976-EVIL

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

976-EVIL

Directed by	Robert Englund
Produced by	Lisa M. Hansen
Written by	Rhet Topham & Brian Helgeland
Starring	Robert Picardo Stephen Geoffreys Patrick O'Bryan Sandy Dennis Jim Metzler Maria Rubell Lezlie Deane
Music by	Thomas Chase Steve Rucker
Cinematography	Paul Elliott
Editing by	Stephen R. Myers
Distributed by	New Line Cinema
Release date(s)	March 22, 1989 (USA)
Running time	92 min
Country	USA
Language	English
Budget	Unknown
Gross revenue	$2,955,917 (USA)
Followed by	976-EVIL II: The Astral Factor
IMDb profile

976-EVIL is a 1989 horror film directed by Robert Englund who played Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm Street series.

[edit] Plot

The movie centers around cousins, Spike (Patrick O'Bryan) and Hoax (Stephen Geoffreys), both teenagers who live with Hoax's overtly religious mother Lucy (Sandy Dennis). While Spike is the neighborhood motorcycle bad boy, Hoax is an introverted nerd. Even though Spike genuinely cares for his cousin and protects him from bullies, Hoax is filled with resentment that he cannot stand up for himself or get the girl he wants (both of which Spike does effortlessly).

Both boys happen upon 976-EVIL, which on the surface is just a novelty phone line that gives creepy-themed fortunes for a few dollars. However, the line is actually used by Satan to subtly corrupt mortals into his bidding. Spike loses interest in the line quickly, but Hoax soon discovers the true nature of the line and uses it to get revenge on everyone who has wronged him.

Soon Hoax's spirit is almost entirely consumed by Satan, who possesses Hoax to cause death and destruction, culminating in an opening to Hell appearing before their house. Spike confronts Hoax, but is quickly overpowered. In a desperate last ploy, he calls earnestly to his cousin, reminding him of the plans they had to take a vacation that summer.

Hoax's fleeting soul resurfaces briefly, and realizes his horrible mistake and embraces Spike, begging for help. Spike, realizing Hoax is lost and cannot be separated from the demonic presence, betrays his cousin and throws him into the pit of Hell.