Student Bodies (1981) Online

STUDENT BODIES is a great, satirical take on the bevy of horror flicks that flooded theater and drive-in screens(and consequently, polluted video store shelves)in the eighties. Watching this group of no-name actors trudge through all the stock situations that teens in these flicks find themselves in goes to show how the people who conceived and made this flick got the joke long before most of us. What's incredible is that this movie came out in 1981, well before the genre peaked and the films became stale variations of HALLOWEEN, FRIDAY THE 13TH, OR NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET. While SCREAM was a black comedy/satire that pays homage to the genre(and served to revive it), STUDENT BODIES plays it strictly for laughs, thumbing its nose at all the insolent jerks and dumb bimbos who, despite having knowledge of a killer on the loose, wander alone through isolated woods or dark hallways and wind up on the wrong ends of axes, chainsaws, butcher knives, or pitchforks. Now, who stole my paperclip?

This film is a terrible classic. The acting is painful and the plot is thinner than cheap takeout soy sauce packets. But it is marvelously entertaining and succeeds as a wonderful parody of Halloween, Friday the 13th and many other horror slasher flicks in the early 1980s.

High School students are being killed off because they're having sex, everybody's a suspect as the breather, a witty and lovable killer who the camera only sees through gloves and shoes.

Have fun trying to recognise any actor as their careers went completely downhill after this disaster.

A fun date movie, seriously. If you enjoyed "Scary Movie," you should definitely see this film.

Before "Scary Movie" decided to spoof the slasher genre, the 80s had its very own send-up called "Student Bodies". It came quite early you might add, even before the sub-genre had completely hit it off. Anyhow despite that, we know where the ammo for this fun is coming from. "Halloween" and "Black Christmas" comes to mind. Quite variable, but this cheeky and in bad-taste enterprise pokes fun at everything (no one… that's no one is safe), including itself which makes it enjoyably amusing as the typical stereotypes are turn upside down. The story is old-hat and a little tame, but the craziness of the situations makes it hard not to get a tickle out of it. The script holds an exceedingly self-knowing attitude, filled with smart-lipped dialogues and the humour is visually evident too. Slapstick bumbling (the murderer's weapon of choice is just ridiculous) to the humorous use of subtitles pointing out the obvious. The intro perfectly paints it ("I have the feeling this is the last time I baby sit"). Even the music score gets into the action. The apparent genre staples are turned into gags, because how blatant they are in a story's progression for things to work. Horny students, suspicious red herrings, virgin heroine and of course heavy breathing. Some gags are repeatedly used, some to good effect and others became a little tiring. After halfway through it was starting to wear a little thin, but then it breaks out even more insane revelations… one topped off by another. There are about three climaxes! The ending has a nice little homage to a horror classic… which you simply see coming. The performances are spot-on, aiming for a mock seriousness approach and it works with the kooky array of memorable characters like Malvert the janitor. A more than decent little slasher parody.

Question:"Did you hang up?" Answer: "No I just said 'click'" This is just one of the hysterically funny lines in the very first horror-comedy ever made "Student Bodies"! This movie set the standard for future funny fear flicks like "Scary Movie" and it is hysterically funny. There are so many references to other movies in this one that at times it's hard to keep up. It's not just full of funny lines like "It was the killer, Chicken Lips!" but it is also full of funny visuals, like the teacher who erases the man's penis from the drawing on the chalk board and says "This is totally ugly, unnecessary and gets in the way!" or the teacher who quiets her class by clapping her erasers together and creating a huge puff of chalk dust! The killer wears green rubber gloves and uses the most bizarre murder weapons in cinema history such as an eggplant, a paper clip and yes even a horse head bookend! In this film you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about horse head bookends! This is a must-see horror comedy that will have you laughing till you pee yourself!

I stumbled upon this flick by accident. I was more interested in the other side of the Commander USA double feature. I just figured this was some lame 80s slasher flick. To my surprise, it was an Airplane style spoof of the slasher flicks of the late 70s/early 80s. In fact, it almost plays like a parody of "Scream", years before it came out. Everyone tries to figure out who the killer is that is picking off the students. The killer calls up and breathes heavy. Every horror fan should check this out!

