Cheese from the Netherworld
Wisconsin upstart Car School Films makes a bid here to compete in Troma territory with this horror action conspiracy comedy.
Rock and Roll Ray stars as Dario Dare, sleazy reporter and former wrestling promoter, on the outs with both his girlfriend and his editor Art Cannon (John Regan) at the National Explainer. Given another chance, he’s assigned to get the lowdown on miracles performed by Catholic cardinal GianCarlo Ponti (Jim Jorgensen). As Ponti is due to arrive at his next U.S. tour stop in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Dare checks in to a local bed & breakfast. Meanwhile, Vatican secret agent/rock singer Cat Powers (Jessica Michals) delivers mission briefing to fellow agent and Ponti’s bodyguard Marion Tango (Renee Werbowski). Scottish innkeeper Angus “Polo” McKrimmon (Chaz Truog) leads Dare to a spot where sword-wielding demons manifest. Subsequently, the demons manage to capture our heroes and take them to the 23rd level of Hell.
Bob Beezly (Carl Besasio), Ruler of Hell, is pissed because Ponti has gone back on their deal, and wants Dare to assassinate the cardinal – using a special soul-catching gun – in exchange for his hostage soul. The assassination is a success, leading to a flurry of conspiracy theories (in which Joey Ramone becomes a prime suspect). Dare doesn’t get his soul back though, and is left demonized, until he seeks help from his film star twin brother “A-Man” (Ray again), who has some knowledge of witchcraft. A-Man exorcises his demon half and succeeds in sending Dario and Tango back to Hell to get his soul back and rescue the others.
Directed by Michael J. Heagle, and written by Heagle and Raymond Whalen, Go To Hell possesses a pleasant comic ambience and, though many of the gags fall flat, there are enough of them that some manage to hit the target. For a production at this budget level, the production values are adequate, and technical and musical elements are all of professional quality. Even the special effects – including some relatively simple CGI – are well designed to hide their cheapness,or played for comic effect.
The leads are all pretty good in their roles, considering the circumstances. This is one extremely silly movie, recalling Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, only much more inventive and enjoyable.
Go To Hell is currently playing the festival/college circuit and is available on tape direct from Carschool Films.