The female cast of this movie is terrific: you've got Linda Blair (maturing nicely), Julie Strain (who doesn't get too many speaking lines - that's a good thing), Rochelle Swanson (equally convincing as a sweet innocent girl or as an evil possessed girl), Toni Naples, and the most beautiful of them all IMO, the simply stunning Kristina Ducati (how the goofy male lead, Larry Poindexter, deserved to get sexually involved with any of these women remains a mystery). However, beyond the chance to watch these beautiful and in some cases talented women, the movie has little to offer. The plot is disjointed and doesn't really get going until the last 15 minutes or so; and when Wynorski finally manages to create some suspense, a ludicrous "twist" ending comes and ruins everything. (*1/2)
22 Reviews
Legal witch stuff
BandSAboutMovies11 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Sorceress is also known as Tempress II, but I've never seen the first one. I did seek this one out because somehow, both Linda Blair and Julie Strain are in the same film, which pretty much feels like the team I've been missing all my life. It's directed by Jim Wynorski (Chopping Mall, Sorceress - and yes, he wrote another movie with the same title - and Deathstalker II), so you know it'll be filled with plenty of feminism and nuance.
Eddie Albert's son is here. So are the aforementioned Strain and Blair, who never appear in a scene together. Look out, Blacula himself appears - William Marshall. And oh hey - Michael Parks!
Strain plays Erica, a witch who is abusing her powers to influence her husband Larry and his colleagues at a law firm. She's worried that he's been seduced by his ex-girlfriend Carol, so everything turns into sex dreams that finally become deadly.
Also, somewhere in the middle of all these sex scenes, Amelia (Blair) senses that witchcraft is behind the crippling of her husband Howard (Albert) in an automobile accident. It's time for revenge!
There are lots of skyclad witches here, to turn a phrase. This whole thing was shot by Gary Graver, who worked with Orson Welles for most of his life, so it looks way better than it should. I mean, if you're going to do possessed women, riffs on Vertigo and threeways along with voodoo rituals, make it look like art.
Eddie Albert's son is here. So are the aforementioned Strain and Blair, who never appear in a scene together. Look out, Blacula himself appears - William Marshall. And oh hey - Michael Parks!
Strain plays Erica, a witch who is abusing her powers to influence her husband Larry and his colleagues at a law firm. She's worried that he's been seduced by his ex-girlfriend Carol, so everything turns into sex dreams that finally become deadly.
Also, somewhere in the middle of all these sex scenes, Amelia (Blair) senses that witchcraft is behind the crippling of her husband Howard (Albert) in an automobile accident. It's time for revenge!
There are lots of skyclad witches here, to turn a phrase. This whole thing was shot by Gary Graver, who worked with Orson Welles for most of his life, so it looks way better than it should. I mean, if you're going to do possessed women, riffs on Vertigo and threeways along with voodoo rituals, make it look like art.
uncontrollable
sol-kay19 May 2006
***SPOILERS*** A hot and sexy Linda Blair as the Witch Amelia Reynolds is very upset with her friend and rival Witch across town Erica Barens, Julie Strain. Amelia getting her husband Hal, Edward Albert, to get a promotion at his job at the Giger & Greengrass law-firm over the more deserving Larry Barnes, Larry Poindexter, who happens to be married to Erica has her cast a spell on Hal causing him to lose control of his car and end up almost killing himself.
Larry finding out about Erica's attempt on his best friend Larry's life has a violent fight with her causing Erica to fall from the balcony to her death. It's when Larry goes back to his ex-wife Carol, Rochelle Sanson, that things begin to really heat up, emotional and sexually. The wicked Amelia tries to have the dead spirit of Erica take over Carol's body and end up murdering Larry who she holds as being responsible for her husband Hal's injury that left him permanently confined to a wheelchair.
Not much of a story but lot's of cheese and soft-core action with poor Larry getting manipulated by Amelia through the resurrection of Erica who plans to kill him the first chance he turns his back on her. Amelia is a bit whacked out herself not exactly knowing who is and who isn't a threat to her. Amelia even gets her poor and innocent gardener Stan, Michael Parks to first lose him family in a bloody house invasion break-in, then his mind, by being accused by the police as being the murderer, and finally is life, by getting blasted by Ameila herself. As he's made to runs into the Reynolds' house, under her control, as mad as a hatter trying to murder both her and the crippled Hal.