A depraved killer known as the Breather (voiced with hysterically lecherous aplomb by stand-up comedian Richard Belzer) bumps off the libidinous students of Lamab High School in assorted highly imaginative ways (the psycho's unlikely and inventive implements of death include paper clips, an eggplant, and even an eraser!). Writer/director Mickey Rose offers broad parodies of such popular fright fare as "Halloween," "Friday the 13th," "When a Stranger Calls," "Carrie," and "Prom Night;" the humor found herein is crude, raunchy, unsubtle, tasteless, offensive, inspired (I loved the on-screen tally which keeps track of the ever-mounting corpse count), and hence flat-out hilarious. This is the type of no-holds-barred open season on everyone and everything raucous humor that was prevalent in the pre-politically correct 80's and that's exactly why this picture is often so incredibly funny. For example, there's a black foreign exchange student who nobody misses after he gets killed. Plus there are jokes about handicapped people as well. However, the tone is thankfully silly and amiable enough to prevent this film from seeming nasty and mean-spirited. The lively and enthusiastic acting from a game no-name cast rates as another significant plus: Kristen Riter makes for a most charming and fetching virginal innocent heroine, Joe Flood is an absolute hoot as deranged workshop teacher Mr. Dumpkin, and spindly comedian the Stick steals the whole show as dim-witted double-jointed janitor Malvert. A total riot. And remember folks, sex kills.

A 1980'S version of "Scream." I found myself laughing more than anything. "The Breather," made me laugh. I couldn't help it. I thought I was supposed to laugh. The guy is making snide remarks and breathing like a horny 12 year old for the entire movie. The cast is unknowns, which makes the movie a sort of cult classic for me. I enjoy the film because it's just plain old silly. It's not gory and it's not in the least bit scary. It makes fun, more than anything, how murder victims in horror movies end up. You'd never see a killer walking around with a bunch of Hefty trash bags as their weapon, but in this film it's used purely for the laughs and after a while it does get old, but "the Breather" will make you laugh enough to watch the whole thing. Good for a Halloween laugh.

Student Bodies (1981)

I saw this the other night, I really enjoyed, I think I did try to watch before, few years back, when it on you tube,

I loved the way how started with meowing dog, loved to see, Loved the mum screaming at dishing at the TV.

I found some jokes really funny made me laugh out loud, some jokes seem a little fall flat, no many,

I enjoyed most of the movie, I wasn't big fan of twist at the end, I really hate it when movies do the that.

I did enjoy the very last scene from movie, which spoof Carrie Fun movie.

7 out of 10

I was one of the few who actually saw this films theatrical release in 1981! I was 18 and saw it at a Drive-In movie (of all obsolete places) !! Myself and about 10 of my friends loved it so much we quickly snagged a VHS copy and watched it religiously for several years. Why this film was not more successful i don't know and i find it so strange that nearly all it's actors never went on to work in any other films?. its sooooo funny and completely stupid at the same time! This parody on Teen horror films should become a cult classic. Gosh I'd love to see it a again. I'm now 41 and my sister and I still quote lines some 24 odd years later! "Great physical beauty can be a handicap too" - "Do you think I look good in Green?" - Did you hang up? No, I just said click" - "Nurse Krud and Miss Van Dyke....Whats in a name?.. E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g".

if you grew up in the 80's had HBO and were addicted to television & or your video store chances are you'e seen this one. i love this movie, scream ,scary movie etc. owe it big time to this one. if this movie doesn't make you laugh then your already dead should be the re-release catch phrase to this movie, it's not big on nudity or gore, and in the middle of the film there is an explanation to why it's rated "r".(hilarious). the movies got everything, wooden horse heads, teenage virgins, weird creepy janitor-pre freddy krueger i might add. i've often double billed this film with another lost 80's gem the "surf 2". why these films aren't available on DVD is beyond me. i've said it before but here goes- if you are starting or already have a video release company please release these films! if you love 80's horror check this one out or your just in love with funny movies check it out. you'll die laughing.--nuff said.

"Studen Bodies" is the movie that started the Horror parody movies. The winning formula of the movie is a mix between sexual/scatological humor and cheesy/teenager humor.

I had to dig into a rare video store's catacombs and after researching and finding some atrocities, I found "Student Bodies". I searched for this movie for years and finally the time came. The VSH copy I found to my surprise had good sound (although Mono) and decent image. I prepared myself pop corns and sat to enjoy this hidden gem.

