The Forbidden Zone

Released in 1982, and directed by Richard Elfman (yes! Danny Elfman's brother!) and based upon the Mystic Knights of Oingo Boingo! Only less than a handful of semi-notable actors are in this film-that one being Herve Villechaize playing King Fausto of the Sixth Dimenstion (although Danny Elfman does have a cameo as the Devil doing a cover of "Minnie the Moocher" with some slight lyrical changes. hilarity ensue.) A winner and must-see of all low-budget films!

Where do I begin with this one? HA! Well, the Hercules family (consisting of a myriad of the Elfmans' actual family members and friends since the movie was so low-budget) move in to a house that has an entrance to the 6th Dimension in the basement. That area of the house is forbidden for the children to go to, yet one day Frenchy somehow manages to finagle her way down there. Her brother Flash and Gramps figure out where she has gotten to and decide to try and save her all while trying to avoid the Queen of the Sixth Dimension, her guard Frog, and an assortment of other obstacles. Flash and Gramps have to save Frenchy because apparently King Fausto has fallen madly in love with her with one look, and now Queen Doris is incredibly jealous and is plotting to rid the Sixth Dimension of King Fausto's new infatuation.

This is definitely one of those movies you need to see more the once (preferably not more than once in the same day, for your brain might die). Also, this must be seen with an open mind, otherwise the overwhelming awesome-ness may be just that- totally overwhelming! From the outrageous one-liners ("I ain't goin' nowhere, you honky bitch!") to the inherent racism, to the ridiculous musical-danny-elfman-esque chic, this is a definite (lesser known) cult classic. It is also the first movie Danny Elfman wrote the score to. I tried introducing some of my friends to it- they just really don't understand and don't appreciate it. Haters.

Also-be warned that many of the women in this movie are topless with very unsexy panties on.

There is also a release date set for sometime this year of the Forbidden Zone 2: The Forbidden Galaxy. YES! I am super excited for this one.