The Parasite

The Parasite is yet another film from the Tomb of Terrors box set made in Arizona. Unlike Capture the Flag which was made in the "small town" of Phoenix this was made in the microscopic municipality of Tucson. It starts out well with a guy writing a letter and then stabbing his hand during the credits. We then get a professor giving a presentation of Elephantiasis, everyone's favorite tropical bacterial disease that makes your balls the size of boulders. Visions of a slasher film about a killer with huge, aching testicles cutting off normal men's junk to graft onto his own body but they keep getting huge and painful will float through your head. Unfortunately I don't think this film has ever been made.

The Parasite is actually about a spurned mesmerist who "puts a spell on" men who won't love her back despite barely knowing her. This causes the men to have relationship troubles, stab themselves (as seen in the beginning credits) and even resort to murder. After many minutes of boredom things come to a head and the main character has to contend with not only her but another spurned would-be lover. Things get fairly bloody towards the end. This is a good idea (though not as good as my elephant-nut slasher idea) sluggishly executed and poorly acted. It's not horrible and more worthwhile than most of The Tomb of Terrors box set. I'll watch the Demi Moore Parasite or the oil rig Parasite again instead though I'd watch this again before the Oscar-winning Parasite.

This is a great low budget horror film despite its made for TV look. This horror film is pretty well made and provides the right sense of suspense and blatantly depicts the actions and situations that may occur when trust and jealousy begins to coexist. This film is about an experiment gone wrong after a scientist instructor participates in a mesmerism experiment. After a couple of days, he begins to feel weak, sleepy, and starts doing unordinary actions towards his teachings, his students, his fancé, and his friends. As things start to escalate, the evil one behind this situation begins to invade his environment, his brain, and his love life. I really enjoyed this film, for anyone who sees this in a video store, I suggest giving it a try, I did!

This classic horror film sucks you in and spits you out. A strong plot and good direction help this cast of competent actors to tell a story that is at once haunting and realistic. Creator Patrick Roddy has also enlisted the skills of a talented composer whose soundtrack is compelling. This film was shot on location in Tucson, Arizona which gives it added authenticity. For a low budget film, Parasite has a surprising amount of competent special effects which help put it in a league of its own. The original film is part mystery (with sexual undertones), and has a reveal at the end that will surprise you. If you are a classic horror fan, this is one you need to have on your shelf.