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976-EVIL

Play trailer Poster for 976-EVIL R 1989 1h 40m Horror Play Trailer Watchlist
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15% Tomatometer 13 Reviews 29% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Dialing the number for something called Horrorscope puts a bullied teen (Stephen Geoffreys) in touch with the devil.
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976-EVIL

Critics Reviews

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Mike Massie Gone With The Twins 11/08/2024
2/10
A tremendously forgettable cinematic journey into an uninspired underworld. Go to Full Review
Andrew Gaudion VultureHound 10/22/2020
2/5
The film is much more interesting as a curious oddity than it is something that genuinely feels like a well-crafted film. Go to Full Review
Chris Ward Flickering Myth 10/21/2020
976-EVIL is a good, fun horror movie but not a great one and, looking back, is probably one of the last throes of a type of movie that was fast becoming out of style at the time. Go to Full Review
Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed 10/31/2013
Like an extended EC Comic segment. Go to Full Review
David Nusair Reel Film Reviews 01/22/2012
.5/4
...a hopelessly obnoxious piece of work... Go to Full Review
Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com 11/03/2005
2/5
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Audience Reviews

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Melissa L @Agent99 Nov 19 This movie was directed by Robert Englund ("Freddy Krueger"). I am an avid '80s horror film fan, but had missed this one. I thought it was a fairly good horror movie. People who like '80s horror will like this one. See more Jeepers C Nov 8 You have to be a fan of 80's horror to appreciate 976 Evil. This isn't the best of the 80's horror, but still a fun watch. See more TheMovieSearch R @TheMovieSearch Oct 20 976-Evil is an 80s-style horror film that carried a lot of promise, especially with Robert Englund, famously known as Freddy Krueger, directing. The film tries to capture the essence of 80s horror, complete with cheesy lines, over-the-top characters, and nods to the classic Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, including a few actors crossing over. Englund clearly wanted to embrace the campy, supernatural vibe of that era, giving viewers the nostalgia of 80s horror tropes. The film’s premise—centering on a mysterious hotline that brings dark forces into the lives of unsuspecting teens—was intriguing on paper. The concept had potential for tension, suspense, and creativity. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat. The constant references to the hotline, while central to the story, became repetitive and monotonous, diminishing the sense of suspense the film was aiming to build. Some of the acting, unsurprisingly for a lower-budget 80s horror, leaned heavily into cheesy territory. While this could be embraced as part of the nostalgic style, it often crossed into unintentional humor, which detracted from the horror elements. Certain characters had moments that felt underdeveloped, and the story didn’t capitalize on some clear opportunities to elevate the tension or explore the darker, more intriguing aspects of the plot. Englund’s direction shows glimpses of creativity and understanding of 80s horror aesthetics, but it never fully commits to a consistent tone. Scenes fluctuate between attempted scares and uninspired melodrama, leaving the audience caught between wanting to be entertained and simply observing the film’s uneven pacing. The film’s structure and narrative choices lack the refinement needed to make the story truly engaging. While 976-Evil is not inherently a terrible film, it lacks staying power. The plot’s predictability and the repetitive gimmick of the hotline make it difficult to recommend. Viewers looking for solid scares or a memorable storyline will likely be disappointed, though horror enthusiasts with an appreciation for retro 80s kitsch might find some enjoyment in its nostalgic touches. Ultimately, 976-Evil is the type of movie that will fade into obscurity. Despite Englund’s involvement and the potential of its concept, the film doesn’t make a lasting impact and is likely to be forgotten as time passes. It’s a curiosity for horror collectors or 80s aficionados, but not a must-watch or rewatch for general audiences. See more Nick O May 22 When are bullies gonna learn? That nerd you’re picking on might just be calling a satanic hotline and gaining demonic powers to use against you. For a good time, call 976-EVIL!!! See more Todd B 11/21/2024 Scary at the beginning, but ironically funny at the end. See more Gabby A 10/26/2024 Fun horror. This movie is better unspoiled, but here goes... imagine if Richie Cunningham got possessed and the Fonz had to stop him. It starts a little slow, but (after some raining fish and whatnot) it picks up sharply during a confrontation with some gambling school bullies. Personally I find the old school practical effects surprisingly creepy. Very campy. Top of the "best of the worst" kind of movie. See more Read all reviews
976-EVIL

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Movie Info

Synopsis Dialing the number for something called Horrorscope puts a bullied teen (Stephen Geoffreys) in touch with the devil.
Director
Robert Englund
Producer
Lisa M. Hansen
Distributor
TriStar Pictures, New Line Cinema
Production Co
CineTel Films
Rating
R
Genre
Horror
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 22, 1989, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 1, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$2.9M
Runtime
1h 40m
Sound Mix
Surround
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