SHOCK CHAMBER (1985)
aka DEADLY PURSUIT
Directed by Steve DiMarco
Vector Video VHS
Reviewed 06.08.06
Review by Joseph A. Ziemba

THE FILM
Seven minutes, fifty-three seconds. I've had enough.

One hour, seven minutes, four seconds. An old woman in Shock Chamber's wraparound segment asks, "Well, had enough?" Granny, your foresight is impeccable.

Watching Shock Chamber is like riding a bus cross-country in the middle of August with 80 year old strangers. You can search for a way out, but it's all in vain. This is a protracted shot on video (SOV) anthology from Ontario's Emmeritus Productions (first broadcast on TV, then released by the louts at Vector Video) that pelts you with defiance. Feel like watching a movie? Shock Chamber says to go hump yourself. There's no time for pettiness when exploring the intracacies of elevator buttons.

Instant anthology! Our wraparound story concerns an ancient woman at a funeral and the reporter who interviews her. About her quadruplet sons. At the funeral. "A Symbol Of Victory" relates the story of Ron, a nerdy buffoon who drugs his Dad's secretary with a love potion. Ron walks around, watches TV, and says, "We should go steady." In "Country Hospitality," a stylin' stud stops for gas in a hick town and falls for a waitress. Coke product placement leads to shovel fights and people talking about tainted money. Then, we have "The Injection." Not sure what this one was about, but it had something to do with a life insurance salesman and a stinging Robert DeNiro impression. It stung me.

If Terrifying Tales was a few seconds behind Ghost Stories: Graveyard Thrillers in the insufferable backyard anthology race, Shock Chamber finished last week. There's no horror. The pace has both feet stuck in the mud. The homely actors are recycled from story to story, just with more or less mousse up top. The plastic synth music cues are embarassing. In the end, this bland, burdening, COPS meets Days Of Our Lives soul-sucker has every right to be touchy. The SOV gods (or director Steve "My Secret Identity" DiMarco, whichever came first) weren't just mean; they were downright ruthless.

AUDIO AND VIDEO
Flat and depressing, just like the film. Looks a lot like Blood Cult, minus the room-brightening salads. The box art hits a bullseye, though.

EXTRAS
No FBI warning, no logo montage, and no class. Way to go, Vector.

FINAL THOUGHTS
As it turns out, Canada was indeed responsible for the international distribution of a SOV trash film aside from Splatter: Architects In Fear. As it turns out, I don't care. Uneventful and agonizing, this is by far the most challenging 1980s SOV experience you'll ever sleep through. Had enough?

Ron T. Dickie


The DeNiro®


Canadian girls do it better


Settled with a duel