Review of Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam (1986) by David T — 11 Feb 2013
Very trippy for Ernest fans. Especially if you've seen the mainstream films first. This is probably the second feature with the Ernest character after "Hey Vern: It's My Family Album".
Once again Varney is given the opportunity to showcase his range at acting. Now the plot might lose some of the children viewers but maybe after five or six they'll understand. Visually it could attract the kids or frighten them.
All in all it's a cool picture. Some of it felt like Terry Gilliam directed a Jim Varney film. I think John Cherry and the rest of the creators of the Ernest character set out to do a mock Corman like picture.
I'd say to those that never caught on to the Ernest sensation that they would actually like this. It's sort of the rebellious Ernest film, even though Ernest is hardly in it. Can't believe I'm saying this but watch the film stoned and see what you get.
Definitely a fun film and a trippy one if you're a lifelong fan of Ernest, knowhatImean?
This review of Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam (1986) was written by David T on 11 February 2013.
Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam has generally received mixed reviews.
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