SHOCK 'EM DEAD (1991) is a cheesy indie comedy horror and an entry in the 'heavy metal' sub-genre of horror filmmaking. Some such films are quite enjoyable, such as TRICK OR TREAT, but sadly that's not the case with this B-movie. It's about a loser fast food employee called Angel Martin who tries to join a rock band as a guitarist but gets turned down. He turns to a voodoo priestess for help (as you do) and ends up selling his soul to the Devil in exchange for fame and fortune. All very familiar and mildly amusing, but this is a film that tends to avoid genuine horror content in favour of cheesy glowing eye FX and plenty of softcore nudity from the supporting female cast members. Traci Lords figures predominantly on the advertising but has a limited token love interest role. Lots of action and silliness going on here, but not much meat or depth when it comes down to it, and of course it's aged quite badly over the years.
Review of Shock 'Em Dead
