She Freak

Director(s) - Byron Mabe (The Lustful Turk, Space Thing) and Donn Davison (Honey Britches, Blood Beast of Monster Mountain)

Starring - Claire Brennen (Ritual of Evil, Maneater), Lee Raymond (Men into Space, Mission: Impossible), and Lynn Courtney (I Am a Camera)

Release Date - 1967

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Behind the tents and tinsel of a monster midway something barbaric occurs in the Alley of Nightmares"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     I've been heavily collecting the AGFA releases for a couple years now.  I was introduced to their releases when MVD sent over a couple for me to review.  Their partnership with Something Weird has brought us upgraded and remastered releases of movies that I had never heard about or owned on a bare bones DVD prior to now.  I had picked up She Freak many years ago from Amazon when I was heavily collecting exploitation and older horror titles.  I had only watched it once or twice during my college years but it never really stood out to me at the time.  When AGFA and Something Weird announced a new blu release I almost skipped it.  However, my urge to collect all the AGFA releases forced my hand.  I'm kind of glad I did because it was fun to actually revisit this odd one.  

     The film follows a small town waitress who catches the eye of most of the men in her town.  However, she has bigger dreams than working at a dirty diner and when a barker for a traveling carnival stops in for a bite she finds herself swept away by the lights and attention.  She leaves her small town life behind to join the carnival but soon realizes that she does not like the carnival attractions and oddities.  This comes back to bite her in the end when the carnies and attractions come together to exact revenge.  

     She Freak is a movie that I've heard a lot of genre fans bash but I genuinely like it. Like I said before, it's not a movie that would add to a top 10, 20, or even 100 list but it's not a bad movie.  It is easily forgettable but fun while you are watching it.  The acting in this one isn't the worst but there is plenty of room for improvement.  I always find it funny when amateurs or actors with no experience raise their voices to show emotions.  They never rely on mannerisms and facial expressions to convey emotions.  Instead, they yell and scream to show various emotions.  It's funny to me and She Freak had me straight up cackling during some of the scenes.  Don't get me wrong, the acting is not as bad as a Friday the 13th fan film made by teenagers but it does have plenty of room for improvement.  The story for this one is Freaks with the horror removed.  You did read that correctly, the horror aspect is literally removed from the film until the last 10 minutes or so.  I love a good horror film set against a circus or carnival but this one focuses more on the characters and the bigotry that people that are different face.  It's a solid dark drama but if you are looking for the She Freak like the cover paints you will be disappointed.  Actually, the She Freak is the title is referring to the film's main character and how much of a monster she is toward those she deems below her.  Finally, the film has some fun make-up effects are the end of the film but if you are looking for a film with a body count you will be greatly disappointed.  Overall, She Freak is a true exploitation film in every sense of the word but it can be slow and dull at times.  It's not the best horror film but if you like character driven exploitation flicks then you will enjoy this one.  The new blu release from AGFA and Something Weird is a must own for collectors.  I highly recommend it.