake it’s low budget schlock that sometimes feels a bit feverish in its attempt. With a cast rounded out by family and friends Evil Cult very much bears a resemblance to budget constrained films. While the acting is unquestionably above average and mostly impromptu it still has an amateur presence that’s abundantly apparent. It’s a movie that really doesn’t take itself seriously, and though it could be argued that the script suffers from bad dialogue and poor execution, I myself find that to be completely false.

The film is indeed horror but doesn’t follow the genre’s distinctive and cliché filled format. It branches out to provide comedic relief during scenes of excessive violence that would have otherwise resembled the ordinary. Even when the scenes don’t seem to work or the comedy falls flat, the viewer is able to detract their eyes to better shots of artistic brilliance and varying camera angles. Sure it’s not a complete fun ride as the elements that provide laughter become a bit repetitive and stale in their execution, most notably towards the end where Rob’s character Neil enters into the annoying territory as a result of his haughtiness. Still though there’s plenty to enjoy and laugh about during the movie even when things bog down. From my perspective and somebody who likes unrefined humor Evil Cult really seems to satisfy those who want a taste of hope that good filmmaking still does exists.

This is undoubtedly Rob Taylor’s engine, his commanding performance as Neil Stryker is a cut above what I am relatively used to when watching low budget affairs. Though most of his dialogue consists of profanity filled quick witted comebacks, which could be examined as appalling in his ability to act, but you can’t ignore the direction and guidance of his character not to mention his likeability. Greg Gosser who plays Walter is the only guy who really keeps the spotlight from shining on Rob all the time. He’s a jolly guy and does some of the craziest antics I’ve ever seen. His performance is the one that stands out in my mind as the biggest achievement of the film. I’m not taking away from Rob or even Kyle Day who plays Winston, both are truly gifted, but Greg Gosser really was acting here and did a phenomenal job. Greg immersed himself into the role of Walter and I really thought that was wonderful. You’ll find upon watching the movie that most of the actors play double roles and fill-ins, everyone does a splendid job and really puts their best foot forward. A terrific cast all around.

Audio:

Evil Cult is presented here in a Dolby Digital Stereo track. The audio is smooth and clear and I couldn’t find any traces of annoying pops or loud hisses. Dialogue interactions are crisp and maintain a level of uniformity. Though a 5.1 track would have taken full advantage of the heavy soundtrack which sports soft atmospheric ambient keys, to engrossing throbbing percussion and even a metal rock song, the stereo at least does justice and provides enough bass to give your theater system a workout. Upon watching the film a second time I really paid attention to the music by Chris Howcroft and came to the conclusion that it really plays a pivotal role in crafting the tension in the film.

Video:

Evil Cult is presented here in a widescreen presentation. Shot on a Sony mini digital video camera the print offered is sufficient at best. Depending on the lighting will vary the results of the actual feedback of the film. Whites contrast too closely to each other and it’s hard to separate the outlining of objects, as the picture appears too bright and soft in given frames. Nighttime shots are fairly decent again the disadvantage lies within the blacks appearing more charcoal like in tone and not deep and dark like they should be. When the lighting is just right though, scenes appear vibrant and rich and almost film-like in texture. Reds, and there’s a lot of this particular color in the movie, are opulent and flow smoothly. Flesh pigments appear consistent and attract a sense of realism. Even though digital is cheap to shoot on the feedback isn’t always as good as you’d wish it had been. Despite the minor flaws of the video, which isn’t a relatively new thing mind you, the film does boast a wonderful widescreen transfer.

Special Features:

IndieDVD presents Evil Cult here on DVD in a widescreen presentation. Alongside that we have an outtake reel, some behind the scenes footage, an audio commentary with Neil and Rob Taylor an alternate ending and a trailer to round the disc out. Firstly the outtakes are quite hilarious and I’ve watched the reel twice so far and have laughed countless times. Kyle Day who plays Winston Appleton really has a knack for comedy and making people laugh. You can tell everybody was really having a wonderful time being involved in the making of Evil Cult and there’s surely nothing better than being surrounded by those who share the same appreciation as you yourself. The outtakes run twenty minutes in length and consist of some of the funniest cut scenes I’ve ever had the privilege to view. We get promotional readings from Neil Stryker telling us what he drinks when he gets thirsty, he also emphasizes that no one under seventeen is allowed to watch this movie because if they did it would be illegal, and finally why we shouldn’t eat candy all the time. But that’s just the beginning of this laugh out loud riot you are sure to enjoy.

The behind the scenes footage runs roughly fourteen minutes long and provides an in depth look at the process of making the movie in a more traditional manner than rather unconventional. It doesn’t focus on anything specific, we as viewers just get a glimpse into certain scenes and how they are setup and shot. We also get to see some special effects make-up being applied and Neil struggling to put in some contacts. It’s a fairly decent and adequately thorough behind the scenes supplement. The alternate ending is very dreadful and ends on a sour note leaving the viewer in dismay. I take it that’s why they cut the scene or perhaps it just didn’t fit, but in my personal opinion I liked the original ending and feel this alternate cut is better left just as a special feature option. It’s good for a viewing and to marvel at the brothers’ achievement regarding special effects, but it just doesn’t stand out.

The biggest disappointment of this DVD is without a shadow of a doubt the audio commentary by Rob and Neil Taylor. The problem is, the audio track for the movie its self plays too loudly in the background and as a result muffles what the brothers are saying. Some scenes it’s really apparent and almost a tragedy seeing as I was really looking forward to concentrating on what they had to say about their filmmaking process. A situation that probably could have been avoided if someone had looked into it deeper, but regardless it’s still a wonderful track and a great pleasure to listen to Neil and Rob talk about Evil Cult and still be able to make jokes right alongside of it. A trailer rounds the disc out and behind it some more IndieDVD trailers promoting there other releases. The menu is animated and contains a variety of sounds. Overall a great selection of supplements from a sure to be destined cult film.

Outtakes

Behind the scenes

Audio Commentary by Neil and Rob Taylor

Alternate Ending

Trailer

Conclusion:

Sometimes low budget movies can be a hit and miss, generally dealing with the horror genre in particular, it’s more often than not a miss. There are certain movies though or should I say directors who manage to incorporate their love into their film which in return connect with a specific audience. Fans of lowbrow humor will really enjoy Evil Cult and given the wonderful presentation of this DVD I don’t see why anyone should pass up the opportunity to view this film.

Movie ***½/*****
Audio ***½/*****
Video ***/*****
Supplements ****/*****