The Slasher genre has a lot of clichès and "Student Bodies" makes the adequate and necessary parody of them. Sex being the motive for death scenes, gore, dumb characters and a lack of logic are the elements that this movie makes fun of.

The movie makes fun of "Friday the 13th", "When A Stranger Calls" and "Prom Night" mostly (also, look for the "Carrie" ending spoof). I wonder if Wes Craven was inspired by this movie to create "Scream" because most of it's scenes are very similar (including plot!).

The situations are very funny and perfectly mix with the funny lines and one-liners. With some discriminatory jokes towards a black guy, a minus-valid guy, a foreign student, etc. the movie works without being very rude. The script is clever and asks for the jokes and parodies. They don't make movies like this anymore. I prefer 10 times "Student Bodies" than the "Scary Movie" trilogy.

The actors do what they have to do. "The Stick" is a great comedian! and a cult classic character of the 80's cheesiness. The body count meter is another classic moment in the genre. I watched this movie under the name "Thirteen corpses and a half"; the title is explained because of the body count meter. My only beef with the movie is it's silly ending. I know the movie is a Horror Comedy but still the ending left a lot to desire. With a dumb explanation the events get resolved although I felt good for Malvert!

I wonder if they re released this movie in these days, would it be a hit? I think yes. It's a cheesy but funny movie and a good way to kill 80 minutes.

"If I see one more horror film, I'll throw up! What makes them think the American public wants to watch such stupid trash?!" "You're right, dear. Now hurry up, or we'll miss 'The Dukes of Hazard!'" It's lines like that that make this film great. Sure it's silly, sure it's cheap, and there's no word other than "bad" to describe the acting. But it's a spoof, that's the point. Anyone who's seen 'Friday the 13th' or 'Halloween' should appreciate it, I think.

It's all about teens having sex, and paying the price with their lives. It's filled with lines like- "I can never stop thinking about sex. Funerals get me hot." and "Are you clean?" "What kind of a question is that? Of course I'm clean. And besides, you can't wash off herpes."

The production quality isn't too high, and the end drags on and on. But it's entertaining, and it's funny, in that "Top Secret" and "Real Genius" kind of way.

This Movie by today's standards would be an instant Failure!!! However, keep in mind it was released in 1981. If you can do that, you will find it just Silly and flat out funny. Mainly, it's funny because of how silly it is.

You'll find the Humor. It won't take long.

Let's get something straight: This movie is ridiculous.

That being said, it's pure genius. This movie mocks the horror films of the late 70's and early 80's. Those movies were based on teens drinking and having sex before getting killed by the bad guy. Think: Blood Beach, Prom Night, Friday the 13th, Halloween. That's the entire plot of this movie. Teens, despite being at a funeral, parade, football game, etc., sneak away to engage in intercourse before meeting their demise.

The movie mocks the silly actions of your horror movie victims who often leave doors unlocked and ignore basic safety measures which lead to their demise. While some call the script weak, I call it witty and amusing. The more you watch Student Bodies the more you'll appreciate the dialogue and the acting itself.

The killer is known as "The Breather". He or she employs unorthodox methods of murder including, but not limited to, death by eggplant. The protagonist, a prude named Toby (Kristen Riter), lectures her friends on the dangers of having sex. Toby ultimately ends up on crime scenes and becomes a suspect herself. Riter who later starred in a music video is attractive and believable in the role despite playing the prude. The rest of the cast does a nice job in their roles. Patrick Varnell aka "The Stick" was masterful as "Mr Malvert". Sara Eckhardt portrays Patty the Prom Queen in convincing manner. Eckhardt, from Austin, Texas, would eventually end up on the bench as a Travis County judge. Mr. Dumpkin, portrayed by veteran actor Joe Flood, is the shop teacher addicted to making horsehead bookends.

Some of the scenes and lines are politically incorrect in this current climate but are funny nonetheless. Give this movie a try. It's better than any of the "Scary Movie" installments. It's an easy watch and it's quite addicting.

