Don't Go Near the Park

Watch Don't Go Near the Park

"They were cursed to eternal life at the cost of their souls!"
  • R
  • 1981
  • 1 hr 20 min
  • 3.5  (858)

Don't Go Near the Park is a horror movie that was released in 1979. It is directed and co-written by Lawrence David Foldes, who also appears in the movie. The film stars Aldo Ray as a prehistoric cannibal who is cursed with eternal life and must sacrifice young women in order to maintain his youth. Meeno Peluce plays his son and accomplice, while Tammy Taylor portrays one of their victims.

The movie starts with a voiceover that explains the backstory of the cannibal and his son. According to legend, they are the last of a tribe of prehistoric beings that were cursed by a witch doctor to live forever as punishment for their cannibalism. Every few hundred years, they must sacrifice young women in order to restore their youth and vitality. The voiceover also warns viewers not to go near the park (referring to a specific park in Los Angeles) where the cannibal and his son are said to reside.

The main plot of the movie centers around a teenage boy named Lacey (played by Peluce) and his sister Wendy (played by Linnea Quigley, in an uncredited role), who are both immortal due to their father being one of the cursed cannibals. Lacey and Wendy are estranged, and Lacey is searching for his father in order to learn more about their lineage. Meanwhile, a group of young women are being abducted and killed in the park by the cannibal and his son.

One of the victims, Roxy (played by Taylor), survives and goes to the police. She describes the cannibal and his son, which leads the police to investigate Lacey and his father. Lacey is taken into custody and questioned, but he insists that he has nothing to do with the murders. Eventually, Lacey and the police realize that they are dealing with supernatural beings and that they must find a way to stop them before they can sacrifice more women.

Don't Go Near the Park is notable for its graphic violence and gore, which includes scenes of decapitation, dismemberment, and cannibalism. The special effects are relatively low-budget, but effective in creating a sense of terror and horror. The movie also features some supernatural elements, such as Lacey's ability to teleport and manipulate matter.

One of the weaknesses of the movie is its acting, which is generally unremarkable. Aldo Ray is convincing as the cannibal, but his performance is somewhat one-dimensional. Meeno Peluce is adequate as Lacey, but his character lacks depth. Tammy Taylor is given little to do as Roxy other than appear frightened and vulnerable.

Overall, Don't Go Near the Park is a B-movie horror flick that will appeal to fans of the genre. It is not a particularly well-made or memorable movie, but it has its moments of terror and gore. The plot is thin and predictable, but it serves as a vehicle for the gruesome set pieces. The movie's low budget and amateurish qualities are part of its charm, and it is likely to entertain viewers who enjoy schlocky horror movies.

Don't Go Near the Park
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Description
  • Release Date
    1981
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 20 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    3.5  (858)