Larry Parks looked and acted so weird that you had the feeling that he accidentally walked onto the set of "Sorceress" and ended up being in the cast playing his part as Stan. Without the help or benefit of a script he improvised his way through and then slowly realized just how god-awful bad the movie really is. Stan getting killed off early in the film was a big plus for him since he didn't have to suffer,like those of us watching, through the entire brainless and mind-numbing movie.
It becomes evident to you as well as it did to the makers of "Sorceress" that all this shenanigan's on the screen has to come to some kind of hopeful and successful conclusion and a trick ending is put in to finally end the movie. The ending is about the best thing, besides Miss Blair and the rest of the very well-endowed woman cast, that one can say about the film.
Larry finding out about Erica's attempt on his best friend Larry's life has a violent fight with her causing Erica to fall from the balcony to her death. It's when Larry goes back to his ex-wife Carol, Rochelle Sanson, that things begin to really heat up, emotional and sexually. The wicked Amelia tries to have the dead spirit of Erica take over Carol's body and end up murdering Larry who she holds as being responsible for her husband Hal's injury that left him permanently confined to a wheelchair.
Not much of a story but lot's of cheese and soft-core action with poor Larry getting manipulated by Amelia through the resurrection of Erica who plans to kill him the first chance he turns his back on her. Amelia is a bit whacked out herself not exactly knowing who is and who isn't a threat to her. Amelia even gets her poor and innocent gardener Stan, Michael Parks to first lose him family in a bloody house invasion break-in, then his mind, by being accused by the police as being the murderer, and finally is life, by getting blasted by Ameila herself. As he's made to runs into the Reynolds' house, under her control, as mad as a hatter trying to murder both her and the crippled Hal.
Larry Parks looked and acted so weird that you had the feeling that he accidentally walked onto the set of "Sorceress" and ended up being in the cast playing his part as Stan. Without the help or benefit of a script he improvised his way through and then slowly realized just how god-awful bad the movie really is. Stan getting killed off early in the film was a big plus for him since he didn't have to suffer,like those of us watching, through the entire brainless and mind-numbing movie.
It becomes evident to you as well as it did to the makers of "Sorceress" that all this shenanigan's on the screen has to come to some kind of hopeful and successful conclusion and a trick ending is put in to finally end the movie. The ending is about the best thing, besides Miss Blair and the rest of the very well-endowed woman cast, that one can say about the film.
How can a movie with so much boobage be so bad?
utgard1421 June 2014
Bosomy witches Julie Strain and Linda Blair use their powers to try to help their respective husbands' careers. Julie's married to Larry Poindexter and Linda's married to Edward Albert. So neither lady is all that lucky. A lot of other stuff happens but who really gives a flip? Nudity enthusiasts should like it for its softcore content but, sadly, Linda Blair doesn't disrobe here. There's really nothing exciting or titillating about this movie. It's a big bore and a dumb one at that. The best thing I can say about it is that it has a lot of eye candy. Directed by Jim Wynorski, who never met a pair of fake boobs he didn't like.
Black Magic Tits
Vomitron_G10 August 2010
Jeeeez... Jim Wynorski might be something close to like a cheese-maestro & bad B-movie king sometimes, but, man, this movie... There's adultery, naked boobies, a witch-babe into black magic, bigger naked boobies, witch-babe dying and maybe her spirit comes back from the dead to take revenge, but maybe not..., more naked boobies, Linda Blair, naked titty-witties, lesbian sex and naked threesome fun, nekkid boobie-woobies, no special effects,... Hmmm, but where was the plot? It must have been there but I didn't find it. I must have been distracted too much by all the naked breasts. Which I didn't mind too much, of course. But please, Wynorski, I like to see a movie come with the tits next time. Thank you.
Julie Strain's fake breasts disturb me!
