Microwave Massacre

Microwave Massacre is a black comedy horror film that premiered in 1979. Helmed by director Wayne Berwick, the film stars Jackie Vernon; a comedian best known for his role as the voice of Frosty the Snowman, Loren Schein and Al Troupe. The narrative made a mark for its unusual blend of dark humor and low-budget horror, leading it to gain an almost cult-like following over the years. Despite its title, Microwave Massacre is far from a straightforward horror flick. Instead, it embraces its B-movie status and serves up an oddly entertaining slice of late 70s comedy cinema with a twist of horror elements.

Jackie Vernon stars as the protagonist, Donald, a seemingly normal construction worker who possesses a simple charm at first glance. Unsurprisingly, Donald's mundane life undergoes a bizarre and gripping change. Vernon's dry humor is brilliantly utilized to caricature the typical blue-collar worker, and his deadpan deliveries take center stage throughout the film, resulting in hilarity equivalent to a stand-up comedy performance wrapped in a horror movie. However, Donald's love for cold sandwiches draws him to an unexpected and gruesome path.

Donald's wife, played by the beguiling Loren Schein, is an enthusiastic home cook. Despite her exotic culinary skills, Donald is not a fan of her "haute cuisine" which leads to several domestic squabbles. She is the proud owner of a large microwave which she uses cavalierly, frequently preparing eccentric meals much to Donald's dismay. Aiming for an authentic portrayal of marital discontent within the confines of a laugh-out-loud horror film, Microwave Massacre mines comedy from the most unlikely places.

Banished to a sorry diet of delicacies that he neither understands nor appreciates, Donald yearns for the simple, traditional food he loves. This ordinary quest of a man yearning for simplicity in his eating habits soon takes a macabre turn. The plot cleverly exploits the common man's struggle for familiar comfort in the midst of radical changes around him, opening up a bizarre dimension of transgression which makes this movie a crazy blend of comedy and horror.

Al Troupe, known for his roles in "Starlee: A Study in Terror" and "The Death of Richie," plays Roosevelt, a fellow construction worker and friend to Donald. His character adds another layer of humor to the film, making Microwave Massacre more than just a parody of a horror saga.

The film is noted for its distinctive special effects and gore, which must largely be credited to its distinctive low-budget status. While lacking in modern polish, these effects nevertheless manage to draw in audience attention because of their rawness and blatant audacity.

Although the film tends to lean more on the comedic aspect rather than the scare-factor, the narrative manages to maintain suspense thanks to its pivotal characters and their quirky roles. Moreover, the idea of using a common household appliance as the focus of a horror story is entirely novel, providing Microwave Massacre an unpredictably hilarious flair.

Contributing significantly to its campy tone are the film's outlandishly witty dialogues. The script of Microwave Massacre, arguably its strongest point, is filled with hilarious and incredibly outrageous lines, delivered to perfect comic effect by Vernon and the rest of the cast. At the same time, the film embraces its low-budget roots wholeheartedly, incorporating it as part and parcel of its overall tone and appeal.

Summing up, Microwave Massacre is comedy horror gold that veers toward the unconventional. The outlandish plot and the brilliant performance by the cast, particularly Jackie Vernon, manage to make it into an oddly entertaining dish served with a wicked sense of humor. The film, with its B-movie charm and unique storyline, offers an intriguing, laughter-filled watch. From a misplaced contraption in a middle-class kitchen to momentous circumstances that unfold, this movie keeps you engaged and pondering over its dark and comical surprises. The late 70s charm adds a nostalgic hue, making it a treat for fans of vintage cinema classics and horror-comedy enthusiasts alike.