Scott LeBrun
The delectable Traci Lords is the star attraction of this howler of a B flick. Another addition to the "horror & heavy metal" sub genre, it stars a dude named Stephen Quadros as Martin, a loser employee at a pizza joint. Ordered around by the gruff boss Tony (Aldo Ray, in his last film role), he craves success as a rock 'n' roll guitarist. Unfortunately, he sucks, but after a bungled audition, he makes a deal with Satan via a voodoo priestess (Tyger Sodipe, who deliciously overplays her role). He is reborn as a guitar god named Angel with awesome 80s hair. Of course, his newfound abilities come at a price: he can no longer consume ordinary food, but must derive sustenance from peoples' souls.Traci, looking as ravishing as ever, may have been hired for her name value, but this is more Quadros' story and movie. He's believable as both the hopeless nerd and his head banging alter ego. Markus Grupa is amusing as the effeminate singer Jonny, whom Angel replaces in a rather aggressive manner. Tim Moffett is the requisite hero as bass player Greg, who is engaged to Tracis' band manager character. Also hired for name value is another veteran, Troy Donahue, who is good as a sleaze ball record executive.The movie is much more campy & cheesy than scary *or* creepy, but this does give it some entertainment value. Both the visual and the makeup effects are very damn crude; they must have been done for next to nothing. The music is sometimes fun, and sometimes it's cringe-inducing yet catchy in spite of itself. Best of all is when the movie focuses on Angels' new entourage of babes: Karen Russell ("Tenement") as Michelle, Gina Parks as Marilyn, and Laurel Wiley as Monique. There's no shortage of very sexy women to fill out roles (and costumes).Dopey beyond belief, but it's not without its pleasures, such as when Angel satisfyingly deals with Jonny.Six out of 10.
fatedrummer
I have to say, I LOVED Shock em Dead!! The acting was I expected it to be... Which was poor, but this movie has so many one liners, & is soooo much fun.You can't help but root for poor Martin, the nerd... & to see him transform & completely become the ULTIMATE rock star is the best. I love the Audition scene after he becomes "Angel". His cockiness to ol' Johnny Crack is well deserved.This is truly a B movie, but it reigns supreme as one of my favs!!!It's much more fun to watch if you're in a band of your own. & especially great to watch WITH your band, at 3:00AM, on the road in a motel room, & drunk!!!!!!!!!
brandonsites1981
Traci Lords is the manager of a popular rock band. A nerd wants to be part of the act so badly that he sells his soul to Satan in order to develop a new look and singing abilities. However, he ends up killing all those who stand in his way of stardom. Lame title, lame film. Not even Lords fans will find this amusing. Made on the cheap with some of the worst effects and acting in history. Watch for the guitar with two necks!Rated R; Nudity, Sexual Situations, Violence, and Profanity.
