Unreleased films have always
fascinated me. It’s hard for me to fathom a studio or a producer investing
so much time and money into a project, only to turn around and decide not to
release it, be it theatrical or otherwise. I can remember reading about an unreleased
Roger Corman produced "Fantastic Four" film back in the 1990s and
absolutely chomping at the bit to get me hands on it. The simple fact that the
movie existed had my brain whirling. Why would they choose not to release it?
Was it really that bad? I had to see this movie! A buddy of mine was eventually
able to acquire a hazy VHS copy of said film and well… it’s still
better then those two turds Jessica Alba was in. That day I learned a valuable
lesson. There is generally a very good reason why a producer or a studio would
decide to sit on a film rather than release it to the public.
Stan Bates (Gregory Calpakis) has gotten used to riding the bench, but this
year looks likes it’s going to be his season to shine. Not because he’s
stepped up his game or because his jump shot has improved, but because a killer
who calls himself the Dribbler has been killing his team mates, one by one.
Donning a comical basketball mask, the Dribbler has been taking his anger out
on which ever poor sap happens to be team captain at the time. Despite his chances
of getting to play increasing with each murder, Stan's lack of confidence has
him doubting both himself and his abilities as a baller. Taking extreme measures
Stan undergoes hypnosis to boost his confidence, hopeful that he will finally
get a chance to prove to his father, Master Bates - who with his pipe always
at the ready bears a remarkable likeness to J. R. "Bob" Dobbs, the
iconic figurehead of the Church of the SubGenius - and his introverted goth
girlfriend, that he has what it takes to lead the school to victory.
I’ve seen much worse mind you but NIGHT OF THE DRIBBLER is pretty damn bad. The picture's biggest problem is that it falls into the unfortunate category of "just plain forgettable". If Code Red hadn’t released it, I doubt this title would have shown up on anybody's radar, whether they had seen it before or not. Horror elements are almost non-existent as the film's kills are played for comedy rather than scares, establishing shots establish absolutely nothing and the gratuitous shower scene, the one place in which the film could have found itself a saving grace, features no gratuitous nudity! Considering it’s supposed to be a comedy, one would at least hope that a few of the jokes would strike a chord but sadly most deflate before their punchlines get a chance to hit their mark. The few moments of levity that do briefly raise their head are almost always thanks to comedian and impressionist Fred Travalena, who sadly passed away in June of 2009.
DRIBBLER
is structured as a showcase for Fred, who plays multiple roles throughout the
film, including hardnosed detective Danny Gibson, an obvious nod to LETHAL WEAPON,
and stern Coach Cherry. Both characters have running gags that are, in a word,
tedious. Travalena’s best character is the appropriately monikered, Dick
Airhead, a sports radio caster in desperate need of ritalin. As Dick, Fred rattles
off one impression after the other, occasionally educing a harrumph or two but
any chance of an actual laugh or even the hint of a giggle are quickly shot
down by the film's general lack of appeal.
Released
for the first time anywhere, NIGHT OF THE DRIBBLER is presented full-frame in
a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, per the director’s request. Having been locked
in a vault for close to two decades, I imagine the picture looks as good as
it’s ever going to. The print shows no signs of wear or tear and coloring
is sufficient, though the image does often lack detail. Audio is on hand in
a Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track.
Extras include an audio commentary track with star Fred Travalena and Scott
Spiegel (INTRUDER), moderated by “Beat the Geeks” Movie Geek, Marc
Edward Hueck. The three men spend most of the track pointing out the film's
obvious flaws and in doing so, are a thousand times funnier than the film itself.
Fred also gets a chance to talk about his career, including his many late night
television guest appearances as well as showcasing a number of his impressions.
A six minute on camera interview with Gerorge Thomas allows the actor to explain
why his character “Hi Top” walks and talks like Elvis and is presented
alongside the film's original trailer. Trailers for CHEERLEADERS WILD WEEKEND,
DEVIL'S EXPRESS, STUNT ROCK, WEEKEND MURDERS, THE INTERNECINE PROJECT and RITUALS,
whose DVD release was recently delayed by Code Red (a damn shame since the trailer
does such a tremendous job of wetting one's appetite), are also included to
round out a rather befuddling release from Code Red. (Jason
McElreath)