Although this Tales from the Crypt production’s fate was sealed in 2001 by the failure of Bordello of Blood, Ritual is actually not as bad as its storied history might indicate.
Dr. Alice Dodgson (Jennifer Grey) is a headstrong physician. To save the life of a little girl she goes against her orders and administers an experimental drug. The girl dies and her medical license is suspended for two years. She cannot practice medicine but can act as a caregiver so she responds to a want ad for a plantation in Jamaica.
American plantation owner Paul Claybourne (Craig Sheffer) needs someone to care for his ailing brother Wesley (Daniel Lapaine). Wesley thinks that he’s a zombie. The plantation also has erotic native Caro (Kristin Wilson) and horny veterinarian Matthew Hope (Tim Curry). Alice must deal with the fact that she’s developing feelings for her patient as well as the fact that sinister forces, of the voodoo variety, are afoot.
Deadlocks (cackle, cackle)
Ritual is a remake/reimaging of Val Lewton’s I Walk with a Zombie (1943). The opening features the usual stchick by the Crypt Keeper (who has dreadlocks or deadlocks and is surrounded by buxom babes). You could remove the Crypt keeper’s introduction, and the movie could stand alone.
I thought the old Crypt Keeper is rather sad looking, and his FX is not as good as it used to be. Also, his jokes are as rotten as he is (insert Crypt keeper cackle here). He sits in a chair and his hands are animated enough, but I didn’t think that his facial and head control was very good.
As I said earlier, this feature was supposed to be the third Tales from the Crypt movie. The box office failure of Bordello of Blood (Demon Knight and Bordello were both distributed by Universal) caused Ritual’s film cans to be put back in the crypt. Dimension Home Video dusted off the Crypt Keeper, and has put the film out on DVD under the Tales from the Crypt presents banner.
Let’s be honest, director Avi Nesher has his hands full in remaking what is considered a classic of the genre, and frankly he acquits himself rather well, considering. Even though the film is not that bad, Val Lewton has nothing to worry about. Also, I didn’t think that this feature was as “jokey” as the other two Tales from the Crypt films. There is a twist at the finale that has the ironic Tales feel to it though. You can just imagine it being the last panel in one of William Gaines comics that inspired the show.
Ritual is presented in anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) and is enhanced for 16x9 televisions. Sadly, there are no special features. With such a storied production history, it would’ve been nice to hear from the filmmakers in a commentary or interview to hear what they had to say. You’ll want to stay through the credits for some Crypt keeper “outtakes” or maybe you won’t.
Tim Curry as Dr. Hope, horny vet
Ritual is not as bad as it should be considering that it’s been sitting in the crypt since 2001, and it’s attempting to remake a classic horror film. I feel that it is definitely a more “serious” film than the other two Tales from the Crypt movies, and it acquits itself nicely. Definitely consider a rental.
Ritual is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD’s database for more information.
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