Search - The Backlot Murders on DVD

Campy horror comedy--never tries to be serious

Daniel W. Kelly | Long Island, NY United States | 08/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This hysterical slasher makes you laugh out loud, and dedicated horror fans will even enjoy picking out some of the camera setups that are mimicking murder scenes from other films. Priscilla Barnes alone is reason to see this film--better comedy than anything she ever did on Three's Company. And teaming her with Charles Fleischer as a gay rock video director was brilliant. They steal the show. And shockingly, the murders seem really routine and standard throughout the film, but all of a sudden, at the end, we get a couple of harsh hardcore killings! To add to the fun, the guys and girls all play it up as ditsy pretty people just waiting to become victims...this one is great for party viewing."

Wow

J. Cook | Buffalo | 09/14/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Imagine Corey Haim being one of the biggest stars at one time and now he ends up playing a 10 scene/10 line character in this crappy movie. No wonder he is hitting the spike!

Anyways, the movie is bad. I am not sure if it is the bad acting or the bad plot. There are a few good scenes that made me want to watch the movie further.

It is very predictable. Very annoying. Very bad.

Priscilla Barnes (Terry from Threes Company) plays on it, that was almsot worth watching the movie...

See it anyways if you want to wate some time. Perhaps you will enjoy it."

Entertaining horror, but nothing special.

Thomas M. Sipos | Santa Monica, CA | 09/17/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"A slasher is loose on the Universal Studios backlot (called Empire Studios in the film) while a rock band films a music video.

In the Special Features, the director calls this "an intellectual film," and a "thinking person's horror film."

Well, no. It's not. There's a lot of film/music industry satire, and it's cute, but the targets are so old. Basically, lots of cynicism and jabs at bimbos, airhead rockers, and anyone else who'd do anything to "make it" in showbiz. It's been done to death.

Even so, it's done well here. Priscilla Barnes is excellent as the raspy voiced band manager. I won't give away any spoilers, but she's still sexy at well into her 40s, and hilarious. Having seen her on THREE'S COMPANY, I always thought her comedic skills were high, and under-appreciated.

Yes, Charles Fleischer is also hilarious as the gay director. And there are some funny lines in this film, even if the satirical observations are ancient.

Even so, it's a small film, and none too scary. Entertaining and well made, but nothing special. I bought this DVD in the bargain bin for a few dollars, and it was well worth it."