“Blood Rage,” the 1987 slasher featured here as part of the Joe Bob Briggs Thanksgiving horror movie marathon on Shudder, is surprisingly strong despite its lame title. It’s not without its drawbacks mind you; it’s messy and poorly acted for the most part, although the score is neat and the death scenes are impressively done with practical effects. The plot is somehow both overstuffed and lightweight, but the climax is memorable. In one of her stranger roles, Louise Lasser gives a manic but undeniably fascinating performance, which isn’t lost on Joe Bob. As a matter of fact, he seems to enjoy discussing her peculiar career at length, which gives the whole thing an undeniable, esoteric charm. Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl (Diana Prince) have snippy and jovial exchanges that are as entertaining as they are endearing.
Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)