JimFK29 June 1999
I'm just throwing in this review to show that I'm not crazy -- I like a lot of Wynorski's work -- Deathstalker 2, Chopping Mall, Against the Law are fast-paced and highly enjoyable -- just to prove I'm not blind, I have to mention this, along with some Shannon Tweed "Body Chemistry 3 or 4 or something", are the lousy ones -- I've got nothing against drawn-out sex sequences, but Julie Strain's breasts are so unnatural looking you can't help but stare at them - which may be the desired effect but I didn't enjoy staring at them -- and several members of this cast seem depressed or disinterested -- The "erotic thriller" was the worst thing to happen to low-budget flicks ever, and thank God that their day has more-or-less done.
Late Night Satisfaction
refinedsugar23 March 2000
There's an attempt at a story, but who are they trying to kid? Let's get this straight. Sorceress is purely a T&A flick, but it also delivers the goods. I stumbled onto the box at a video store and rented it just because of Julie Strain's name. If you watch any amount of T&A flicks or direct to video B-movies you know when she's the headliner in a movie exactly what you're getting. I wasn't disappointed.
Cheaply filmed, the cast is surprisingly better than you expect to see in this type of material. Though there won't be any acting awards given out. The story with it's witchcraft element is a bit silly and the ending quite stupid, but there's no denying the movie does it's job. Between the ladies featured there's enough T&A to keep you happy and former Penthouse Pet Julie Strain looks great here.
Cheaply filmed, the cast is surprisingly better than you expect to see in this type of material. Though there won't be any acting awards given out. The story with it's witchcraft element is a bit silly and the ending quite stupid, but there's no denying the movie does it's job. Between the ladies featured there's enough T&A to keep you happy and former Penthouse Pet Julie Strain looks great here.
Skinimax On Bluray
kirbylee70-599-52617915 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Before the days when internet porn took over the business anyone looking to get a glimpse of female flesh was regulated to late nights on Cinemax. Their evening fare was such that over time the channel became known as "Skinimax" to viewers who craved an influx of topless women with overinflated chests. Plot lines meant nothing and to this day the channel still caters to this select audience. The soft core porn films that offer simulated sex without the details and extreme measures found in actual porn remain.
This is not a judgement call on the channel or on those types of films. There have always been titillating films made that offered glimpses of the female form in various stages of undress. Depending on how you view these films will determine if you find them worth your while watching or if you consider them a gateway drug to the world of sex addiction. For most of us we see it as somewhere in between and consider the individual to either have or not have the problem. With that out of the way let's talk about SORCERESSS.
You know immediately when you put this disc into your blu-ray player what to expect. The title screen pops up with actress Julie Strain nude except for a sheer black robe draped over her shoulders rubbing oils all over her body. Nothing subtle about the movie here. Your options are limited though with choices of "Setup", "Chapters" or "Play". My guess is there wasn't much behind the scenes footage to be used on this film let alone interviews with cast and crew. It would have been nice to see some current interviews here. But on with the movie.
The story gets a bit confusing at times but begins with that opening shot of Erica (Strain) as she puts a curse on Howard Reynolds (Edward Albert) as he's driving home while talking to his wife Amelia (Linda Blair). Amelia senses something is wrong and tells him to pull over but before he can do so the car heads over an embankment as he throws himself from it. He's saved but injured. Walking in on Erica her friend Maria tells her she won't let her use her power like this and then leaves.
In walks Erica's husband Larry (Larry Poindexter). The two quarrel with Larry pondering why he ever decided to marry her in the first place. Most of us have already figured out he was bewitched. As their argument escalates it moves to the balcony where Erica falls over the edge and dies on the ground below. As Larry takes her in his arms after rushing to her she tells him he will never be free of her.
A short time later Howard decides not to take the partnership offered him at his law firm while he recuperates and Larry is tagged for the position instead. While Maria has warned him of dark days ahead things seem better than that. Not only does he move up in the law firm but fellow attorney and ex-lover Carol come back into his life. While all of this is going on Amelia is seen working her own bit of black magic involving Larry's life, all of which is explained in the final 10-15 minutes of the film.
