Scream Queen Hot Tub Party

Cinema can be many things to many people. Some view film as a way to escape their mundane lives and live through the heroic characters displayed upon the big screen. Some search for a moment that will trigger an epiphany, answering a question that has beguiled them in real life. Some seek a feeling of triumph that can only be displayed when art takes motion and the underdog finally has their day. Some want proof that mankind can overcome, join as one, and view as a singular audience the joys of cinema without the modern day dividers that plague our current existence.

This celluloid miracle is made up of many things: Plot, cinematography, story, character, lighting, narrative, sound, editing and of course...an actor's portrayal of the subject.

In the year nineteen hundred and ninety one "Scream Queen Hot Tub Party" was unleashed. One would be foolish to attempt a full review of this venture which clocks in at just under one single hour.

What can be said, is that it overachieves in more ways than one. It is a triumph in it's simplicity. It can only be applauded and therefore described in a victorious, emphatic, neon and singular word. And that word is.....TITTIES!

Bravo, "Scream Queen Hot Tub Party", Bravo!

Scream Queen Hot Tub Party (1991)

*** (out of 4)

Scream Queens Michelle Bauer, Brinke Stevens, Monique Gabrielle, Kelli Maroney and Roxanne Kemohan are brought together for a hot tub party. Once all five are in the small hot tub they talk about some of their movies.

As the title clearly suggests, you really shouldn't expect too much plot here as this straight-to-VHS released was simply made to show off nudity. The formula is pretty simple as each of the five Scream Queens talk about certain movies, we then see them naked in that movie and finally they get their own "segment" where they discuss an aspect of being a Scream Queen. For example, when it's Stevens turn, she discusses and shows us the proper way to take a shower in a horror film.

The movie clips include films like THE SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE, SORORITY HOUSE MASSACRE 2 and HARD TO DIE. Again, this thing was shot in one day and was clearly meant for directors Fred Olen Ray and Jim Wynorski to make some quick cash. After all, anyone who grew up renting videos back in the day are well aware of these ladies so the idea of them in a hot tub together was something that was going to be an easy sell. You really can't take this film too serious as it's just cheap fun with a lot of nudity.

This film gave the academy a new direction. It is a visually splendid piece of cinema verite' and has the distinction of being the only documentary in the Eye Candy Hall of Fame. Directed by two unknowns (who oddly enough are names in the Western, "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly") who definitely were apt pupils of the auteurs Wynorski and Olen Ray. This film features three members of the All-Century team who deserve the royalty status: the ever-so-lovely Brinke Stevens, the majestic beauty Michelle Bauer, and the luscious Monique Gabrielle. Like all masterpieces, there is a minor flaw in the casting. We here at the academy wish that Roxanne Kernohan and Kelli Maroney could have been traded for Linnea Quigley. This would have made the All-Century team complete and could boast of having the Fab Four in the credits. Nonetheless, Queen Stevens is an oustanding lecturer who could read the phone book and make it sound erotic (preferably by reading in the nude). Queen Bauer is a delight and could put VIAGRA out of business. Queen Gabrielle, while not a horror legend, has an impressive body... of work and may be responsible for global warming by her performance. All five together in the hot tub bring to mind the making of a fine beer: rich in character, robust, and full-bodied. This is proof there is order in the universe.

Five gals are summoned to a mysterious house for a seminar. When they arrive the host is nowhere to be found, so they start out playing with the Ouija board in skimpy nighties. Then they movie into the Hot Tub where each gal takes turns discussing a topic from their career. We get a lesson in horror movie showers and some weight lifting as a few examples. There are movie clips featuring the five main stars, as well as clips featuring other actresses.

I own the Blu Ray edition from Retromedia. I would say if you already own the regular DVD release there's no real extras or improvements in the quality of the film to make it worth upgrading.

Michelle Bauer, Brinke Stevens (Slumber Party Massacre), Kelli Maroney (Chopping Mall, Face Down), Monique Gabrielle (Deathstalker II, Bachelor Party) and Roxanne Kernohan (Critters 2) are the gals. I bought this for Kelli Maroney. This was the first time that Kelli Maroney bared any flesh.

Pretty much a last harrah for the golden age of Scream Queens, plot-wise the era ends on a whimper. However entertainment wise it ends with a bang. Showing a lot of clips to pad out the still skimpy 49 minute running time and name-dropping other films at the drop of a hat. This film still succeed at what the film's main purpose is: Showing nudity and loads of it. Yea, the jokes are beyond lame and grown worthy, yea the story sucks, and yes the clips DO wear thin quite a bit. But this is pretty much the last movie to find Scream Queens in all their '80's glory. I know it was technically made in the '90's, but trust me it's an 80's movie through and through. (the 80's movies started a bit earlier than the '80's with "the Warriors" by the way)

My Grade: C+