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Evil Toons
Evil Toons
Evil Toons
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Evil Toons
Laserdisc cover
Directed byFred Olen Ray
Written byFred Olen Ray
Produced byFred Olen Ray
Victoria Till
StarringDavid Carradine
Monique Gabrielle
Madison Stone
Barbara Dare
Dick Miller
CinematographyGary Graver
Edited byGreg Shorer
Music byChuck Cirino
Production
companies
American Independent Productions
Curb/Esquire Films
Distributed byPrism Entertainment Corporation
Release dates
  • October 21, 1991 (1991-10-21) (American Film Market)
  • January 8, 1992 (1992-01-08) (United States)
Running time
90 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$140,000

Evil Toons is a 1992 American live-action/adult animated comedy horror B movie written and directed by Fred Olen Ray.[1] This film is a light spoof of traditional haunted house films.[2]

Plot

[edit]

In the early 1930s, a man by the name of Gideon Fisk hangs himself in the basement of his suburban mansion home, seemingly to spite a possessed book made of human skin. In the present day, a quartet of beautiful female college students are hired to clean the now-vacant mansion over the weekend. Upon arrival, they clean the basement and find a strange dagger hidden in a chest. That night, Gideon's cursed spirit delivers the book to them at his front door. The quartet then examine the book, finding it full of sketches of bizarre monsters, some engaged in depraved sex acts.

When an incantation in the book is read, one of the drawings emerges from the book and becomes a sentient cartoon. This thing stalks and attacks the sexually liberated Roxanne, taking on her physical form after murdering her, before doing the same to her arriving football player boyfriend, Biff Bullock. The demon then plans to collect the souls of everyone in the mansion so it can be freed from its imprisonment in the book, alongside its fellow demons. After finding Biff's corpse, the remaining women call their boss, Burt, but before he can help upon his arrival, he is lured away and murdered by the demon. The women eventually discover the demon, who then murders all of them except for the sexually inexperienced Megan.

Gideon returns and aids Megan in defeating the demon, stabbing it with the strange dagger. Before the demon can return to the safety of the book, Megan throws the book into the fireplace, incinerating it and erasing the demon from existence. After explaining that he had needed another mortal's corporeal strength to destroy the book and end his decades-long curse, Gideon ascends to the afterlife. All of the demon's victims are revived the next morning, only remembering their encounters with it as nightmares. Megan then becomes horrified when the neighbor, Mr. Hinchlow, comes over with his portable television set so that the group can watch Saturday-morning cartoons.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

The film was shot in an octet of days.[3] Due to the low budget of the film, combined with the high cost of animation, the animated demon is only on screen for approximately 90 seconds in the film.[4] Director Fred Olen Ray says that mainstream Hollywood executives would not finance the film, citing risk due to the premise. He was quoted saying "Even Roger Corman turned us down" and "He said it was too risky... so we did it ourselves."[5]

The film has subtle connections to the universe of H.P. Lovecraft. Roxanne mentions Miskatonic University and the book which summons the demon into the mortal world resembles the Necronomicon.

Release

[edit]

On May 4, 2010, Infinity Entertainment Group released the 20th Anniversary Edition on DVD.[6]

Reception

[edit]

The film had received a number of negative reviews. Rotten Tomatoes reports a score of 33% based on six reviews, with an average rating of 3.29/10.[7] Critics were negative about the acting and dialogue in the film, as well as the animation quality in addition to how sparsely it appears throughout.[4]

The 2000 book, horror film encyclopedia Creature Feature, gave the film two out of five stars, stating that it was a sorry excuse for a film in regards to wasting the talents of Carradine and Miller.[8]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Evil Toons

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Evil Toons is a American live-action/adult animated B-movie written and directed by . The film blends elements of horror and humor, centering on four women hired by a to tidy an abandoned mansion, where they discover an ancient book resembling the and accidentally summon a demonic imp that begins murdering the inhabitants. Clocking in at 82 minutes, it features primarily focused on the titular evil toon character, alongside extensive and a cast including adult film actresses. The story unfolds in a spooky, isolated house previously used in other Ray productions, emphasizing low-budget effects and a spoof-like tone reminiscent of films such as and . Key cast members include as the reclusive artist who once owned the book, as the bumbling detective, in a cameo role, and as one of the sorority girls. Additional performers like contribute to the film's campy, exploitation-style vibe. Released directly to video, Evil Toons received mixed to negative reviews for its formulaic plot and amateurish production values, earning a 4.2/10 rating on from over 4,000 users and a 33% Tomatometer score on based on a small number of critic reviews (as of November 2025). Despite its among fans of 1990s B-horror, it is often critiqued for relying on tropes without much originality, though praised for its self-aware humor and nostalgic appeal to enthusiasts. The movie has since been reissued on Blu-ray with special editions highlighting its retro charm.

