Cast
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Ashlyn Gere
as Connie (as Kim McKamy)
Steven Baio
as Johnny
Tony Griffin
as Sammy
Jody Gibson
as Tina
Jerold Pearson
as Barney
Myles O'Brien
as Mark
Howard Weiss
as Mr. Burns
Karyn O'Bryan
as Betty
Susan Grant
as Sadie
Gary Hays
as Jerry
Hal Shafer
as Chief Cash
Johnny Venokur
as Freddy
Tom Shell
as Delivery Boy
Dominick Brascia
as Evil Laugher
Crew
Director
- Dominick Brascia
Writer
- Steven Baio
- Dominick Brascia
Producer
- Johnny Venokur
- Steven Baio
- Dominick Brascia
Reviews
Wuchak
**_Orphanage in the woods_**
Several medical students & their significant others are invited to stay at a defunct orphanage in greater Los Angeles for the weekend that one of their friends wants to restore. Unfortunately, the facility has an infamous past and people start dying.
"Evil Laugh" (1986) is a mediocre slasher by actor-turned-director Dominick Brascia, who had a part in “Friday the 13th V: A New Beginning” from the previous year. This was his first directing gig, which he accomplished in a single week; he only directed three other flicks.
It’s okay, but run-of-the-mill. The script needed rewritten to flesh out the potential, but that costs money. As it is, the characters and story are surprisingly dull. I say “surprisingly” because everything is here for a quality 80’s slasher. Still, if you’re an aficionado of the genre, it has its points of interest; it’s just nowhere near as entertaining as the aforementioned “Friday the 13th V.” It’s not even on par with the unexceptional "Island of Blood" (1982) or the decent "April Fool's Day" (1986).
Jody Gibson (Tina) and Karyn O'Bryan (Betty) are highlights on the feminine front, along with main protagonist Kim McKamy, aka Ashlyn Gere (Connie).
The movie runs 1 hour, 28 minutes, and was shot in SoCal (I was unable to apprehend specific info).
GRADE: C-
Oct 23, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Evil Laugh presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Dominick Brascia brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1986, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Evil Laugh took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 382 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 30 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Evil Laugh shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Freaks, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Evil Laugh subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Capture Kill Release and The Lost Boys explore similar territory, Evil Laugh stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 1, 1986
- Runtime: 1h 27m
Where to Watch
