"I cannot recall the last time I saw a film so silly, that has taken itself so seriously"
Lawrence P. Raffel after viewing the film The Land of College Prophets.

While a summation is probably due, I find that a summation here would be pointless. Like trying to offer up a solid description of films like Eraserhead, Donnie Darko or Chatterbox (look it up). Now, I'm not necessarily comparing The Land of College Prophets to the aforementioned films...I'm using them to illustrate a point. Some films, whether good or bad, defy explanation. It would be easier by far for one to express why they liked or disliked said film than it would for them to come up with an eloquent and/or discernible description. And really the only way to do this is to experience the film for one's self.

College Prophets centers on a group of oddball characters at a local (where else?) college, with names like Third Reich Jones, Rye and the more commonly named Tommy. They wear (what can only be described as) crazy post apocalyptic outfits like military uniforms (which is eventually explained because of a themed restaurant), priests' garb (also explained) and a deck of playing cards strapped to their arm as if they were a pack of cigarettes. These characters look as if they were taken straight out of the darkness that is Escape From New York or Bronx Warriors, yet the story takes place amongst flowers and greenery on the (what appears to be) calm college campus.

Bizarre.

Despite the apparent calmness, conflict seems to be all around. But when an evil spirit is unleashed from a mysterious well, the entire town is apparently affected. The so called 'Prophets' are not only forced to fight against each other, but also pink ninjas, mutated creatures of some sort and much, much more.

Stranger and stranger still.

As with many a bargain basement DV production, Land of College Prophets has its ups and downs along with its strengths and weaknesses. With Prophets though, the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses and those strengths are uncommonly strong for such a low budget effort. Characters are at the heart of the film, and without them, Prophets would have fallen flat. But it doesn't, because these characters are drawn out exceptionally well. Along with the screenplay which is more often solid than it is flimsy, it's still worth noting that the script does evoke a few "Why did they go there?" moans/groans.

But not many.

The story is far fetched, inane and completely unfamiliar, at times, hard to follow, but in the end...ultimately satisfying. Simply stated...because of how seriously the subject matter is taken. We are after all, dealing with what can only be categorized as a cult film. Prophets, with its slick DV look and ambitious all around efforts is certainly worth a look for the truly adventurous moviegoer or those looking for a fun time, away from the cinematic norm. If you picture yourself hanging around the den with a few friends, some pizza rolls and a Pabst pounder, College Prophets could be fine accompaniment to such a scenario. Since I reviewed a DVD-R screener, it would be difficult for me to comment on the official final product. The Land of College Prophets is available from York Entertainment. Check it out.