Wacko

"Wacko" is one of those films that audiences will either love or hate. It is dated, it is un-PC, it is crass and cruel all at the same time, but in the same sense it is a precursor to the now-popular "Scary Movie" franchise. For a PG rated film it pushes the envelope, it creates a world where one would have to have seen the film that they are spoofing, or be left in the dark. Unlike the "Scary Movie" films, "Wacko" leans away from the bathroom humor (albeit there is plenty there), but actually parodies cult films from Hitchcock, John Carpenter, De Palma, and so forth. Joe Don Baker is phenomenal. I am surprised that he didn't redefine this genre. His mannerisms, his insanity, and his surprisingly fresh take on his determined detective out to discover the truth is laugh-out-loud funny. Couple this with a fresh-faced Andrew Dice Clay jumping excitedly into the shoes of the local hipster/jock, be prepared for a wild ride. "Wacko" is fast past, absurd, and confusing all at the same time (i.e. see the talking elephant), but it isn't perfect. While two viewings continued to bring a chuckle to the room, any further viewing may be disastrous. There are some great repeatable lines, some great references, but these are coupled with some slow scenes and staged dialogue. There are moments where "Wacko" has no direction, and director Greydon Clark obviously has no idea where he is headed either. While this adds to the enjoyment of "Wacko", there was a moment where a secure storyline would have been a powerful alley to this laserdisc. Anything to keep us grounded while Clark took us around the corner, under the bridge, and into that darkened alleyway known as horror parodies.

Overall, "Wacko" needs a DVD release. This is a film that could be watched on college campus', midnight Halloween night at your local independent theater, or with a group of friends with drinks. It is one of those 80s campy horror comedies that were afraid to take chances, and I respect "Wacko" for that. Obviously, it will not win awards, but I see that it make it into the "cult cannon" any day of the week. I would not suggest repeat viewings, but at least two for the detailed humor of Joe Don Baker and Andrew Dice Clay (in this film, merely known as Andrew Clay). The humor is sharp, the dialogue less friendly, and the in today's modern world, it would not be PG rated, but thanks to the 80s – it is mediocrity to its perfection.

Grade: *** out of *****

I think it's funny that someone actually thought this was an inspiration for "The Lawnmower Man," which was actually loosely based on a story published by Stephen King five years before "Wacko" was made.

So...inspiration for "The Lawnmower Man"? No. Damn funny horror spoof? Yes. Check this out, along with "Student Bodies"...the only two good horror spoofs to date.

It's Halloween, it's the night of a school prom, it's a Friday, the Moon is full and 13 years after a brutal murderous spree The Lawnmower Killer is back! Wacko is a horror-comedy with the emphasis very much on the latter, and by comedy I mean the over the top variety, the slapstick and surreal type found in movies such as "Airplane!" For me most of the gags worked and I did laugh out loud a few times though I must have been in the right frame of mind for it. Good production values and a decent cast helped a lot, though hardly a classic this could have been so much worse. Films parodied include Psycho, The Omen, Alien, The Exorcist and The Elephant Man. George Kennedy plays a doctor (his wife says "Mary! Your father is a doctor, he kills people every day") who likes to peep on his teen daughters through their bedroom windows. Not sure how even back then this was meant to be funny, it's creepy and perverted. As usual the school kids look more mid to late 20's than teens, including "Tony", a full blooded alpha male obviously inspired by John Travolta's Danny from Grease but with added crudeness. I always say the horror-comedy is a difficult genre to get right, fortunately Wacko proved to be a worthwhile watch. Furthermore it was made during the Golden Age of the Slasher Movie and that alone is a good enough reason to check it out.

I remember seeing this movie when I was a kid - I loved it and watched it at least 20 times from when I was 9 up to when I was 12, the video shop then changed hands to a big blockbuster type chain and they got rid of all the old movies whether popular or not.

A fantastic spoof that combined so many of the horror films of the 70's and 80's, the alien chest scene with the small lawnmower is one of my favs of the film.

If you like the spoof genre this is one of the best by far and a crime to miss

This is absolutely fab. Among the greatest cult movies ever, although it isnt rated like that - yet.

Put your brains on the table and enjoy.

Joe Don Baker - I salute you.