10/10

Those who are not sold on this movie have not seen it with friends. The biggest laugh-getting slumber party movie of all time. Take off your thinking cap, don't take yourself seriously and do not watch alone! It pokes fun at how stupid the acting and plot points are of slashers. The original teen horror comedy has become one of the most seminal movies ever - dozens of Student Bodies imitations try to duplicate the sick and disturbed humor, but those are contrived wanting to copy. This is the most genuinely disturbed comedy of them all. It should be... look at the teenage snuff films they ridicule. It deserves the Nobel Prize. Ahead of its time. But watch with friends. "Individually, the audience is an idiot. collectively, it is a genius." - Samuel Goldwyn.... SO WATCH WITH FRIENDS! No one is qualified to judge until they do.

I could fill this entire review with quotes and comedic bits I thought were funny in Student Bodies, a movie I am on the fence with calling "a guilty pleasure."

Because, despite the fact it was simply made in order for Paramount to make at least some kind of profit during the writer's strike in 1981, it was actually a well shot and unbelievably well thought out movie – they certainly knew their subject down pat. I am saying that as an adult who has not watched this film in many, many years and knows (now) the history behind the subject matter and why they would make such a movie.

Now, allow me to speak as the kid who practically grew up with this movie: I LOVED THIS MOVIE. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. Okay, not enough to award it 5/5 stars, or even 4.5. In fact, it barely reached 4/5 stars because it's certainly not perfect. While 90% of the jokes were spot on and absolutely hilarious in regards to the FLOOD of late 1970s and 1980 horror films released, the other 10% were just plain silly and not silly-good. In addition, as in most movies, namely comedies but almost exclusively to spoofs, this one followed suit: start with a bang, continue with consistent humor while heading south and finishing in the recycle bin. It's sad how far this fell, and hard, in the last third that it couldn't hold up to the 5/5 stars I wanted to give it. It simply…fell apart.

So, that said, I will wholeheartedly recommend the first two-thirds as some of the most ingenious and honest jokes when it comes to the slew of just plain horribly clichéd horrors released during this period of Hollywood's horror fest.

A girl babysitting one night invites her boyfriend over in order to have sex with him on the parent's bed. Sound like a recipe for disaster in any/all horror slashers? Duh, that's what this movie's about. Naturally, the couple perishes and friend Toby (Riter) is distraught. But, not enough to keep coincidentally showing up when other sex-crazed teens "get it" before "getting it."

Of course, this makes her the prime subject, even though the movie is…literally…telling us everyone's a suspect. God, it's refreshing to see such honesty in a movie. Along with pointing out who should be considered for the killer, the film also presents all the clues we need to know when someone's in danger or how to solve this.

I'm not trying to give anything away for anyone who has not seen this (almost) comedic masterpiece; I'm just pointing out that they're pointing out how dumb those numerous horror-of-the-week releases were. And I've seen plenty. And I've done the obligatory countdown to when the killer will appear or roll my eyes when the best friend obviously has an ulterior motive.

The movie creators seem almost embarrassed with the product they released, from what I've read. And despite what I stated about it being well shot (not perfect, but not amateurish by any means) it did seem rushed. Still…this was extremely close to the (actual) masterpiece Airplane! with the multiple jokes every minute ratio. Frankly, this movie barely gives us a second to stop laughing and take a "breath" (get it? The killer's name is "The Breather." Ah never mind.)

Watch this movie. Sober or not. Preferably not. And with your drug of choice. In fact, there's got to be a dozen drinking games in regards to certain scenes in Student Bodies, such as: how many calls the killer makes (or at least how many times he's on the phone) or how many product placements you can find. Trust me…ask the DR. on how easy they are to spot.

Side Note: I would welcome any comments from people who've actually seen this, namely for those who grew up on it, like I did. Guaranteed, we would be laughing our asses of with quotes from the movie or scene recaps, such as: "No, I just said 'click'" or "Ms. Shouldn't-Be-Here-Anyway" or "____ gets me hot" or when the music stops until the call's picked up or "…at 75 cents an hour…" Heck, I've personally used jokes from this movie since the first time I've seen it in the early 1980s, such as the fact I'll never get old and ugly thanks to Cyanide pills: "Death before disfigurement." – Thank goodness practically no one I know has seen this or they would know I plagiarized that line, even though I do eventually give credit to Student Bodies.

