Le dindon de la farce

LUCKY STIFF is probably one of the most unworkable comedies I can remember watching. The story is about an all-American nuclear family who just so happen to be cannibals. Hungry for their next feast, they send out their attractive daughter to hunt for suitable villains, and she soon discovers one in the form of the obese and loathsome Ron Douglas.

For most of the running time, LUCKY STIFF plays out as a ridiculous romantic comedy with all manner of lame situations and bizarre interludes. The aim is to deliver something quirky and humorous, but the effect is excruciating; I can't imagine anyone would have found this funny at the time, let alone now. Joe Alaskey's hammy turn as the lead is embarrassing and at no point do any of the cast members try any form of restraint.

Yes, there's a little macabre humour here and there, and some action at the climax, but for the most part LUCKY STIFF is as dull as it is unfunny. Believe it or not, PSYCHO star Anthony Perkins directed this, which was my main reason for watching; sadly he has about as much interest in the material as the viewer does. Watch out for THE WALKING DEAD actor Jeff Kober (he played the lead Claimer in the hit zombie show) in an early role.

Lucky Stiff is a nonsensically cheesy dark 80's comedy, with a beautiful young woman acting as the honeytrap for a family of incestual cannibals.

And she attempts to groom an unlucky-in-love loser to be the guest of honour at their Christmas dinner feast.

Desperate- and thinking he has hit the jackpot- he goes along with the ruse...until he meets her family...which s when things start getting especially weird.

Little does he suspect that he's the one on the menu.

While the family prepares for the upcoming festivities...he takes the oppourtunity to enjoy the company of the only other non-family member that they've allowed in their inner circle- the wife of the young woman's brother.

Together, they unwittingly start to clue in on the family's dark secret...and plan to escape...if it's not already too late.

If you can manage to tolerate the nonsensically cheesy 80's humour (like you'd find in the worst of today's popular comedies)...then you will probably enjoy this.

The main antagoness (Donna Dixon) is an actual Goddess...which leads to some confusion...

Because, the other woman (Barbara Howard...also a total babe) is on the poster- in a sexually provocative way- when her role is not in any way shape or form like that...whereas Donna Dixon's character, Cynthia, would be more fitting of being positioned in such imagery, you'd think.

Just a weird observation.

Anyways, that sort of comedy isn't really my type of comedy...but it's decent for what it is.

And that shootout at the end is a hick of a good time!

4.5 out of 10.

Portly nice guy falls for a luscious blonde; she likes him, too...in a way. Little-seen black comedy from writer Pat Proft features very good performances by Joe Alaskey and Donna Dixon, yet it makes no lasting impact. It's just a pop-crack quickie helmed by Norman Bates himself, Anthony Perkins. Even on the level of B-comedies, the somewhat-similar "Eating Raoul" is a better bet. There's definitely an amusing set-up here; unfortunately, the picture has nowhere to go in its second act. An interesting try, but it misfires. *1/2 from ****

Anthony Perkins' second and final film as director is this great black comedy about an over-weight loser in love played by the very funny Joe Alaskey who is, to his surprise, swooped off his feet (figuratively speaking of course) by the real-life Mrs Dan Aykroyd- Donna Dixon and invited back to her familys ranch for Christmas dinner. To his horror, Joe soon finds out that the family are cannibals and that he is to be their Christmas dinner! "I'm not the guest, I'm the buffet!" This is a funny film with some great wacky characters most notably Jeff Kober as the demented Ike and twins Philip Arthur Ross and Steven Robert Ross (the latter thinks he has commited suicide and is now a poltergeist). Lucky Stiff would be ideal viewing on Christmas day with some mulled wine after good turkey dinner.

As mentioned in the title, this is another story by Pat Proft who has written for all a few serial comedies, including the last two Scary Movie films. Stop here if you don't like these types of films as you most certainly won't like this movie either! To be honest, I own both Hot Shot films. This is not because I love them, it is more that I know that if I need some head cleaner these can do the trick. Comedies that have crazy plots and over the top characters which won't win Oscars, but should be entertaining enough when the mood is right.

Over the years, a few other programs have made direct references to this film. One was a kids program that re-enacted the 'scary ghost' scenes almost verbatim. As I was channel surfing, I had no idea what the program was, but needless to say, this film inspires.

I first saw Lucky Stiff in parts while on tour in Delaware. This night had a lot of partying involved, and having this film on was perfect. For years, me and one of my band mates sought this film. I finally nailed it down and bought it as a birthday gift. That copy was lost on a subsequent birthday house fire.

Now, with the DVD available, we have it once again and can rejoice in splendor of the quips, gags, and creepiness of this film. I suggest to those of you who can enjoy the Naked Gun or Hot Shot series to give this one a try. The DVD is cheap to buy online, so get it before it goes out of print! I give this a high rating for what it is against those who pan it for not being 'Gone with the Wind' or something of that caliber. I would truly offer a 6 star rating otherwise.