June is Gay and Lesbian Pride month and I'm submitting this review in honor of David DeCoteau -- one of the most talented directors of my favorite film genre, B horror. NOTE: DeCoteau directed Voodoo Academy under the pseudonym Richard Chasen.

Sub-Category: Teen Thriller, Occult
Setting: Very Small Religious College
Predictability: Somewhat Predictable
Scare Factor: A Few Spine Tingles
Gore Factor: Non-existent
Look-at-these: Lots of Half-naked Men

Synopsis: Christopher is the newest student at Carmichael Bible College, a school that has a limited enrollment of 6 individuals. He is accepted into the program after a matriculated student suddenly disappears. Carmichael Bible College appears to be the ideal place to study theology, with lots of personal attention and the well known Reverend Carmichael at the helm. What Chris and his five male classmates (Rusty, Billy, Sam, Paul and Mike) don't know is that Reverend Carmichael and the headmistress, Mrs. Bouvier, have plans that go beyond a mere bible lesson. Plans that involve dark magic and virgin male sacrifices. Will this squadron of buff young guys be able to foil Carmichael's evil plans while dressed only in their boxer briefs?

Title Significance: An academy that purports to be a bible college is actually a breeding ground for voodoo and the occult.

Director DeCoteau: Director David DeCoteau started his career with the 1986 film Dreamaniac and was soon launched into B movie stardom with the 1988 flick Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama. He continued his path to fame by directing a number of cult horror films for Full Moon Pictures that stayed faithful to the B horror credo, lots of scantily clad women and lots of gore. These included Blonde Heaven and Bikini Godesses, and were mostly released under the pseudonym Ellen Cabot. He even directed one of my favorite Full Moon productions, Withcouse (1999), under the name Jack Reed. It was only recently that I unraveled the mystery of how many DeCoteau films I have actually seen (8 at present), mostly complicated by his compulsive name changing (Julian Breen, Ellen Cabot, Jack Reed, Victoria Sloan). Talk about an identity crisis!

In 1998, DeCoteau directed his first film encompassing homoerotica, Leather Jacket Love Story. I have never seen this one since it would be found in the Romance/Drama section of the video store; however, I am quite familiar with and have reviewed several of his recent homoerotic B horror flicks (The Brotherhood, The Brotherhood 2, The Frightening and now, Voodoo Academy). Each of these films boasts a cast of mostly fit young men that walk about the screen in boxer briefs and towels. I have rated each film as average (except The Brotherhood, 4 stars) -- including the film at hand -- and am a heterosexual male who has no particular affinity or aversion to the scantily clad men, yet I am always drawn to view more of his films. Why? Because I am always left satisfied by his work. His movies are complete and always offer an original story. I also have a great deal of respect for a man who is willing to challenge the status quo. Instead of offering the genre standard of bouncing boobs and oodles of blood, he offers an intriguing story and buff studs. And he is busier directing than ever, after finally finding his niche with his homoerotic teen thrillers. For these reasons, I name him B-movie director of the year. Keep your eyes peeled for some of his upcoming releases, including Voodoo Academy 2 and The Brotherhood 3.

Analysis: Voodoo Academy is one of the earliest homoertic thrillers that DeCoteau directed. The film features a number of scenes in which the nearly all-male cast is semi-nude, with a heavy preference towards boxer briefs. The film also features a number of scenes where Mrs. Bouvier (Debra Mayer) can be seen in the traditional garb of a dominatrix. So, I guess it is fair to say that there is something here for everyone. I don't want to leave you with the impression that this is a sleazy movie; I think that the entire film was very tastefully done.

The acting is adequate, but nothing to write home about. The casting was clearly based more on looks than talent, but don't get out a bushel of rotten tomatoes just yet. There are a few notable performances to be found here. Riley Smith (Not Another Teen Movie, Bring it On) delivers a believable, above par performance as the innocent and pure lead, Chris. Debra Mayer (Mrs. Bouvier - Stitches, Hell Asylum) and Chad Burris (Rev. Charmichael) also offer laudable performances as the dynamic evil duo. The others (Kevin Callisher as Billy, Huntley Ritter as Rusty, Ben Indira as Mike,Drew Fuller as Paul and Travis Sher as Sam) are there more for window dressing than to advance the plot. The cast may not be nominated for any Oscars, but they manage to entertain all the same.

The cinematography is quite good, something else I expect from a DeCoteau film. The use of light and dark to mark the mood of each scene provides excellent contrast. The special effects are kept to a minimum, which is probably a good thing. The purple lights used to represent dark magic seem to be more suited for a video game.

The story is unique and mildly entertaining, but flows a little too slowly for my tastes. The film runs just over an hour and offers little to hold the audience's attention, aside from the semi-nude cast. This is probably the weakest part of the film, but DeCoteau did the best that he could with a sub-par script. If it weren't for his talent at the helm, this film would be lying at the bottom of the ocean.

Final Comments: I strongly disagree with the notion that this film was only intended for a homosexual audience; I personally enjoyed Voodoo Academy and find such banter to be closed-minded. DeCoteau may have had this particular audience in mind, but I really feel that his work is substantial enough to be enjoyed by anyone who would normally enjoy a good B horror film. I would not consider any of his work to be even marginally distasteful. Obviously, if renting a film with copious amounts of male skin makes you feel uncomfortable, then this movie is not for you. Just don't tell others that they aren't allowed to enjoy it because of your own discomfort. Voodoo Academy is a solid performer in an underperforming genre.

DeCoteau's Homoerotic Thrillers: The Brotherhood I, II, III, Leeches!, The Frightening, Voodoo Academy

DeCoteau's Non-Homoerotic Thrillers: Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama, Witchouse, Ancient Evil: Scream of the Mummy


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older