PHANTOM OF THE MALL-ERIC’S REVENGE: AGING WELL

 

There are some movies that when released are hated by critics and pounded on in nearly every review you read. If you follow those critics then on occasion you will miss out on a movie that isn’t CITIZEN KANE but is an enjoyable film none the less. Because of this holier than thou attitude of critics to view everything through that lens of artistic endeavor and elitism a crop of critics grew out of that mold and began viewing films for their entertainment power. Chief among those was Joe Bob Briggs who celebrated the movies most often found playing only at drive-ins across the country. So when a movie from 1989 call PHANTOM OF THE MALL: ERIC’S REVENGE comes out you know it will fall into that category.

Strange things are taking place at the recently opened Midwood Mall. But that doesn’t prevent the grand opening from taking place as owner Harv Posner (Jonathan Goldsmith) and mayor Karen Wilton (Morgan Fairchild) are about to use the mall as a stepping stone to make the city a place to go. Oblivious to these things are Melody (Kari Whitman) and her friend Suzie (Kimber Sissons). The pair get jobs in the new mall and things seem fine to them.

But perhaps not. It was only a year ago that Melody’s then boyfriend Eric (Derek Rydall) and his family were killed in a mysterious fire that took place on the property where the mall now exist. Melody is still having problems dealing with the loss and these problems only continue since Eric didn’t actually die. Disfigured in the fire he now haunts the air ducts and back rooms of the mall, keeping an eye on Melody and leaving behind gifts for her.

As Eric watches her from afar he protects Melody from anyone he feels threatens her. He has no issues with killing anyone who gets in his way. A security guard is slaughtered with a wall fan. A pianist who’s actually a mugger is poisoned with a snake in the bathroom. But it’s not just protecting Melody that causes Eric to do these things. He’s seeking out those who murdered his family and scarred him for life. 

Shooting pictures of the grand opening is photographer/reporter Peter Baldwin (Rob Estes). He recognizes Melody from the tragedy the year before. He attempts to talk to her and at first she has no interest. But he wears her down and the two of them begin to dig deeper into the causes of the fire a year ago knowing that something just wasn’t right about what happened. The problem is the mayor is in on things and trying to keep anyone from finding out the truth. 

The body count rises and more secrets are revealed. Melody’s friend Suzie begins to get a bit more serious with potential boyfriend Buzz (Pauly Shore). Eric reveals himself to Melody. And before the film closes Eric’s revenge will take place.

The film has a troubled past with the usual cast of characters causing those issues. Producers and distribution companies that felt this or that needed changed. A quick release to a miniscule theatrical run gave it the status of a first run film before it was rushed onto video shelves at the time and seen by fans and then forgotten. Or maybe not. The film developed a minor cult following from those fans due to the high octane level of action and stunning special effects work. Sure it’s a gore filled slasher flick from the decade when these films ran rampant. But it has more story than most and fans loved it.

Released on video in 1990 and later on DVD in 2006 the film never got much of a push. Fans were ecstatic to learn that Arrow Video was giving the film its due and releasing it on Blu-ray. Not only that they gave it the Arrow treatment. This meant giving it loving care and making sure there were plenty of extras on hand as well.

To begin with they are offering the film in four distinct version and presenting it with a 2K scan and restoration of a 35 mm interpositive. There is the theatrical cut, the TV cut, a “Phan Cut” which contains footage from both versions joined and given a grainy look and then there is “Eric’s Secret Subterranean Cut”, a hidden Easter egg item found when pushing right when the “Altered and Deleted Scenes” comes up on the screen. 

Extras are bountiful and include an audio commentary with director Richard Friedman moderated by filmmaker Michael Felsher,  an audio commentary with disc producer Ewan Cant and film historian/author Amanda Reyes, “Shop Til’ You Drop!: The Making of Phantom of the Mall” a making-of documentary featuring interviews with director Richard Friedman, screenwriters Scott Schneid and Tony Michelman, actors Derek Rydall and Gregory Scott Cummins and more, “The Vandals Go to the Mall” an interview with Joe Escalante of The Vandals on the creation of the Phantom of the Mall theme song, alternate and deleted Scenes from the TV Cut, domestic and international trailers, an image gallery, Scott J. Schneid and Tony Michelman's original script and associated special effects storyboards by Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr. [BD-ROM Content] and a reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Justin Osbourn. Not bad for an almost straight to video release from 1989.

The film is a treat for fans that have been there all along and for horror fans in general. The acting is far better than most films in this genre, the script, though outrageously altered from how it began, works well and the cinematography is better than most. Add to that the make-up effects, special effects and stunt work and this film deserves far more credit than it ever received. So give this one a look and maybe even add it to your shelf. It’s a treat. 

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