Zombie Shamans and Whip-Wielding Heroes

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Dark Power (Kino Cult #3)
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 1985, 2023 Kino Lorber & Kino Cult
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Phil Smoot
Writer(s): Phil Smoot
Cast: Lash La Rue, Cynthia Bailey, Anna Lane Tatum, Mary M. Dalton, Dean Jones, Paul Holman
Where To Watch: available now here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In his directorial debut, Phil Smoot introduces us to THE DARK POWER (see ALIEN OUTLAW KINO CULT #2 for his follow-up film,) a unique fusion of horror and absurdity with a distinct twist. The film, set against some unsettling backdrop, combines the story of college students, a cryptic Toltec curse, and a series of spine-tingling events. Smoot's blend of supernatural occurrences and insightful social commentary offers an intriguing, albeit somewhat uneven, viewing experience.

While stepping behind the camera for the first time with THE DARK POWER, Smoot brings a refreshing perspective to the horror genre. This fantasy horror movie, produced on a modest budget in the rural landscapes of North Carolina, distinguishes itself by featuring Lash La Rue, a well-known figure from 1940s westerns. His inclusion adds a specific nostalgic flavor to the film.

The plot follows a group of college students opting to stay at a house with a dark past. Formerly owned by a Native American shaman, whose enigmatic last word was "Toltec," the house turns into a hub of strange occurrences and supernatural showdowns. These gradually revealed events contribute significantly to the film's suspense and build-up.

La Rue's portrayal of a forest ranger, proficient with a whip, becomes a pivotal part of this eerie and unsettling story. As the narrative progresses, viewers encounter a blend of horror elements – from gory scenes to encounters with the supernatural – mostly reserved for the film's climax. Something about the film makes even the unintentionally funny things feel more critical/serious than most B-movie moments.

Smoot's directorial approach is marked by a steady pace and a strong emphasis on fleshing out characters. While this adds depth to the movie, it also leads to a plot that sometimes needs to be more cohesive and coherent, particularly in its early stages. However, this slow-burn approach sets the stage for more lively and humorous horror sequences in the latter half.

THE DARK POWER dives into social commentary, primarily through the dynamic between Lynn (Cynthia Farbman) and Tammie (Cynthia Bailey,) highlighting racial tensions. Tammie's resilience and grit, portrayed by an actress who later gained fame in the fashion and reality TV world, add a layer of complexity and differentiate the film from typical 1980s horror flicks.

The film intertwines Native American folklore with American slasher elements. Its comedic treatment of young characters and the zombie shamans introduces a lighthearted element to the horror, setting it apart from other youth-centric movies of its time.

Overall, THE DARK POWER is an intriguing, albeit inconsistent, addition to the horror genre. Its ambition to meld horror with social commentary and diverse genre elements creates a film that, while not universally appealing, exudes a distinct charm and originality. Smoot's first venture into directing leaves a unique imprint in the horror cinema landscape, offering a different and memorable storytelling approach. Smoot has gone on to have quite an impressive career in other fields of film production.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER, KINO CULT]