Director: Robert Fuest
Writer: Gabe Essoe, James Ashton, Gerald Hopman (Screenplay)
Starring: Ernest Borgnine, Eddie Albert, Ida Lupino, William Shatner, Keenan Wynn, Tom Skerritt, Joan Prather, Woody Chambliss, John Travolta
Plot: This one gets straight to the point when Mark Preston (Shatner) father returns from the desert he passes on a message, return what is mine from a man called Corbis (Borgnine). Mark out to settle the score for himself ends up leaving his family to be taken by Corbis fueling his revenge mission against the mystery man of a satanic cult. The cult has the power to melt people’s face but as they continue on their ways Mark gets captured while keeping a secrete book safe. Tom (Skerritt) and Julie (Prather) go in search of Mark after he is not heard from after a storm. The three family members must overpower the satanic cult to stop any danger to future generations.
Verdict: Satanic Shocker
Story: While the story was meant to be shocking at the time it trusn out very familiar following how people rush into battle they have no idea how to battle it. The backstory comes of a bit shallow and fails to fill in enough to understand what is really going on in the present. In the end it is very basic story that never challenges us, but also tries to throw in a twist or two along the way. (6/10)
Actor Reviews
Ernest Borgnine: Jonathan Corbis the leader of the cult who uses his powers to create an army of followers, he also has the ability to turn people into melting corpses. Good stereotyped cult leader who never really dominates the screen like he should. (6/10)
William Shatner: Mark the first family member who goes after Corbis while trying to find his mother, he runs in too fast and ends up being tortured and turned into one of Corbis’ puppets. Interesting performance from Shatner not filled with his overacting but works for his role. (7/10)
Tom Skerritt: Tom the brother, who goes after Corbis to save his brother, learns some more back story of what he will be dealing with but stills rushes in too fast. Simple performance from an actor you would learn to expect more from. (6/10)
Director Review: Robert Fuest – Simple direction who gives us good use of effects to add to the horror. (7/10)
Horror: Basic horror that relies on its special effects. (6/10)
Settings: The settings work well creating isolation for the cult so they can achieve what they want. (8/10)
Special Effects: The melting effects work brilliantly and really are the highlight of the film. (9/10)
Suggestion: This is one to try it would really only appeal to the fans of vintage horrors, the more modern fans will find this more difficult to watch. (Try It)
Best Part: The melting effects.
Worst Part: Poor backstory.
Kill Of The Film: Melting cult.
Believability: Satanic cults are around but what this aims for is difficult to believe. (1/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: Could have one
Post Credits Scene: There is a scene during the credits rolling.
Oscar Chances: No
Runtime: 1 Hour 26 Minutes
Tagline: Absolutely the most incredible ending of any motion picture.
Trivia:John Travolta’s film debut
Overall: Satanic simplicity
Rating 
