Welcome to one of the main features of 'Castle Dracula,' the movie reviews section.
The reviews placed here are from all around the world, from the USA to the UK Japan
and everything inbetween. The formats reviewed are video and DVD. I have included the
origin of the film reviewed so you can check your player for compatibility. You may
also notice that there are some DVD-R reviews. These are not 'bootlegs' or 'copies'
but official screeners that I have been sent containing an as yet unreleased film to 
review. All the reviews here have been reviewed either by myself or my current movie 
reviewers. If you're an avid watcher of horror movies then why not join 'Castle Dracula'
as an official 'staff member' reviewing them. To do so, just click on the 'Join My Staff'
link in the menu to the left for details of this and other vacancies.
New reviews are normally placed here once a week, check my front page for under 'Castle
Dracula Updates' to see what latest movie reviews have been placed.

- The Back Lot Murders - NTSC Video - 

Corey Haim picks up a pay check as he barely makes an appearance in yet another made for
video horror movie trying to ride on the coattails of “Scream.”  
A really bad up and coming rock band head to a Universal movie studio lot to shoot their
music video directed by ’Henry’ Charles Fleischer (that’s right, the voice of Roger Rabbit!)
Their bitchy agent ‘Stephanie’ (Pricilla Barnes) tags along with some groupies and the 
obnoxious film crew unaware that among them walks a killer in an Elvis costume!  
I’m not making any of this up!
The back of the box claims “The Back Lot Murders” is not an ordinary genre film because 
of its unique combination of horror and humour (gee, I‘ve never seen that before!). 
The only humour you’ll find would be that of the grinning producers who not only got the
viewer’s money but also managed to take a couple of precious hours of the their life as 
well and it’s never coming back folks...
Usually I find these kind of ‘rawk-n-horror’ combos a can’t miss, at least in a cheesy 
sort of way especially with the sleepwalking Corey Haim, whom I normally love 
(“Demolition University,” anyone?). But he shows up just long enough to unbelievably act
like a ladies man and get slaughtered. Unfortunately for Charles Fleischer and Pricilla 
Barnes they have to endure the entire flick. Though they are competent and the best part
of the movie, it’s not enough to save it. 
Eagle-eyed soap opera fans may also spot Brian Gaskill as the uncharismatic lead singer.
He grins his way through every line hoping we find him as cute as he thinks he is!  
Uh, we don’t!
Everything is contrived from the silly music, bloodless murders and silicone filled groupies.
There is only scene worth watching, which involves Charles Fleisher giving the band a piece 
of his mind. Turns out the scene was improvised!  It only goes to prove that Charles Fleischer 
is way above his element here and is more deserving of a better role.
At least Corey Haim can rest knowing “The Back Lot Murders” is better than his 1993 genre 
effort “Fever Lake.” As for the rest of us, this film is guaranteed to bring you nightmares, 
but not the kind you were expecting!
Director David DeFalco not only has no understanding of the genre but I believe he doesn’t 
have any understanding of any genre.  
At the end of the film there is a short making of featurette where Mr. DeFalco quite 
seriously boasts about the project and how he really redefined the face of horror.  
Mr. DeFalco not only are not the next John Carpenter, you’re not even the next Al Adamson!  
OK, glad I could get that off my chest...

Reviewed By Amanda By Night

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