geek

1. A person regarded as foolish, inept, or clumsy.
2. A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept.
3. A carnival performer whose show consists of bizarre acts, such as biting the head off a live chicken.

For our purposes, we're sticking with definition number 3 here.

God only knows why I find this film so appealing, but I do. Luther The Geek is one of those thoroughly entertaining 'really bad movies,' that's usually billed as a 'guilty pleasure.' I really hate that term too, I mean, why should anyone feel guilty for liking a movie? Make no mistake about it; no one in his or her right mind would ever (or should ever) identify Luther as a good movie, that's for sure. It's enjoyable because of the gore, classic nudity, wacky characters and its many, many jaw droppingly bad scenes. Don't look for a great story, likeable characters or social commentary, because you won't find it here.

As with any good 'bad' movie, Luther begins with a flashback. That's right. The purpose of said flashback is to inform the viewer as to why certain characters are as fucked up as they are. In this instance, said character being Luther. At a young age, Luther bears witness to a 'geek' locked in a cage, teased and taunted for the townsfolk amusement. Something is sparked in young Luther, the next scene being that of Luther sharpening his metal teeth. Up for parole (and now an adult apparently), Luther has seemingly been imprisoned for committing grisly acts of murder (receiving multiple life sentences), yet still parole is granted, go figure. There's no reason for this young man to be granted parole, other than to set him free on a killing spree for this film.

No sooner is Luther let loose on the streets that he starts harassing the townsfolk. Luther acts inappropriate at the super market and attacks a young woman outside who's dressed to look like she's an older woman. I wasn't fooled and you won't be either. Luther makes his way to a farmhouse and imprisons a young woman returning home with some groceries. Soon after, the woman's daughter returns for a visit from college with her new boyfriend. The two (thinking they are alone) run around naked, shower and touch each other a lot. And they also put up a fight for their lives; cause Luther's back in town with his chomping metal teeth and he's ready for some neck biting.

Not much of what's happening here is all that believable, but at the same time, it's like a car wreck you can't turn away from. I know it's cliche, but it's true. This young girl returns home after being away for months, and doesn't think it's 'odd' that the window in the door to the house is smashed in. She chalks it up to her mom forgetting her keys; "She's always forgetting something since dad died." Right. But at the same time, as a dirty, dirty exploitation flick, Luther does a lot of it right. The gore is over the top, with about 5 gratuitous scenes of neck biting (Ironically enough, the director talks about how he wanted to tone down some of the gore). Luther never says a word, he just clucks like a chicken and gets really angry when people don't understand him. When this young girl returns from school, she doesn't waste any time getting in the shower, but then again, she's got quite a rack on display here, so I really don't blame her. I'm not going to lie to you, 15 years ago, I wore my tape out at this scene...if you know what I mean, and I think you do. Too much information probably.

How does the audio and video hold up? We're talking full frame and strictly VHS quality. This appears to be a direct port from a tape master. Quality is acceptable, but know what you are getting into. Colors are muted and there is some of that classic VHS ghosting present. Dark scenes are just that, super dark. Luther isn't going to look any different than you may remember it. Some of the behind-the-scenes footage is presented widescreen, so it's hard to know how Luther was meant to be exhibited. While the full frame transfer is the way we've always viewed the film, there's no telling if there's another ratio that would be more fitting.

Extras are split up into two different sections - those that are related to Luther and those that are related to Troma. But we begin with a intro from Troma head honcho, Lloyd Kaufman which is pretty risque (and really funny) to say the least. Luther extras include. Outtakes with commentary from director Carlton J Albright. The scenes included here are 'Old Woman Attack,' 'Luther Getting Shot,' 'Fight Between Luther and Police Officer' and 'The Shower Scene.' Basically we're presented with a lot of the raw footage that was used to piece these scenes together (with director commentary). Lots of extra gore and of course, plenty-o extra nudity courtesy of the shower scene you pervs! Next up is a 5-minute interview with the director and a short interview with the director's son, who played 'young Luther' in the film. There's a teaser for 'The Children' another film from Carlton, and I really hope this film is being released by Troma as well...I've never even heard of this one, this trailer needs to be seen to be believed! Finally, we're presented with 'Troma's Freak Show.' Footage of the Torture King, Sword Swallower, Archery Freak and The Man Who Walks on Blades. Troma extras include the Radiation March (I still can't figure this one out and it's on all of their releases), Make Your Own Damn Movie promo, a Troma website promo, Citizen Toxie trailer, Tales From The Crapper trailer, Bloodsucking Freaks trailer and 3 short PSA's from Peta. Odd addition, disturbing footage, is it a joke?

In the end, Luther is exactly the way you remember it. Poorly made, pretty damn stupid and also VERY entertaining. If you have fond memories of renting this flick, as I do, then you'll most likely want to take a trip down memory lane with Luther. The price is right as well. Newcomers who like their cinema so bad it's...well... bad, then Luther is also for you. Well worth the price of admission solely based on the films' 5 or so scenes of neck biting, humans clucking like chickens and Miss Jiggly's shower scene, enjoy!