Reviewed by Melissa Antoinette Garza
I have always loved Frankie Avalon. Back when my husband and I first got together, we watched Back to the Beach (1987) on our first date. He had told me how much he enjoyed it so back when Netflix only sent DVDs, I had it sent to me. It was a fun little movie and displayed the Frankie Avalon everyone is accustomed to seeing. The friendly, sweet, beach loving singer that starred beside Annette Funicello did what he does best in Back to the Beach.
Blood Song, though coming out only three years prior, displays a much different, darker and surprisingly even more fun Avalon. The film opens with Paul, a very young boy, playing a small wooden flute as his parents are murdered by a deranged priest who then turns the gun on himself.
Years later, Paul escapes from an institution with his small flute in hand. He begins a killing spree, but is a likable murderer. After all, he’s portrayed by Frankie Avalon.
Meanwhile, Marion (Donna Wilkes) is a teenager who obtained a blood transfusion from Paul and has a psychic connection with him. Making things worse, she’s disabled because of her abusive drunk father. He got into an accident and though he feels guilty, he’s still an overall dick to both her and her mother.
Marion keeps having dreams of Paul. She sees him kill each victim and is certain that he is going to come after her next. She’s not wrong.
The conclusion shows the two go against each other in an absurd cat-and-mouse chase. Paul is absolutely hilarious. From his screaming, “you hurt me! You really hurt me,” to his over-the-top laughing as he stalks Marion.
Avalon sells this movie. He’s ridiculous but it works. There isn’t a scary moment in the film but nonetheless it’s awesome. The ending is as deranged as the rest of the movie.
It’s too bad that Avalon couldn’t pursue his natural calling of the flamboyant, insane serial killer he was born to play.
While watching any true horror fan will find themselves rooting for Paul. He’s not a bad guy. Sure, he’s a killer and even enjoys murdering, but he’s not a bad guy. He’s just crazy and cool and charming in a psychotic way.
Overall, I highly recommend this movie. It won’t disappoint and will only leave one wanting more.
Scared Stiff Rating: 7/10
