Nightmare Weekend

Mid-80’s cult oddity is creative and entertaining, but loses its mojo in the second half

Three college females in central Florida are enlisted for an experiment that supposedly improves behavior by a woman of dubious morality (Debbie Laster), the assistant of a genius computer scientist. The latter’s loving daughter (Debra Hunter) falls for a courier who works for the psychotic woman (Dale Midkiff) while a couple of lustful barflies are attracted to the proceedings due to the alluring gals. Havoc ensues.

Made by a French crew in Florida, "Nightmare Weekend" (1986) is not an example of great filmmaking, but it is entertaining to a point with imaginative bits, several attractive women and amusing thrills. One of the “imaginative bits” is an Artificial Intelligence puppet named George, which acts as Jessica’s buddy and counselor at home.

Debra Hunter (Jessica), Lori Lewis (Annie) and Kimberley Stahl (Pamela) are highlights on the feminine front. Andrea Thompson of the forthcoming NYPD Blue is also on hand as Linda while Kim Dossin plays Mary-Rose.

The second half becomes tedious because the flick is sidetracked by redundant softcore sequences and generally just doesn’t live up to the potential of the set-up. There are other issues, such as the dialogue being dubbed and not matching the character’s lips, not to mention somewhat nonsensical filmmaking (storytelling). So, this isn’t a good movie, technically speaking, but it’s kinda fun for those interested in low-budget weirdness and all things mid-80’s, as long as a little nudity doesn’t offend you.

The film runs 1 hour, 25 minutes, and was shot in Ocala, Florida.

GRADE: C