(The following contains spoilers. In fact, it ruins everything for Student Body Virgins. Now: see the movie and then press on…)

Side Note Part II: Above, I wrote the typical (for me, that is) movie review. Now, for personal notes on one of my all time favorite movies (despite the rating.) I loved the character of Malvert, the "ABSURD!" janitor who finds the cheese, pees red and unbelievably is known as "The Stick" in real life. I loved THE ENTIRE opening segment, especially the stairs, the look through the mail slot when there's four window panes, the weapon selection (which was stolen in Scary Movie,) the mother's – oh, God – reaction when she gets home and the fact the babysitter can hear the footsteps over the shower but not the creaky knob-turning. I loved the recurring jokes such as the phone's breath and "___ makes me hot" and the entire funeral & parade scenes. I loved the principal/faculty interrogation scene. I loved the tear wipe-away psych evaluation. I loved the horse-head book ends. I loved the garbage bag check. I loved the handicapped parking spot. And I loved the "It could be any/some-one" conclusion. And I loved the 911 call. And...perhaps, perhaps, perhaps...

I went to Hollywood Video and saw a black box in the horror section where the employees had hand written "Student Bodies" on the front, so I knew it had to be good... and it is hilarious. They have been playing this movie on late night cine-max recently, so it must be becoming popular again. The movie was made in 1981 after only Halloween and Friday the 13th part one, maybe two, so it is way ahead of its time parodying the horror genre. We start outside a suburban house where a subtitle comes up that says, "Friday the 13th" and then "Halloween night". The point of view of the killer "The Breather" who really does breathe like an asthmatic, a hysterical characteristic for a not so stealthy stalker. The body count is rung up on screen, as subtitles play a large part of the movie. Without ruining it, there are classic horror scenes, talking through rubber chickens, horse-head bookends, a lanky/retarded janitor named Malvert, and death by eggplant. Don't analyze this movie if you rent it. Just watch and laugh.

This is one of the most laugh out loud funny I have seen. It makes perfect fun of early Slasher horror films. It is better than Scream as far as laughs go. Great gags abound. The killer kills guys with trash bags because apparently if you tie up a male in a trashbag, he can never get out. The Breather is a riot to listen to. It is great right up till the end which derails the movie. Other than that it is great.

Yes, it's a badly-shot, badly-acted, politically incorrect B-or-lower-grade-film with a silly plot, but it's a GREAT parody of all the early 80's "slasher" films. The on-screen "comments" (and the running body count) that pop up from time to time are a riot, the "Breather" is a hilarious villain, the characters are ridiculously overdone but funny as a result. The running jokes (the weird murder weapons, the sound of the "Breather" on the other end every time somebody picks up a phone, etc) are excellent as well. And of course, it features the best football penalty of all time. The ending IS weird, but it's also another parody; unfortunately, it doesn't fly too well in comparison to some of the others. And it's possible that this movie DID have at least a little influence in future movies: compare the "Breather's" first "weapon selection" scene with Carmen Electra choosing what to defend herself with in "Scary Movie." I definitely recommend this film for a lot of laughs...don't kill yourself trying to buy it, but watch it if you happen to catch it on cable (even if they do edit out the "reason for the R-rating" scene, which is a blast)

Good lord, good lord! There I was at 3 in the morning, flipping through the channels and !!WAZOO!!, I came upon Student Bodies. I was almost instantly mesmerized by the movie, and since then I've watched it many times. This may seem like a normal slasher movie spoof, but it's really so much more. There's the crazy shop teacher with his fetish for "horse head bookends", Malvert, the giant janitor, and of course our wheezing, rubber boot wearing killer. This movie kills me each time I see it. It is stupendous beyond all comprehension. Keep your eyes open for a message from the producer of the movie about halfway through the movie itself. On top of all the other greatness found within this movie, there is also the fact that it was partially financed by Dr Pepper(the #1 soft drink in my house). This is all too apparent when viewing the many overt product placement scenes. For the love of God, let this movie be your dog!