Plot and Characters

Plot Summary

Four college students—Megan, Roxanne, Terry, and Jan—are hired by cleaning company owner Burt Wentworth to clean an old, reportedly haunted mansion over the weekend. While working in the , they discover a cursed filled with cartoonish drawings and incantations, along with a and a soul shred. Unaware of its dangers, reads aloud from the book, inadvertently summoning a demonic animated entity known as the Cartoon Demon from its pages. The book's curse, originating in the early , allows the toon to bridge the animated and live-action worlds, possessing hosts and manifesting to wreak havoc. The Cartoon Demon first possesses Roxanne, transforming her into a vessel for its murderous rampage through comedic yet gruesome kills. It decapitates and impales several characters, including Burt, the local who investigates noises at the house, and a bumbling builder who arrives to make repairs. The demon continues its assaults, dispatching and Jan in brutal, over-the-top fashion as the group scatters in panic, blending horror with terror. Neighbor Mr. Hinchlow, who had warned the students about the mansion's dark history of and madness, also falls victim to the entity's attacks. As the sole survivor, Megan confronts the in the climax, aided by the ghostly previous owner Gideon Fisk, who materializes to reveal the 's vulnerability. Together, they burn the , banishing the Cartoon Demon back to its animated and ending the killings. In a final twist, the apparent victims revive unharmed the next morning, leading the group to dismiss the night's horrors as collective nightmares induced by exhaustion.

Cast

The cast of Evil Toons features a mix of B-movie veterans and adult film performers, blending horror tropes with exploitation elements to enhance the film's comedic and campy tone. leads as the enigmatic occult expert, while the ensemble of young women, many from the adult industry, embodies the archetypal sorority sisters targeted by supernatural threats, emphasizing the movie's low-budget allure and satirical edge.

Main Cast

ActorRoleCharacter Description
Gideon FiskThe previous owner and Lovecraftian scholar who returns from the dead to aid in the climax against the demonic entity.
MeganThe prim, virginal among the cleaning crew, who ultimately defeats the demon after surviving possessions and attacks.
Madison StoneRoxanneA flirtatious member of the sorority cleaning team, serving as an early victim whose possession advances the horror-comedy chaos.
JanA seductive co-ed in the group, involved in risqué scenes and kills that highlight the film's exploitation roots.
Suzanne AgerTerryA member of the cleaning crew, functioning as an initial victim to escalate the terror.
Burt WentworthThe pragmatic owner of the cleaning company, overseeing the women and reacting to the unfolding demonic events.
Mr. HinchlowThe nosy neighbor of the , who warns the crew about its dark and provides through his oblivious demeanor.
David CannonDetective RayA skeptical investigating the disturbances at the mansion.

Supporting Cast

  • as the Demon (voice, uncredited), providing the menacing narration for the animated antagonist.
  • as the Sheriff, assisting in the chaotic response to the mansion's horrors.
  • Don Dowe as Biff, a builder character tied to the property's maintenance.
  • as the Fighter, a minor role in the climactic confrontation.
The casting of adult film stars like , and Dare in prominent roles amplifies the film's T&A horror parody, drawing from their backgrounds to infuse scenes with deliberate sensuality and over-the-top victimhood that underscores its exploitation appeal. Carradine's portrayal of Fisk, evoking a grizzled in akin to Lovecraftian archetypes, anchors the supernatural lore amid the ensemble's frantic energy.

Production

Development

Evil Toons was written and directed by , who penned the screenplay under the pseudonym Sherman Scott. The film originated as a low-budget B-movie project, envisioned by Ray as a fast-paced horror-comedy that merged the animated toon aesthetic popularized by (1988) with supernatural horror elements, aiming to deliver a spoof on mixing live-action and in a genre context. The script incorporated subtle references to H.P. Lovecraft's mythos, including a mention of Miskatonic University and a cursed tome resembling the , which serves as the catalyst for the demonic entity. This exploitation-driven approach drew from Ray's earlier works, such as (1988), emphasizing campy humor, scantily clad characters, and over-the-top horror tropes typical of his independent productions. Planning focused on cost efficiency, with an initial of $140,000 allocated primarily to live-action sequences rather than extensive . To manage expenses, Ray decided to restrict the animated toon's to approximately 90 seconds, concentrating it in pivotal scenes like the monster's emergence and possessions while relying on practical effects and performances for the rest of the runtime.

