Synopsis:
A twenty million year old “missing link” primate known as the Schlockthropus (John Landis) goes on a killing spree and explores a town, leaving a trail of banana peels behind him. Will his new relationship with a beautiful blind girl (Eliza Garrett) put a stop to his murderous ways?

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

• John Landis Films
• Primates
• Satires and Spoofs
• Serial Killers

Review:
In a fun snippet for Trailers From Hell, writer-director-star John Landis says that he and 20-year-old makeup artist Rick Baker “made this movie in twelve days for $60,000. It’s bad — and appropriately named!” In another interview clip, he acknowledges that this low-budget satire of low-budget monster flicks is based on films like Trog (1970) — “because that was so stupid!” — and says once again, with some embarrassment, “Schlock’s a terrible movie, but there’s some funny things in it, and it’s charming.” He goes on to talk about what a formative learning experience it was for him on numerous levels, which makes sense (he was only 21 at the time). On its own, however, Schlock doesn’t stand up as anything other than a well-intentioned but utterly silly spoof, and isn’t must-see viewing for modern film fanatics. (Landis himself admits to not having seen it in decades.)

Fun fact: I grew up across the street from the woman (Eliza Garrett) who plays Mindy the blind girl (though she was ten years older and a mom by this point; my younger sister played occasionally with her son Keaton).

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

• Rick Baker’s make-up
  

Must See?
No, unless you’re a Landis fan. Listed as a Sleeper, a Cult Movie, and a Personal Recommendation in the back of Peary’s book.

Links:

• IMDb entry
• TV Guide Review
• DVD Savant Review
• Moria Review