lampmuz Reviews

Split Image (1982)

Great cast and film score!

[30 September 2003]

This 1982 film is supported by a great cast and film score by Bill Conti (Rocky, FX.) Filmed largely in Dallas and Texas, this anti-cult film deals with basically the same subject as a Canadian film released the previous year. Ticket To Heaven (1981) also has a great cast and for me is a much more entertaining and realistic film. TTH deals with the true story of a depressed young man getting caught up in the cult of Sun-Yung Moon, while Split Image portrays the identity crisis of a young man who is seeking answers beyond the sometimes shallow lives of his family and friends. His confusion leads him to a new-age cult, where he finds the leader to be even more sinister and devoid of answers than those he runs away from. While many of life's questions can be answered by the Bible, proper spiritual guidance and direction is essential, particularly for those who are not mature enough to seek God on their own.

Ticket to Heaven (1981)

One of two early '80s anti-cult "cult classics."

[30 September 2003]

This 1981 film is supported by a great cast and film score. The careers of Rubinek, Cattrall and Mancuso were boosted by this excellent film. An anti-cult film, "Ticket To Heaven" (1981) shares a similar subject with "Split Image," released the following year. TTH, for me, is a much more entertaining and realistic film. Filled with dramatic moments and fine performances, it deals with the true story of a depressed young man drifting into the cult of Sun-Yung Moon. "Split Image" (1982) portrays the identity crisis of a young man seeking answers beyond the illusions of his own shallow life and those of his family and friends. His search leads him to a new-age cult, where he finds the leader and his goals to be more sinister and empty than the life he ran away from. Carried by the cast and a fine music score by Bill Conti, "Split Image" doesn't provide the realistic, powerful performances from the lead characters that make TTH the choice between the two. Both films communicate worthy messages and deserve a look. While many of life's questions can be answered by the Bible, proper spiritual guidance and direction is essential, particularly for those who are not mature enough to seek God on their own. At the time these films were released, cults were very active and predatory. Today's youth are more likely to drift into new-age or satanic cults than Christian ones or, perhaps more likely, choose a life that is without spiritual goals or substance. Both these films can help by providing some answers or by stimulating thought on subjects that might otherwise be avoided.

The Curse of Inferno (1997)

Pauly Shore really can act!

[7 July 2002]

Finally saw this film semi-complete on a local TV station. This may be Pauly Shore's best film due to the script and the supporting cast. The sidekick Harold is one of the best "dumb guy" characters I've seen. Janine Turner as the beautiful local deputy and Ned Beatty in his standard "southern bad guy" role really round out the acting ensemble. The script is just funny enough with enough plot twists to keep it interesting. But mostly what makes this film work is Pauly in a semi-serious role with a Texas accent and a chance to show us that he really can act.