Directed by: Paul Bunnell
Starring: Will Keenan, De Anna Joy Brooks, Reggie Bannister, Creed Bratton, Kevin McCarthy
Production Company: Ottermole Moving Picture Co.
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 106 minutes
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
Who doesn’t love the old school 50’s sci-fi films? Well this one will transport you back to that wonderful time. “The Ghastly Love of Johnny X” is a fantastic tribute to that genre. It is able to compliment it so well without coming off as spoofing it. If that wasn’t cool enough, this is a musical…that’s right a full off break-into-song musical. One question: Where can I buy the soundtrack? Backed with stylized musical numbers, snappy dialogue, and beautifully photographed in black and white, this is a guaranteed fun time for all.
The film follows Johnny X (Keenan) and his gang The Ghastly Ones, from outer space, who get banished to planet Earth. They are hunting a woman named Bliss, who stole Johnny’s suit, but not just a normal suit…a resurrection suit. The suit has magical powers that can control the will of others for anyone that wears it. Johnny gets caught up with show promoter, King Clayton (Bannister), who also needs the suit to insure that legendary rock star Mickey O’ Flynn completes his big comeback concert. Things go array when Mickey drops dead, gets resurrected and heads out on the town undead.
Will Keenan really delivers another fantastic performance as Johnny X. He is suave, slick and has a lot of fun with the role. Horror fans will love seeing Phantasm’s Reggie Bannister, playing the cigar smoking King Clayton and he also sings…which is a great bonus! But wait there’s more!!! The late Kevin McCarthy, “star of 56’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers”, appears in his last role just adds to the 50’s classic and tribute from that era.
Paul Bunnell, who not only directed this but also co-wrote and co-produced, it really feels like a labor of love. I am glad there are people like him out there who are still making films from original ideas. “The Ghastly Love of Johnny X” is having its world premiere at this year’s Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose, California, on March 3rd and then hitting the festival circuit soon, so make sure not to miss this one. It is guaranteed to be an instant midnight cult classic.
