theskylabadventure The Devil's Rain is a totally baffling film, somehow both more and less than the sum of its parts. Borgnine, Shatner, Satanism - sounds like a giggle, right? And yet somehow the fact that it's so silly, and clearly so reticent to take itself seriously for most of its running time, means that it doesn't really fall into the so-bad- it's-good category, yet it's so far short of actually being good at the same time as not really being all that bad. Confused? You will be. Leaving aesthetic appreciation aside, the plot of The Devil's Rain is a total muddle. There are huge plot gaps, in which the audience is presumably expected to make leaps to connect one scene to the next, or to try and establish context which is missing more often than not. I genuinely wonder if there isn't a stash of deleted scenes out there which, if cut back in, would actually help the continuity of the film. Instead, what we're left with is a series of moments - some fun, some dumb, some hilariously badly executed - which only really add up to a coherent movie experience if you're really, really paying attention. The likelihood is that you won't be, given the overall sub-par writing, hammy acting (notable Shatnerisms abound) and direction which clearly has no idea of the tone it's going for.Approach this film with curiosity and you'll have some harmless fun. You'll chuckle at the sight of Ernie Borgnine dressed and made up like a goat. You'll cringe at Shatner's pseudo-pensive-horizon- staring delivery of the ludicrous dialogue. And you'll love the pre Incredible Melting Man melting men. But I'm pretty sure you won't know - or care - what the hell (pun intended) is going on.

Roman James Hoffman The cinema and Satan have always been good bedfellows: ever since cinematic pioneer Georges Melies made Satan's head detach itself and float around in 'The Laboratory of Mephistopheles' (1897), the century or so of cinema's evolution has produced scores of depictions of Satanism of varying quality littered around such classics like 'The Black Cat' (1934), 'The Devil Rides Out' (1968), 'Rosemary's Baby' (1968), and 'The Omen' (1976). Indeed, both occult film-maker Kenneth Anger and noted occultist Nikolas Schreck even go so far as to say that in his guise as Lucifer ('The Light Bringer') there is something inherently diabolical about movies in essentially being light projected through photographic film. So, roping in the assistance of Anton LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan, was sure to raise the chill factor of this movie no end and hurtle it into the esteemed company of the above listed films. Problem: the film, aside from a couple of creepy moments at the start, is at its most dynamic little more than bland and in several instances inadvertently funny. Amusing if stoned: maybe…a classic, or even a film worthy of sobriety, it most certainly is not.Right, let's start with the positives: the film starts of promising with a haunting title sequence sound-tracked by tormented screams. Following this we are thrown into a disorienting opening sequence on a stormy night with Mark Preston (William Shatner) and his mother defending themselves from creepy ghouls with no eyes as they do the bidding of arch-satanist Corbis (Ernest Borgnine) who wants to get his hands on a book they are guarding. In addition, the first satanic ritual scene, set in a weird church in a ghost-town, has a genuine creepiness to it and it seems that the input of Anton LaVey is bearing some fruit. And…that's about it. The film then treads water in a shallow plot for another hour, firstly filling us in on the whole deal with the book thanks to a woman with ESP (after which her ESP serves absolutely no function) who is involved with Tom Skerritt (whose name you may not know but who is one of those "ahhh, him!" faces) who is William Shater's brother. He then battles the Satanists to save his family…a dramatic climax is attempted but the total absence of suspense from poor characterization and a poorer script (not to mention the derisive snort-inducing "transformation" Borgnine undergoes) renders this impossible. The film then reveals the meaning of the "Devil's Rain" (yawn) and then ends with a predictable twist. All in all, a total let-down.Ironically, 'Rosemary's Baby' is one of my favourite films and Anton LaVey is said to have cut his teeth in the Hollywood as an adviser on it as well as playing Satan himself in the dream scene; however, according to former high-ranking Church of Satan Member Michael Aquino in his book 'The Church of Satan', this is not true and merely a (characteristic) self-serving piece of mis-information on LaVey's part. Now, I'm not saying I sat down expecting another 'Rosemary's Baby' quality film, but I was intrigued by LaVey's indisputable role as a technical adviser in this movie (the film proudly boasts his help in the title sequence and he has a cameo in the ritual sequences) but I was also not expecting this totally forgettable waste of film.So, it would seem that while the Devil may have all the best tunes, he has a thing or two to learn about films.

Bezenby Here's another film I remember seeing as a kid, starring pre-sausage looking William Shatner (plimsoles), John Travolta (slippers), Keenan Wynn (moccasins), and Ernest (Doc Martens) Borgnine. Also: Tom Skerrit (thigh high leather boots). I thought it was okay then…but now I think it's…still okay.We get dropped right into the action as Shatner and his mum and their shoes are frantically awaiting the arrival of their dad/husband/shoe protector, but someone with his face (and no eyes, wearing shoes) appears and says 'Give Corbis the book (and the shoes)', and then melts in the rain like a prawn cracker does in chicken noodle soup served in a ladies stilleto. Shortly afterwards, Shatner's mum and her shoes are kidnapped as he is looking at a doll (wearing sandals) tied to a steering wheel and he himself sets off for a seemingly deserted town to battle Corbis (Borgnine) who quite naturally is the head of a devil/shoe worshipping cult who needs a book/shoes which would increase his evil shoes powers or something. Also: Tom Skerrit (thermal socks).Also: Tom Skerrit also turns up as Shatner's brother to look for everyone and their shoes and gets involved in a battle with Borgnine (it is unclear whether or not his shoes are involved at this point – possible shoe spoiler). Also, Skerrit also runs into Travolta who has no eyes but still has a dimple on his chin (used to keep gravy warm) and then Borgnine turns into a goat wearing wellies and everyone has no eyes, but nifty Nike Air Max trainers. Also: Tom Skerrit finds what looks like a TV full of souls wrapped in some stuff (probably shoes).This film has virtually no plot (and very little shoe action). There's a bit of a backstory involving Borgnine and the footwear people used to wear during the Salem Shoe Trials, and you've got to love all the melting action, but it mainly involves people looking for other people and their shoes. Also: Tom Skerrit's always struck me as being a bit bland as an actor, especially up against Borgnine who's anything but bland. Maybe it's his shoes? The Devil's Rain still feels like about half a film. Plenty of goo, little else. It caused me to bend a brogue slightly.Also: Tom Skerrit.

likeing77 Anton LaVey knows how to bring the horror to the religious. If anyone knows anything about satanism it is LaVey and he portrayed what he would call the false view of satanism in order to bring about thinking.This is worth a watch not because of the story, or the truth behind myths. It exists as a horror movie, and to scare people. Do not NOT watch this because of its darkness, that is why you SHOULD watch it.Real satanism is not about anything portrayed in this movie, and LaVey aided to make it seem real. He did a great job.If you are interested in the occult, and Satanism, read the Satanic bible, and take what is shown here as comedy for the satanist.It is a great movie, with renowned actors, and if it is so psychologically hurtful, as another reviewer states, then why did nearly every actor go on to have an extensive career?Stars: John Travolta, William Shatner, and the feel was caused by LaVey. What more could someone ask for in a movie?