Director: John Fasano
Year: 1987
Country: Canada
Alternate Titles: The Edge of Hell; Arch Angel
Genre: Supernatural
Plot:
Traveling to a secluded farmhouse, members of the metal band Triton, along with their girlfriends, arrive to help practice their new album without distractions only to find the group has been overtaken by a horde of demons from Hell intent on conquering the world with only an ancient prophecy to stop them.
Review:
There isn't much to this one overall. Among the more prominent positives of this one is the fact that it really dwells with it's really cheesy atmosphere which does provide a couple of good moments. The many moments of the band practicing their music is full of that since it's full of high-quality cheesy-styled heavy metal that was highly prominent at the time while the general concept and execution of them are straight-up cheese as they rehearse their cheesy tracks. It also isn't bad at the beginning, with the rapidly disappearing group providing some nice suspense tactics coming into play here which gives this somewhat of an intriguing premise. As well, the type of creature attacks that show up here, initially appearing as temptations before quickly changing into their true forms for an additional shock as the seduction down in the basement, the abduction from the kitchen and the lake attack with the demon hand emerging in quite a shocking moment.
That also brings up the twist in the film, which comes out of left field as it's such a high concept and startlingly-creative idea to employ which is a nice touch since the big cheese at the end will be the most remembered aspect featured here with the creatures coming to life and attacking him around the barn before turning into the true revelation which is such a startling departure from what is expected and is a fun idea in concept. That it manages to go for such an outside-the-box idea with little build-up is what manages to give this one quite a distinct impression for the sheer wackiness that this one dives into. Since it goes at such an odd tangent going off from the rest of the film, it might be somewhat problematic but is surely something that helps to give this such an obscure and cheesy air. There's also the fact that this one has a bit more nudity than would be expected, which is surely welcome as well, providing this one with some decent points.
There isn't much wrong, as it doesn't have a whole lot anyway. The fact that the cheese can be overwhelming due to how bad it is would be something to overcome. Due to the possession of the characters, this one then brings in cheesy-looking creatures that are practically sock puppets and look exactly like that. The speech given by the villain before the final confrontation is a key one, and mixed with the hero's reactions leave a big stain on the film. The confusing nature of it doesn't help it either, as the ending completely throws it out of the water and makes it seem that much more confusing. Abandoning what had come before to focus on the new storyline introduced right there makes no sense, and it has a hard time connecting with the rest of the film, leaving it feeling like a mind-trip that never seems to connect. That it never makes any connection to having any gore, or even a confirmed kill at all in it, makes even less sense and helps to lover this one as well.
The cast here is fine for this type of genre effort. Starting first with the band, leader John Triton played by musician Jon-Mikl Thor, is incredibly lame and just seems to stand around looking at everything just happening around him without really reacting to anything. He seems to be as stoic as his physique and just seems blank and wooden without a microphone or a strapping leather getup being worn. As the bassist Roger Eburt, Frank Dietz plays him rather quiet and without much fanfare. He disappears into the background and seems more concerned about his wife Mary, understandable considering they're newlyweds and that allows them to have some quiet moments together. The even more reserved Max, played by David Lane, is the guitarist and is too shy to make a move until after everyone's been possessed so he really doesn't do much for the most part. However, the most cringe-inducing work of the whole film is drummer Stig, played by Jim Cirile who has such an awful accent that he becomes distracting throughout here and doesn't do have a positive impression.
As for who play their girlfriends, John's girlfriend Randy, played by Teresa Simpson, is the leader of the girls. She tends to be the one that enforces their behavior and has the most authority outside of the actual members, yet the constant mentions of trying to get him into bed with her makes her just as slutty as the rest as he constantly rejects her. The lone female member of the band, Dee Dee, played by Denise Dicandia, really isn't that memorable other than having shorter brunette hair and rocking out wit the band. The other brunette, Lou Anne played by Jillian Peri, is the first one possessed but is mostly notable for being hot and horny yet constantly scorned by Stig. It's not a great performance but definitely doesn't hurt as she's memorable at the slightest. The other girl is Roger's wife Mary, played by Liane Abel Dietz, is another memorable take as she tries hard to make it alongside the rest of the band but is still trying to hold her own without making waves with the others. She has a sweet and innocent air to her that's nice and refreshing and they have a nice quiet scene together that gives them a nice coupley feeling but overall the acting here isn't the greatest, Overall, these here are what lower the film.
Overview: ** 1/2/5
Without a whole lot really going for it either way and it doesn't really have too much to not say, this one in the end is watchable. Give it a go if in the mood for a cheesy 80s creature feature, a fan of the music or performer in general or a fun romp, while those that can't take those kinds are advised to seek caution with it.
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