Filming

for Evil Toons took place over an intensive eight-day schedule in 1991, reflecting the low- constraints typical of B-movies produced by director . The production utilized equipment and crew borrowed from another ongoing Ray project to expedite the process and minimize costs. The primary filming location was a historic at 2218 S Harvard Blvd in , , which provided the atmospheric setting for the central to the story. The film was produced by American Independent Productions in association with Curb/Esquire Films, allowing for a streamlined operation focused on rapid execution. Ray's directing style emphasized efficiency, enabling the and to complete the shoot in record time while maintaining the film's exploitative horror-comedy tone. This quick-turnaround approach was essential for adhering to the project's tight timeline and financial limitations. Technically, Evil Toons prioritized live-action sequences, with animation limited to brief appearances of the titular demonic toon to control expenses, as integrating animated elements with live footage proved both challenging and costly. The cartoon demon sequences were animated by , whose work appears on screen for approximately 90 seconds total. Budget constraints from development further restricted the animation's scope, resulting in a hybrid style that leaned heavily on practical on-set elements. For the film's kill scenes, the production relied on practical gore effects to depict the demon's violent rampage, enhancing the visceral impact without relying on extensive post-production . This approach aligned with Ray's resource-conscious methods, ensuring the horror elements remained grounded in tangible, on-set execution despite the overall minimalistic production values.

Release

Initial Release

Evil Toons world premiered at the (AFM) in Santa Monica on October 21, 1991, during the AFM II event held from October 21-27. The film, produced on a low budget of $140,000, was positioned for distribution rather than a wide theatrical rollout, aligning with its B-movie status. In the United States, Prism Entertainment Corporation handled the initial release on on January 8, 1992, with a runtime of 90 minutes. The primary focus was on video cassette format, marketed as a featuring exploitation elements such as and gore to appeal to genre audiences. Internationally, distribution varied by region, with releases in multiple countries often under alternate titles, such as "Killer Cartoons" in on in 1992 and a video release in in , emphasizing the 's B-movie appeal through targeted video markets.

Home Media

Following its initial VHS release by Prism Entertainment in 1992, Evil Toons saw expanded home media distribution through later physical and digital formats. The film's first DVD edition, titled the 20th Anniversary Edition, was released by Infinity Entertainment Group on May 4, 2010. This single-disc release presents the film in anamorphic widescreen with Dolby Digital audio and includes bonus materials such as an audio commentary track by director Fred Olen Ray, interviews with cast and crew members, and behind-the-scenes footage. Retromedia followed with the film's debut Blu-ray edition on , 2018, offering a widescreen 2K HD transfer sourced from the original 35mm camera negatives. The disc, region A compatible, features an array of special content including a new director's commentary track with , a Theater presentation, animation background plates, rotoscope effects test shots, an editor's , a blooper reel, and composer Chuck Cirino's original score suite. As of November 2025, Evil Toons remains available for free streaming on ad-supported platforms like , as well as for rent or purchase on services including and Vudu. No 4K UHD release has been issued.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reception

Evil Toons received mixed to negative reviews from critics, who often highlighted its low-budget constraints and exploitative elements while acknowledging its campy entertainment value. On , the film holds a 33% approval rating based on 6 critic reviews, with an average score of 3.3/10 as of 2025. Audience reception has been similarly lukewarm, reflected in an user rating of 4.2/10 from over 4,000 votes. Reviewers frequently criticized the film's weak and sparse use of , noting that the titular "evil toons" appear in only a couple of brief scenes, limiting the hybrid live-action/animated concept's potential. The performances, particularly from the female leads sourced from films, were seen as lacking depth and primarily serving to facilitate frequent topless , which many viewed as gratuitous rather than integral to the plot. Technical aspects, such as the cheap production values and rushed execution, were also panned, with the animation integration described as rudimentary and underutilized. Despite these flaws, some critics praised the film's self-aware humor and B-movie charm, comparing its animated demon premise to an R-rated riff on . Dick Miller's cameo as a leering was a standout, delivering comedic timing and genre in-jokes that elevated the material. The comedic kills and overall lighthearted tone were highlighted as redeeming qualities, making it an enjoyably trashy watch for fans of lowbrow horror-comedy, even if rushed and uneven.