"Student Bodies" is already a fairly good and successful cinematic satire, but it even gets better when realizing the film actually got released in 1981. In other words, when the trend of prototypical 80's high school slashers still had to be launched properly, this movie already parodied all of its trademarks! The script of "Student Bodies" deliberately intended to spoof the pioneering classics of the slasher sub genre (such as "Black Christmas", "Halloween" and "When a Stranger Calls"), but by doing so unwarily also ridicules the vast majority of slashers that still have to be made throughout the entire 80's decade. "Student Bodies" is basically one giant collection of gags that can be placed in three main categories. First and foremost, there are many slapstick jokes that aren't necessarily related to the horror genre in particular. Following the tradition of films like "The Kentucky Fried Movie" and "Airplane", these are simply brainless absurdities causing you to laugh out loud whether you want to or not. A fine example to illustrate this type is, for instance, a student throwing a overripe tomato at the intercom in his classroom and then subsequently the camera cuts towards the principle's office where the tomato hits the speaker in the face. It's extremely stupid, yet so inventive you simply have to laugh! Then there's the specifically horror related jokes that are either (1) brilliantly witty or (2) fall painfully flat. Most of the jokes that are meant to emphasize the clichés of the genre and to point out the stupidity of stereotypical horror characters are hilarious and very effective. Whenever an empty-headed character does something really dumb (like leaving the door unlocked or wanders off by herself), an arrow appears on screen in order to make it even clearer. There's even a tally to keep us informed about the increasing body count and the killer him/herself has a heavy breathing problem, like cinematic stalkers often do. Unfortunately, however, the misfires are numerous as well and these are usually the longest-running jokes. In between all the craziness, there's also some room left for a textbook horror movie story. High school student Toby's friends have the annoying habit of showing up barbarically murdered, strangely enough always immediately after having sex. When suspicion falls upon her, Toby has no choice but to investigate what's going on herself and there are plenty of potential culprits to choose from; including the perverted janitor, the angry shop teacher, the sneering school counselor and even the principle who insists that his school is one of the best run in the county. In spite of having a small but loyal fan base, "Student Bodies" is a relatively unknown and underrated movie. I remember when "Scary Movie" got released a good 8 years ago, many people acted as if it was the first comedy ever to parody the slasher genre. For all those people, and of course for everyone who enjoys a good laugh as well, please grab the opportunity to check out this pleasant little gem.

Now let's blow off some steam with a goofy slasher movie parody, shall we? It says a lot about the subgenre that, even as early as 1981, writers and producers realized that slasher films were largely composed of a per-assembled selection of clichés and stereotypes. "Student Bodies" predates "Scream" and "Scary Movie" (And even "Bloody Movie" and "There's Nothing Out There") as picking out and making fun of the rules of the genre. Teenage males are always thinking about sex, no matter how incongruous the setting. The adults and authority figures are blazingly clueless and unhelpful. The killer, when not breathing heavily and monologing his ridiculous actions, kills people in the most absurd of ways. I mean, absurd even by the standards of a genre that includes Jason punching a dude's head off his shoulders. Virginal final girl Toby, along with her androgynous name, wears buttons that say "NO!" in big letters on her bra. When sleuthing through a file, like a final girl is prone to do, she comes upon a piece of paper that says "Look in the other draw!" Many of the gags brilliantly mock the genre. A flashing running tally appears on screen with every kill. Floating graphics and text point out suspects and foolish mistakes the characters have made. Any time a phone is picked up, we hear the killer's heavy breathing on the other end. The villain disguises his voice by talking through a rubber chicken. A meowing cat turns out to be a meowing (gassy) dog. The movie is set on Halloween, Friday the 13th, the night of the big game, big parade, and prom. (And, finally, the big funeral.) Surprisingly, some of the best gags in the movie have nothing to do with the horror genre. The oddball high school principal is prone to delivering lines like "All these years, I've secretly been naked underneath my clothes" or "Hasn't there been enough senseless killing? Let's have a murder that makes sense!" with a straight-face worthy of Leslie Nielson. The nutty psychologist takes a minute to rearrange all the items in his room before sitting down and saying "Someone's been in my office." The workshop teacher is obsessed with horse head bookends, the film's most goofy odd gag. The football game is played between a group of small children and giant black men. There's a draw full of marbles. The biggest laugh might come when the movie literally stops just so a censor can have a direct word with the audience. Many of the best gags belong to Malvert the Janitor, your typical red-herring oddball. This guy is inexplicable. He stands somewhere around 6'3, looks even taller because he's rail thin, has really long limps and hands, the loosest joints I've ever seen, and is played by an actor credited only as "The Stick." His overbearing weirdness sets up one of the best gags in the movie during the post-prom reveal. (To those who have seen the film: "Absurd!") Not all the gags land. The extended bits about gum and galoshes aren't very funny, neither is when the Breather interrupts the movie to give us a rundown on all the suspects. The reoccurring bits about an African exchange student are uncomfortably racist. The farting corpse gag is overdone. The movie can't sustain its comic momentum throughout the whole runtime. With about twenty minutes to go, the movie runs out of gags. The entire chainsaw sequence goes on for way too long. The movie gets weirdly serious at the end. I think it was attempting to slip into some type of surreal nightmare tone but it's played totally straight and jives badly with the rest of the film. The final sequence is also weirdly serious. Like a lot of gag based parodies, I suspect this would have worked better at only an hour long. "Student Bodies" feature absolutely no actors you've heard, though I do wonder what happened to adorable Kristen Riter. Fans of the genre or goofy eighties comedy should definitely check it out.

