The stage curtains open ...
"Dr. Giggles", starring Larry Drake as the psychopathic doctor, is a fun throwback to the classic monster movies of yesteryear with a modern twist. It is clearly over-the-top and doesn't take itself too seriously with campy horror comedy that might even make you omit a giggle or two. Larry Drake was the obvious choice for the infamous doctor, delivering the perfect performance for such a dubious role.
Set against a modern day town with your usual group of teenagers, Dr. Ev.an Rendell, who is our Dr. Giggles, because of his propensity for giggling, has managed to escape an insane asylum and return home. He blames the town for the death of his mother and father, therefore, it needs his special brand of healing. While he gets re-established in his abandoned family home, we follow along with Jennifer, a teen girl, who is dealing with her new step-mother and a health condition. And, as you have guessed, their two paths invariably cross leading to the film's ultimate climactic conclusion.
If you like your horror movies to be serious, dark, ominous and unforgiving, then this movie is not for you. With Dr. Giggles spouting every known one-liner from the medical field or associated with doctors, this is as campy and comedic as they come. This is an absent minded film where all you have to do is check in, sit back and enjoy for 96 minutes. It won't blow you away, but it is entertaining. I saw it when it first came out back in 1992, and I have it in my own personal collection now as well.
I would recommend "Dr. Giggles" at a solid 7 stars out of 10. I don't know if this was ever intended on being a franchise, but even so, as a standalone movie, it delivers what it sets out to do. Don't expect too much, just expect to hear a lot of screaming and giggling.
