Maya (1989)

Director:

Marcello Avallone

Writers:

Marcello Avallone, Andrea Purgatori,

Stars:

Peter Phelps, Mariella Valentini, Erich Wildpret

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Peter Phelps	...	Peter
Mariella Valentini	...	Lisa Slivak
Erich Wildpret	...	Larry
Cyrus Elias	...	Dr. Santos
Mariangélica Ayala	...	Jahaira
Mirella D'Angelo	...	Laura
Antonello Fassari	...	Sid
Antonella Angelucci	...	Maria
Tullio Cavalli
Vilma Ramia
Enrique Soto
William Berger	...	Salomon Slivak
Gustavo Camacho
Samantha Ceballos
Sosimo Hernandez

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

mountain | mexico | impalement | pen | mirror | 

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Genres:

Horror

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Details

Country:

Italy

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

March 1989 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Maya, O Ritual de Fogo

Filming Locations:

Elios Studios, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Reteitalia, Trio Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Totally watchable obscurity

I concur with the other posters who enjoyed this film. It probably helps if you are a general fan of horror films from all eras, as this is pure 80s. It has none of the superficial and formulaic surface noise that constitutes the cinematic vernacular of the modern 'horror' blockbuster. No back-lit trees; dry ice; or glossy, glamorous young leads screaming their pretty heads off. Instead, you get a fairly gritty and atmospheric offering based on a relatively original premise. Yes, there is the classic 80s/horror staple of the obnoxious pair of punks who are just begging to be killed off. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find a bigger dick, more deserving of supernatural death, than the leader of this punk duo. He is hilarious, and probably the weakest part of the film; although 80s afficionados can certainly enjoy his character for what it is. Also, there is suspect dubbing and acting, but that's just par for the course. I was never bored during this film, and I think a main factor in this is that there are many characters involved in the plot, and the director has done a very economical job of providing just enough involvement and back-story for each to move the film along nicely, yet still involve them in the narrative. Not hugely gory, but there are some good set pieces; and some foxy (in my book) women half naked. This is never a bad thing. Overall, a decent flick - I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. If you are a genre fan, and especially like 80s horror, then seek this out.