Goofy, satirical, gleefully anarchic Roger Corman film has some good ideas in its "Logan's Run" type tale of a deadly biological weapon eliminating everybody on Earth - or at least in the United States - over the age of 25. The admittedly very thin story sees irreverent character Coel (Bob Corff) make the acquaintance of young scientist Cilla (Elaine Giftos), and the way they meet assorted other characters while on a journey to find some kind of hippie Utopia that they've heard about. Some of the other people they run into are music-obsessed Marissa (Cindy Williams), her boyfriend Carlos (Ben Vereen), Hooper (Bud Cort), and Coralee (Talia Shire).
The review in the annual Leonard Maltin paperback guide to movies indicates that this film was "re-edited against Cormans' wishes", which makes one think that a more coherent and well thought out narrative might have been the original plan. The finished film is a wild and crazy smörgåsbord of chaotic scenes, and not enough story to really tie it all together. The actors DO get a chance to create some memorable characters. Corff is very engaging and funny in the lead, and gets strong support from his sexy leading lady Giftos. References are made to other Corman films; for one thing, Edgar Allan Poe (Bruce Karcher), Lenore, and a raven pop up on occasion to pass commentary on the action. Screenwriter George Armitage (who appears on screen as Billy the Kid) takes the opportunity to make some clever and funny jokes and make political statements, but for a while the movie is just a little too loud and loose. It actually gets better as it progresses.
Both in terms of the movies that he directed and the SCORES of movies that he's produced, Corman certainly has achieved an amazing cinematic legacy, but even so there are efforts like "Gas!" that may not be well remembered today. It's very much of its time, but it's still entertaining and worth a look for Corman devotees.
Six out of 10.
The review in the annual Leonard Maltin paperback guide to movies indicates that this film was "re-edited against Cormans' wishes", which makes one think that a more coherent and well thought out narrative might have been the original plan. The finished film is a wild and crazy smörgåsbord of chaotic scenes, and not enough story to really tie it all together. The actors DO get a chance to create some memorable characters. Corff is very engaging and funny in the lead, and gets strong support from his sexy leading lady Giftos. References are made to other Corman films; for one thing, Edgar Allan Poe (Bruce Karcher), Lenore, and a raven pop up on occasion to pass commentary on the action. Screenwriter George Armitage (who appears on screen as Billy the Kid) takes the opportunity to make some clever and funny jokes and make political statements, but for a while the movie is just a little too loud and loose. It actually gets better as it progresses.
Both in terms of the movies that he directed and the SCORES of movies that he's produced, Corman certainly has achieved an amazing cinematic legacy, but even so there are efforts like "Gas!" that may not be well remembered today. It's very much of its time, but it's still entertaining and worth a look for Corman devotees.
Six out of 10.