Evilspeak (1982)

57% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
37% of users liked it
(1,460 ratings)

Professional weirdo Clint Howard plays one of his more interesting oppressed-geek roles in this occult revenge thriller about a tormented military-school nerd (apparently in his mid-thirties!) whose personal computer provides the only solace from the endless taunts and pranks of his fellow cadets.… More Professional weirdo Clint Howard plays one of his more interesting oppressed-geek roles in this occult revenge thriller about a tormented military-school nerd (apparently in his mid-thirties!) whose personal computer provides the only solace from the endless taunts and pranks of his fellow cadets. He also has an intense fascination with the occult, leading him to investigate an arcane tome secreted within an ancient, crumbling chapel. In an attempt to decipher the text, he feeds it into the computer, which translates the writings into actual working spells. As Clint's mind reels with the possibilities of sweet revenge against his cruel classmates and teachers, the demonic forces once trapped within the book begin to exert control over his mind and body. Before long, he is able to summon an army of snarling devil-pigs (no, that's not a misprint) to do his evil bidding. Though this is essentially a gender-bent rip-off of Carrie, there is enough in the way of spooky atmosphere and well-staged shocks to keep less discriminating horror fans interested. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 29 min.
Directed By: Eric Weston
Written By: Joseph Garofalo, Eric Weston
Genres: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Horror

In Theaters: Feb 26, 1982 Limited
On DVD: Jul 13, 2004
Studio: Moreno Films

Critic Reviews

, Film4
Future generations will be watching it for years to come, fascinated that something so daft could possibly have caused such outrage, and no doubt thoroughly enjoying its crazy excesses too.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Remarkably engaging, imaginative, and well crafted.
Anton Bitel, Movie Gazette
a satisfying blend of Revenge of the Nerds and satanism
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk
hopelessly convoluted, despite the obviousness of the movie's simple revenge premise
Scott Weinberg, Monsters At Play
Recommendable only to the staunchest of horror geeks, like myself, Evilspeak is a fairly noteworthy little horror chestnut for a variety of colorful reasons.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
So outrageous it's great fun.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lee ?

Delivers on the gore but it makes you wait nearly an hour after the opening decapitation scene. Up until then it's pretty much a tale of a young fully-haired Clint Howard fending off the bullies whilst slowly succumbing to the temptations of a demonically possessed computer. It… More
Delivers on the gore but it makes you wait nearly an hour after the opening decapitation scene. Up until then it's pretty much a tale of a young fully-haired Clint Howard fending off the bullies whilst slowly succumbing to the temptations of a demonically possessed computer. It was ok overall, but not my favourite from this era by a long way.
Anthony L

Not the best of the video nasties but it is a great slice of early 80's horror. It's best described as a male version of Carrie, with computers and devil worship, just not as good.