Best Smoking Movie

[car54]

I was surfing cable TV when I found this 1980 movie on TWC, which I have seen before and enjoyed.

                 MOTEL HELL



Below is a synopsis of it.

Farmer Vincent kidnaps unsuspecting travellers and is burying them in his garden. Unfortunately for his victims, they are not dead. He feeds his victims to prepare them for his roadside stand. His motto is: It takes all kinds of critters...to make Farmer Vincents fritters. The movie is gory, but is also a parody of slasher movies like Last House on the Left. HE MADE SMOKED SAUSAGE OF THEM.

The distinctive taste of Farmer Vincent's (Rory Calhoun) prime meats is renowned in the farmer's rural area. In fact people come from far and wide to sample his uniquely delicious meat treats. The only real question is why is there rarely anyone staying in his nearby motel and yet the `No Vacancy' sign is usually on?

'Motel Hell' is a fun and somewhat graphic parody of films like 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (1974) and 'The Last House on the Left' (1972). By sparingly using shock tactics and graphic effects, 'Motel Hell' plays up the more satirical aspect and keeps the viewer interested and entertained. In fact, the movie easily equals the number of shocking moments with a variety of funny and charming sequences which range from heckling televangelists to a hilarious send-up of the lives of swingers. Viewers of 'Motel Hell' can be treated to a chainsaw duel (possible influence for 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2'), a garden of humans being prepared for harvesting, cannibalism and a particularly stomach-churning conversation about smoking dogs. This movie is without a doubt one of the most underrated movies of its era and while not being as effective, or enjoyable, as 'Re-Animator' (1985) and 'Evil Dead 2' (1987), it remains an intelligent, gruesome and witty horror/comedy. Unfortunately the movie tends to drag a little shortly before the final sequences which can be slightly off-putting. However, the highly enjoyable and eventful ten minutes more than make up for this brief lapse and round the film off almost perfectly.

Rory Calhoun, without a shadow of a doubt, steals the show with his portrayal of the deranged yet surprisingly pleasant Vincent. Some adept scripting from Robert and Steven-Charles Jaffe give his murderous character a somewhat pleasant and appealing personality. The viewer can only laugh at the God-fearing persona that Vincent possesses as he talks about the creative and artistic way he catches stray humans to mix in with his meat. Rory is brilliantly accompanied by Nancy Parsons in the role of his overweight and slightly dim-witted sister Ida. One could even question whether Ida is supposed to be a female and slightly more intelligent version of TCM's Leatherface. The rarely seen and beautiful actress Nina Axelrod is also delightful in her role as Terry, a young woman who was caught in but survived one of Vincent's devious traps. Unfortunately the scripting for the character of Terry was rather poor and it becomes hard for the viewer to connect with her. However, given the material she had to work with, Nina put in an impressive performance and when required, added greatly to the humorous aspect of the movie. One cannot also neglect to mention Paul Linke who plays Vincent's (much) younger brother Sheriff Bruce Smith. Linke's performance, although the weakest of the main actors, is still enjoyable and provides both a villain and a hero in one.

Kevin Connor's direction was of a particularly high standard although it seemed basic during the opening portions of the movie. Connor managed to capture the devilish yet fun atmosphere of the script and worked in all of the clever references to other movies seamlessly. These references (in addition to those already mentioned) included a captivating comedic illustration of 'Night of the Living Dead' (1968) and Zombie Holocaust which was released in Italy earlier the same year. 'Motel Hell' is probably worth watching for horror/comedy fans; though do not expect another 'Evil Dead 2'. Thanks to some usually good scripting, above average performances and some truly side-splitting situations, 'Motel Hell' succeeds at what it sets out to be - great fun for cheesy horror lovers! My rating for 'Motel Hell' – 7/10.

Brad 

[Buck36]

Favorite Smoking Movie......

[Oldman]

Better look out... you guys are starting to date yourselves. Next thing you know is you all are going to what to add "Olds" in front of your name. Sorry, but I hold the copyright on that!

[car54]

I was just afraid someone would label me as a weird sicko. I have the copyright on that. I have always liked movies. I bought some extremely hard to get movies from Brazil and Anthens at extremely good prices and excellant service. I have a list of about 60 movies which slowly but surely I am finding.

Brad

[Oldman]

I'm into Sci-fi in a big way. Have you ever see the original movie "Dune?" It came out in December 1984.

[car54]

Ya Olds, I have about 4 different versions of Dune. I get goose bumps thinking about the movie.  Dune is a combination of Si fi and mythology and that is why I like it. It tells about the human struggle,injustice, hope and deliverence.  It was a David Lynch film, he has done some "interesting films".

Here are some qoutes,

We Fremen have a saying: "God created Arakis to train the faithful." One cannot go against the word of God.

Father... father, the sleeper has awakened!

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when my fear is gone I will turn and face fear's path, and only I will remain

I get goose bumps thinking about the movie.

Here are some links
http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0087182/
http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0087182/plotsummary
http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0087182/plotsummary

Brad

[Carter]

I'd like to see that Motel Hell.

It looks like something John Candy and the SCTV (Second City) gang would have done a good job of making fun of.  Where's Dr. Tongue (Candy) and Bruno (Woody Tobias Jr. aka Eugene Levy)?

Carter

[aces-n-eights]

What's that one where Jim Carey is dressed in green and says "SaaaaMoking!"?  Was it a Batman movie...?

[Tiny Tim]

That'd be "Mask" or "The Mask"...

[acords]

It takes all kinds of critters...to make Farmer Vincents fritters

I saw that movie when it  came out at the drive inn.  My god we laughed, thanks for bring back the memory Car54!