🎬 **Coconutdaddy’s Take: "Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except" (1985) - The Almost Raimi & Campbell Show!** 🎬
Alright, folks, buckle up because we're diving into a hidden gem of the 80s action-horror scene, "Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except," also known as "Stryker's War." This 1985 cult classic is the closest thing we’ll get to seeing Sam Raimi strut his stuff as an actor and maybe, just maybe, catch a whiff of Bruce Campbell’s directing chops. 🍿
**A Little Background for Ya!**
Directed by Josh Becker, this film stars Robert Rickman, John Manfredi, Tim Quill, Cheryl Hausen, Perry Mallette, and yes, our favorite, Sam Raimi. 📽️ Written by Becker and Scott Spiegel, the story was conjured up by Becker, the legendary Bruce Campbell, and Sheldon Lettich. Talk about a powerhouse team! 💥
**What's the Deal with the Cast?**
Well, let’s just say this isn’t your typical Hollywood lineup. Most of the roles are filled by Becker’s friends and family, with some familiar faces for those who’ve kept up with Renaissance Pictures flicks. 🌟 The film premiered in Warren, Michigan, on October 13, 1985, and later made its way to video in West Germany and Japan in 1987, and Canada in 1999. Despite its low budget and obscurity, it’s maintained a small but mighty cult following. 📼
**The Birth of Stryker’s War**
Originally produced as a Super-8 film in 1980, "Stryker's War" was a passion project designed to attract investors. Becker and Campbell brainstormed the story on their way back from the Tennessee set of "The Evil Dead." Talk about multitasking! 🚗 The interiors were shot in Bruce Campbell’s garage, which was cleverly transformed into a military base or Stryker’s house. The Vietnam scenes? Filmed in Hartland, Michigan, with some nifty stock footage thrown in for good measure. 🎬
**Campbell’s Secret Role**
Bruce Campbell wasn’t just brainstorming; he also served as assistant sound editor, reusing Foley effects from "The Evil Dead." The film’s release was managed by Irvin Shapiro, the same genius who suggested changing "The Book of the Dead" to "The Evil Dead." Shapiro also suggested the final title over Becker’s objections. Classic Shapiro move! 🧙♂️
**Why You Should Watch It**
If you're a fan of the Raimi-Campbell-Becker trifecta, this movie is a must-see. It’s a low-budget rollercoaster ride packed with action, horror, and that unique charm only these guys can deliver. Plus, seeing Raimi act is worth the price of admission alone! 🎟️
So, grab your popcorn, gather your fellow cult film enthusiasts, and dive into the underground classic that is "Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except." You won’t regret it! 🎉
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