Part of me thinks that, if the ever-reputable Criterion Collection can put out a 2-disc special edition of crap like "Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas," they certainly could throw a bone to a sharp-witted parody like "Student Bodies," which nails the genre better than the 3 "Scream"s (which eventually went down the route of self-parody anyway) and the 4 (and counting) "Scary Movie"s. So why, then, has this cover-all-bases send-up been relegated to a word-of-mouth cult item since its 1981 release? Distributor Paramount, which hit paydirt with "Friday the 13th" the year before (and its sequels in the years following), likely saw "Bodies" as an opportunity to take a satirical jab at a genre that really only "began" with the breakout success of John Carpenter's "Halloween" (1978). The result? A film so ahead of its time that the audience didn't know what to make of it--relatively goreless and sex-free (our killer offs his teen victims BEFORE they get a chance to score), "Student Bodies" approaches an "Airplane!"-style level of pull-all-stops humor (albeit on a shoestring budget) that remains surprisingly tasteful, even in the midst of cracks about necrophilia and a farting corpse. The opening 15 minutes alone stuffs in references to "Halloween," "When a Stranger Calls," "The Prowler," and even Dario Argento's gialli (our killer's gloved hands figure heavily into the plot); the filmmakers superimpose a helpful "body count" tally plus other deliciously obvious mistakes the characters make (a door kept unlocked, for instance). I only have one major complaint about the film: even at a scant 86 minutes, it goes on for too long, halting to a crawl during a prom sequence that unwisely tries to build some suspense to accompany the humor (though I will give the climax credit for successfully managing to lampoon "Carrie," "Psycho," and even "The Tenant"). That being said, "Student Bodies" is a fine, funny horror lampoon, even more resonant in the fact that, despite its early placement in the slasher pantheon, it still manages to nail all the clichés that have afflicted the genre ever since.

Mickey Rose, one of Woody Allen's early collaborators wrote and directed this screwball take on the horror films of the late 70's/ early 80's. A mysterious killer who wears also black and kills it's victims with some very unusual weapons stalks a group of overage high school students. The Breather is it's name. The killer likes to taunt the school officials and brag to the local authorities about the crimes. Unfortunately the film was plagued by one huge problem, the lack of funds and Mickey Rose had to bail out of the project before it was completed. The equally mysterious Alan Smithee took over and completed the picture. I found this film to be highly entertaining. It's sad that a film like this has been neglected and unheard of for the past twenty years. A rarity like this should not be missed.

Highly recommended.

Definitely a Cult Classic! The spoof of the HOT 80's horror flicks were great! I definitely enjoyed the movie so much, I recorded it on VHS, bought the video, and won on E*bay the DVD! If U LOVE spoofs and Cult Classics, U will LOVE this one! Now, if ONLY I could find some horse head book ends! I will never look at egg plants, gum (non sugarless), paper clips, and rubber gloves the same! PS...Malford should definitely get that fixed! LOVE it! This is a movie ALL young teenagers should see before going to the Prom, The Big Dance, and now, the Big Funeral! LOL! How about the scene where...Oh wait, for those of U who haven't seen it, maybe I should not go on...just let U rent it for yourself! ANY good video store should carry it!