Shock'Em Dead

Shock'Em Dead is a horror-comedy film released in 1991, directed by Mark Freed and starring Traci Lords, Troy Donahue, and Aldo Ray. The film follows the story of Martin, a struggling musician who makes a deal with a mysterious stranger named Mr. Boogaloo to become a famous rock star. In exchange for his fame, he must sacrifice his loved ones and become a servant of the devil.

The movie opens with Martin (Stephen Quadros) desperate to make it big in the music industry. He's a guitar player who's had a few gigs, but nothing has panned out for him. One day, while playing at a local club, he's scouted by a talent agent named Lucinda (Lords), who invites him to audition for a spot in a popular band called Spastique.

At the audition, Martin meets Spastique's lead guitarist, also named Martin (Timothy O'Brien), and the two hit it off immediately. The rest of the band is impressed by Martin's talent and personality, and he's quickly offered a spot as their new rhythm guitarist. The band's manager, Mr. Boogaloo (Donahue), even offers him a contract to become a full-time member of the band and a chance to become a rock star.

Martin soon realizes that Mr. Boogaloo is not what he seems when he visits the Stranger's Lair, a nightclub frequented by other musicians under Boogaloo's control. There, Martin sees the horror of what it takes to climb the ladder to stardom; the bands are populated by dead musicians and kinky sex acts. As he's offered a spot in the sequel (referred to as "level 2"), he realizes the full extent of the screwed-up world in which he's found himself. Still, Martin sells his soul and agrees to Boogaloo's terms, believing that fame will come at any cost.

However, as Martin becomes more popular, he's forced to make tougher choices, including his relationships with those he loves. He becomes a tool used by Mr. Boogaloo and his minions to achieve their aims, regardless of what that means for Martin. His life quickly spirals out of control with drugs, sex, and crazy parties that he can't avoid. Martin has to do everything Mr Boogaloo asks him to do, even if it means hurting and betraying his loved ones.

From this point on, the film becomes a grotesque horror story filled with bizarre and creepy visuals. But despite everything he's gained in terms of fame and success, Martin realizes that his life has become a living nightmare. When he comes to terms with the reality of his choices, Martin decides he must fight for his freedom and the freedom of those he loves.

Shock'Em Dead is not going to win any awards for its screenplay, cast performance, or direction. Still, it is a fantastic, fun, and bizarre horror movie that manages to deliver the right level of horror and humor at the same time. There are undoubtedly pacing issues throughout the movie, and there are some moments where characters don't feel real enough, or the dialogue falls flat. But, in general, it's a visual treat, and the music numbers are anything but boring.

Overall, Shock'Em Dead is an excellent choice for horror movie fans. It's a fun mix of comedy and horror that balances the macabre with the strange. Traci Lords's performance as Lucinda is impressive, and Stephen Quadros delivers an excellent performance as Martin. Troy Donahue plays the evil Mr. Boogaloo with gusto, and the movie's soundtrack is full of headbanging music.