Heavy Metal
Sponsored by
1981 | R | Animation, Action | d. Gerald Potterton
John Candy, Harold Ramis, Eugene Levy
No one under 13 admitted
Proof from some years back that animation is not always for children. An adult 'cartoon', the film sprung from the unusual and graphic exploitation-mag, Heavy Metal, and remains one of the most popular pictures on the 'midnight movie' circuit (especially for those who like their movies dark and darker). As told by its 'star', The Loch-nar - 'a radiant green orb who embodies evil' - Heavy Metal is a compilation of nine short segments that lives up to the movies original tagline, 'A Step Beyond Science Fiction.' The closest thing to American anime – don’t see this movie by yourself. - JB
Heavy Metal was an outgrowth of the often exploitative comic magazine of the same name, with graphic sci-fi and fantasy tales. It's also a hybrid, a holdover from the 1970s era of X-rated adult cartoons but with an anthology film format (akin to the classic horror anthologies). Yes, it's full of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, sexist stereotypes and few deep ideas (though linked by a sinister, glowing green rock, well voiced by the uncredited Percy Rodriguez). However, the film also cleverly uses rock music from Blue Oyster Cult, Sammy Hagar, and Devo (amusingly underscoring the credits with “Working in a Coal Mine”) and the design and animation credits are a who's who. Heavy Metal magazine contributors Richard Corben, Neal Adams, and Angus McKie all worked on it, lending some variety to the designs; segments were animated by the studios of John Coates (Yellow Submarine) and John Halas (Animal Farm). The ensemble voice cast, most in multiple roles, include SCTV regulars John Candy (in the best remembered segment, “Den”), Eugene Levy, Harold Ramis, and Joe Flaherty, as well as John Vernon (Animal House). Loud, colorful, and unrepentantly adolescent, Heavy Metal is a celebration of the early 80s and the illicit joy of dirty magazines under the bedcovers. - AL