Ghoulies
Encyclopedia
The Ghoulies films are an American horror-comedy series released throughout the 1980s and 1990s and centered on a group of demons usually summoned by Satanic
worshippers.
(the two had previously collaborated on Parasite
). It ended up being directed by Luca Bercovici with special effects by John Carl Buechler and his company Mechanical and Makeup Imageries Inc. The film was released theatrically by Empire Pictures in March 1985 and was a surprise success on home video. Ghoulies also stars Mariska Hargitay
and Peter Laipis.
This film depicts a comical Hollywood-esque portrayal of black magic, Satan worship, and the occult.
According to stories Charles Band tells on his Full Moon Horror Road Show, he was tasked to come up with a great campaign to promote the film. During a brainstorming session he came up with the idea to have the Ghoulie popping up from the toilet. The idea was a huge success and the scene was then shot for the film after the fact.
. Again produced by Empire Pictures, the film was directed by Charles Band's father Albert Band
. Ghoulies and Ghoulies II were released as a double feature DVD from MGM Home Entertainment
in 2003. Special features include theatrical trailers.
. The film co-starred genre stalwart Kevin McCarthy
and is the first film where the Ghoulies actually speak. To this day, a R1 DVD has never been released. This was Matthew Lillard
's film debut.
and made by CineTel Films
and also released straight-to-video in 1994 by Columbia TriStar Home Video. Original Ghoulies lead Pete Liapis returned to the series as Jonathan Graves, now a detective who must deal with a new pair of Ghoulies. This entry in the series has been criticized by the fans of the series because the 'ghoulies' in this film are completely different than the other entries in the series. Instead of the usual puppet Ghoulies, the movie cast midget actors in miniature costumes. Ghoulies IV was released on DVD in 2007 by Echo Bridge Home Entertainment.
Satanism
Satanism is a group of religions that is composed of a diverse number of ideological and philosophical beliefs and social phenomena. Their shared feature include symbolic association with, admiration for the character of, and even veneration of Satan or similar rebellious, promethean, and...
worshippers.
Ghoulies
The original Ghoulies (released in 1985) originated in 1983 under the title Beasties. It was to be directed by Charles Band, with special effects by Stan WinstonStan Winston
Stanley Winston was an American visual effects supervisor, makeup artist, and film director. He was best known for his work in the Terminator series, the Jurassic Park series, Aliens, the Predator series, Iron Man, Edward Scissorhands, and Avatar...
(the two had previously collaborated on Parasite
Parasite (film)
Parasite is a 1982 horror/science fiction film starring Demi Moore in her first major film role.-Plot:In the far future, an atomic disaster has reduced the world to poverty. Instead of a government, America is run by an organization called the Merchants, who exploit the degenerate remains of...
). It ended up being directed by Luca Bercovici with special effects by John Carl Buechler and his company Mechanical and Makeup Imageries Inc. The film was released theatrically by Empire Pictures in March 1985 and was a surprise success on home video. Ghoulies also stars Mariska Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay is an American actress, best known for her role as New York City sex crimes Detective Olivia Benson on the NBC television drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a role that has earned her multiple awards and nominations, including an Emmy and Golden Globe.The daughter of actress...
and Peter Laipis.
This film depicts a comical Hollywood-esque portrayal of black magic, Satan worship, and the occult.
According to stories Charles Band tells on his Full Moon Horror Road Show, he was tasked to come up with a great campaign to promote the film. During a brainstorming session he came up with the idea to have the Ghoulie popping up from the toilet. The idea was a huge success and the scene was then shot for the film after the fact.
Ghoulies II
The first sequel was released in 1988 and sees the titular Ghoulies descend upon a carnivalCarnival
Carnaval is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February. Carnaval typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party...
. Again produced by Empire Pictures, the film was directed by Charles Band's father Albert Band
Albert Band
Albert Band born Alfredo Antonini , was an American film director and film producer. He was the son of artist Max Band, father of filmmaker Charles Band and of film composer Richard Band. He is the grandfather of Alex Band and Taryn Band.-Biography:Band escaped from Paris to the United States with...
. Ghoulies and Ghoulies II were released as a double feature DVD from MGM Home Entertainment
MGM Home Entertainment
MGM Home Entertainment is the home video and DVD arm of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.-History:The home video division of MGM started in 1979 as MGM Home Video, releasing all the movies and TV shows by MGM. In 1980, MGM joined forces with CBS Video Enterprises, the home video division of the CBS television...
in 2003. Special features include theatrical trailers.
Ghoulies III: Ghoulies Go to College
The third film saw Buechler step into the director's chair and was released straight-to-video in 1991 by Vestron VideoVestron Video
Vestron Video was the main subsidiary of Vestron, Inc., a home video company based in Stamford, Connecticut that was active from 1982 to 1992. It is considered to have been a pioneer in the home video market....
. The film co-starred genre stalwart Kevin McCarthy
Kevin McCarthy (actor)
Kevin McCarthy was an American stage, film, and television actor, who appeared in over two hundred television and film roles. For his role in the 1951 film version of Death of a Salesman, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and won a Golden Globe Award for New Star of...
and is the first film where the Ghoulies actually speak. To this day, a R1 DVD has never been released. This was Matthew Lillard
Matthew Lillard
Matthew Lyn Lillard is an American actor and producer. He is best known for his roles as Stu Macher in Scream, Stevo in SLC Punk , and Shaggy Rogers in the Scooby-Doo film series and the Animated reboot series.-Early life:Lillard was born in Lansing, Michigan, and grew up in Tustin, California...
's film debut.
Ghoulies IV
The series' fourth and final entry was directed by Jim WynorskiJim Wynorski
Jim Wynorski is an American screenwriter, director, and producer.-Career:Wynorski has been making B-movies and exploitation movies since the early 1980s. He has directed over 75 feature films. His earliest films were released to the theatrical audience and played in movie theaters...
and made by CineTel Films
CineTel Films
CineTel Films Inc. is an independent film production company and distributor based in West Hollywood, California.-History:Chicago Teleproductions was a forerunner to CineTel Films. Paul Hertzberg founded CineTel Films....
and also released straight-to-video in 1994 by Columbia TriStar Home Video. Original Ghoulies lead Pete Liapis returned to the series as Jonathan Graves, now a detective who must deal with a new pair of Ghoulies. This entry in the series has been criticized by the fans of the series because the 'ghoulies' in this film are completely different than the other entries in the series. Instead of the usual puppet Ghoulies, the movie cast midget actors in miniature costumes. Ghoulies IV was released on DVD in 2007 by Echo Bridge Home Entertainment.