St. Patrick’s Day 2008 with SquidFlicks
Intro
You can figure out that the death of a film series has truly happened when they are launched in space. It’s happened in “Critters 4”, “Jason X”, and was even talked about for a Halloween sequel as well. It’s no exception either in the 1997 direct to video release of Brian Trenchard Smith’s “Leprechaun 4: In Space.”
Dialogue
The horrible script was written by Dennis A. Pratt, also writer of “Kickboxer 3: The Art of War”. The entry could have been a interesting addition to the series, but awful dialogue kept that from happening. The dialogue for the leprechaun even seemed too corny. Just simply awful.
Acting
One of the few highlights of this entry is the under appreciated cast who put more effort into the movie than it probably deserves. Jessica Collins is a delight as Dr. Tina Reeves, overshadowing Lee Armstrong’s leading lady role from the prior film. Brent Jasmer is personable enough in his role as Sergeant “Books” Malloy, he just doesn’t have the overwhelming natural charisma John Gatins had in “Leprechaun 3”. Rebekah Carlton is good as the Dominian Princess Zarina while veteran actor Miguel A. Nunez Jr. turns in another venerable performance as Sticks, adding to his list of horror credentials. Guy Siner makes a fair Dr. Mittenhand, but often times Gary Grossman steals scenes as Mittenhand’s assistant Harold. The best support is provided by Tim Colceri as Sergeant Hooker. His transformation from a metal head marine into a transvestite assassin has to be seen to be believed. While the new cast stands out in this one, Warwick Davis’ acting is old hat. He doesn’t shimmer with the brilliant enjoyment he displayed in the previous three films. He’s not exactly bored by the proceedings either, just overly familiar with the material he’s been given.
Plot
There’s a variety of new elements being added to this sequel; some of them work while others fall horribly flat. The worst aspects come from contrived plot points involving genetic experimentation and flat, lackluster settings that make the production feel unnecessarily claustrophobic. Even the Leprechaun’s lair in the opening moments of the movie feels tiny and cramped, unlike the beseeming scope of the one utilized in “Leprechaun 2.”
Music
I didn’t think after viewing “Leprechaun 3”, that Dennis Tenny could do a worse job at composing a feature, boy was I wrong!! If your gonna have music sounding like this, your better off just using some royalty free music instead it would be WAY better than this.
Overall
Overall this is a sinker. The entire series isn’t one to take seriously but this is as low as it gets. Well, really the two sequels that follow this, “Leprechaun in the Hood” and “Leprechaun: Back 2 tha Hood” are as bad as it gets.
2/5 Reels
Dying Squid Rating
Rent Only!!!
Trailer
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T87XAihvd-I
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