Evil Laugh

Evil Laugh, a horror-comedy movie from 1986, is a gripping tribute to the slasher genre of the era and offers a riveting blend of chills and chuckles for the audience. Its casting coup ropes in talented performers like Ashlyn Gere, Steven Baio, and Tony Griffin as part of the ensemble, and their collective performances add to both the terrifying and comically entertaining moments of the movie.

Evil Laugh is directed by Dominick Brascia, a seasoned hand at crafting suspenseful horror flicks. The story's screenplay, woodwork by Brascia and Steven Baio, adds to the film’s enthralling narrative and lends a tonality that is inherently eerie yet laced with elements of black comedy.

The plot of Evil Laugh follows a group of young, enthusiastic medical students who decide to turn a derelict and abandoned building into a functioning clinic. The set of this film is an isolated, creaky and disused foster home that has stood empty for a decade following a horrifying mass murder incident. It's an eerily atmospheric setting that amps up the spine-chilling mood of the film.

When the group of aspiring doctors converges upon the empty structure, they’re looking forward to a weekend of cleaning and setting up their dream clinic. Little do they know, their innocent endeavor will soon turn into a horrific nightmare. As the sun sets and the night creeps in, a series of peculiar and terrifying incidents start unraveling. The students are left petrified and trembling; experiencing daunting fear and uncertainty, as they're unsure of what lurks in the dark corners of the house.

Among the young medical practitioners, we see charismatic performances by Steven Baio, who delivers an engaging act as the fun-loving Jerry, and Ashlyn Gere, who portrays the headstrong Betty with vulnerability and grit. Tony Griffin, playing the role of the easy-going Mark, adds his touch of talent to the potent mix of actors. The chemistry between the cast heightens the suspenseful narrative while their hilarious exchanges provide welcome comic relief.

Seemingly driven by a malicious entity, the house discloses its gruesome past, and our unsuspecting characters are drawn into a web of fright and shock. One by one, the cast meets terrifying surprises and spine-chilling events that gives the audience their fair share of jumps and jitters. Disconcerting sounds, unseen shadows, and increasingly mysterious occurrences keep the viewers on the edge of their seats.

Given the era it was made in, Evil Laugh doesn't wield modern CGI or high-tech gimmicks to deliver its scares. Instead, the film leverages lighting, sound effect, and classic camera techniques to create an atmosphere of dread. The suspense is elevated by the apt score, keeping the tension high and the audience guessing.

Despite being a horror film, Evil Laugh doesn’t shy away from adding a lighthearted twist to its narrative. The witty dialogues, hilarious on-screen antics and unexpected situational comedy contributes to the 'horror-comedy' genre of the movie. You’ll find yourself scared one minute and laughing the next.

In essence, Evil Laugh is a tribute to the popular slasher genre of the '80s, yet brings a uniquely humorous blend to the table. It’s a must-watch if you’re a fan of classic horror-comedies, holding a curious appeal for viewers who enjoy an immersive mixture of frightfully intriguing and humorously entertaining cinema. Its nostalgic charm, intriguing characters, and the ever-growing suspense make Evil Laugh an interesting watch as you keep peeping through your fingers, ready for the expected gasps and occasional guffaws.