Cult Following

Evil Toons has developed a niche among fans of horror B-movies, particularly those appreciative of director Fred Olen Ray's signature style of low-budget exploitation cinema blending campy humor, scantily clad casts, and tropes. The film's mix of live-action sorority girls encountering an animated demonic entity has endeared it to enthusiasts of schlocky horror, often praised for its unapologetic cheesiness and brief but memorable sequences reminiscent of Tex Avery's wild . This appreciation stems from Ray's prolific output in the market, where Evil Toons exemplifies his quickie productions that prioritize fun over polish. A 2018 retrospective on Cartoon Research highlighted the movie as a prime example of "exploitation toon horror," noting its rushed eight-day shoot and R-rated parody of while contrasting it with higher-profile failures like . This coverage underscores its place in animation-horror hybrids aimed at adult audiences, cementing its status among B-movie collectors who value Ray's works like for their irreverent energy. Fan discussions often compare it favorably to similar low-budget fare from Ray, emphasizing the film's enduring charm despite technical shortcomings. The Retromedia Blu-ray release, featuring a 2K HD transfer and new special features like director commentary, has boosted accessibility and prompted positive modern reevaluations. Reviewers have revisited it as "extremely fun" and rewatchable for its trashy appeal, with the upgraded visuals enhancing the campy sexploitation elements that draw repeat viewings. On , it holds a 2.25/5 from nearly 100 ratings, where users note its enjoyment as guilty-pleasure B-horror rather than serious genre fare. While lacking major awards, the film's legacy persists through this dedicated fanbase, which celebrates its absurd animated kills and star cameos in online forums and cult cinema circles.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099524/
  2. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/evil_toons
  3. https://www.amazon.com/EVIL-TOONS-Blu-Ray-Special/dp/B07BLS2PB7
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099524/plotsummary/
  5. https://www.moriareviews.com/horror/evil-toons-1992.htm
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099524/reviews/
  7. https://www.badmovies.org/capsules/e/eviltoons/
  8. https://www.popcornpictures.co.uk/post/evil-toons-1992
  9. https://www.doblu.com/2021/12/19/evil-toons-blu-ray/
  10. https://boysbearsandscares.com/the-horror-of-a-1990s-trashy-double-feature/
  11. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099524/fullcredits/
  12. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/evil_toons/cast-and-crew
  13. https://unobtainium13.com/2022/10/01/evil-toons-1992-directed-by-fred-olen-ray/
  14. https://www.neonsplatter.com/daily-beasts/fred-olen-may-evil-toons-and-its-many-many-references
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099524/characters/nm0001249
  16. https://www.tvguide.com/movies/evil-toons/cast/2030268984/
  17. https://cinemorgue.fandom.com/wiki/Madison
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099524/characters/nm0201110
  19. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/30785-evil-toons/cast
  20. https://c.mymovies.dk/Movie/00ea1763-a730-41e2-8a1d-f93e072145cd
  21. https://www.fandango.com/evil-toons-172344/cast-and-crew
  22. http://www.bookofthedead.ws/hosted/misc_html_files/the_influences_%2526_references_html_files/Influences/Evil%2520Toons/Evil%2520Toons%2520%25281990%2529.htm
  23. https://www.christian-sauve.com/tag/madison-stone/
  24. https://cinemorgue.fandom.com/wiki/Barbara_Dare
  25. https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/evil-toons-1992/
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099524/trivia/
  27. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/518701/evil-toons
  28. https://www.omdb.org/en/us/movie/42459-evil-toons
  29. https://vhscollector.com/movie/evil-toons
  30. https://www.videocollector.co/evil-toons/48051
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099524/releaseinfo/
  32. https://dvd.fandom.com/wiki/1992
  33. https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/16435/dvd-details-evil-toons-20th-anniversary-edition/
  34. https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/19586/evil-toons-20th-anniversary-edition-dvd/
  35. https://upcomingdiscs.com/2010/04/30/evil-toons-20th-anniversary-edition/
  36. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Evil-Toons-Blu-ray/211315/
  37. https://www.orbitdvd.com/products/evil-toons
  38. https://makeflix.com/products/evil-toons
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  40. https://reelgood.com/movie/evil-toons-1992
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  42. http://www.badmovies.org/capsules/e/eviltoons/
  43. https://rateyourmusic.com/film/evil-toons/
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