So there you have the plot of the movie in three paragraphs. The rest of the movie is filled with various pairings of the actors and actresses in bed with one another. Larry, Erica and Maria. Erica and Maria joined by Carol. Larry and Carol. Of the main actors involved only Blair and Albert never quite disrobe. And all of the actresses on display here have the main quality to be found in a B-movie sexploitation film: well-endowed and implanted breasts.
So the question comes up is this a good or a bad movie? Well that again depends on what you expect out of it when you buy/rent/watch it. If what you're looking for is the type of movie that Cinemax (and yes other pay cable stations did it too) shows late night weekends then you'll love this movie. If you hate those films you'll hate this one. But the odds are pretty good then that you're not the one it's being marketed to.
What is nice is that a piece of movie history, judged neither good nor bad, has made its way onto blu-ray again. I always find that a good thing to have happen. Films have fans of all sorts, those that love everything from Disney flicks to movies that ruled 42nd Street when it wasn't the family playground it is today. Those fans deserve to have the option of having access to their favorite films in the best format possible. Synapse has done that here with a clean print of the film that fans will love having on hand.
Myself I was never a big fan. The mixture of Satanic images (pentagrams and the like) was something I considered unnecessary in movies like this. Perhaps they're a plot element others like to use but it became far too often seen for me. Director Jim Wynorski shows that he does indeed have talent and the ability to create a good looking film no matter what the subject matter. He's drifted back and forth between regular exploitation movies (CHOPPING MALL) and soft core flicks (BUSTY COPS) and it would be interesting to see what he could do with a major Hollywood film. For now fans will be content with adding this one to their collection. Chances are if successful more will be on the way.
This is not a judgement call on the channel or on those types of films. There have always been titillating films made that offered glimpses of the female form in various stages of undress. Depending on how you view these films will determine if you find them worth your while watching or if you consider them a gateway drug to the world of sex addiction. For most of us we see it as somewhere in between and consider the individual to either have or not have the problem. With that out of the way let's talk about SORCERESSS.
You know immediately when you put this disc into your blu-ray player what to expect. The title screen pops up with actress Julie Strain nude except for a sheer black robe draped over her shoulders rubbing oils all over her body. Nothing subtle about the movie here. Your options are limited though with choices of "Setup", "Chapters" or "Play". My guess is there wasn't much behind the scenes footage to be used on this film let alone interviews with cast and crew. It would have been nice to see some current interviews here. But on with the movie.
The story gets a bit confusing at times but begins with that opening shot of Erica (Strain) as she puts a curse on Howard Reynolds (Edward Albert) as he's driving home while talking to his wife Amelia (Linda Blair). Amelia senses something is wrong and tells him to pull over but before he can do so the car heads over an embankment as he throws himself from it. He's saved but injured. Walking in on Erica her friend Maria tells her she won't let her use her power like this and then leaves.
In walks Erica's husband Larry (Larry Poindexter). The two quarrel with Larry pondering why he ever decided to marry her in the first place. Most of us have already figured out he was bewitched. As their argument escalates it moves to the balcony where Erica falls over the edge and dies on the ground below. As Larry takes her in his arms after rushing to her she tells him he will never be free of her.
A short time later Howard decides not to take the partnership offered him at his law firm while he recuperates and Larry is tagged for the position instead. While Maria has warned him of dark days ahead things seem better than that. Not only does he move up in the law firm but fellow attorney and ex-lover Carol come back into his life. While all of this is going on Amelia is seen working her own bit of black magic involving Larry's life, all of which is explained in the final 10-15 minutes of the film.
So there you have the plot of the movie in three paragraphs. The rest of the movie is filled with various pairings of the actors and actresses in bed with one another. Larry, Erica and Maria. Erica and Maria joined by Carol. Larry and Carol. Of the main actors involved only Blair and Albert never quite disrobe. And all of the actresses on display here have the main quality to be found in a B-movie sexploitation film: well-endowed and implanted breasts.
So the question comes up is this a good or a bad movie? Well that again depends on what you expect out of it when you buy/rent/watch it. If what you're looking for is the type of movie that Cinemax (and yes other pay cable stations did it too) shows late night weekends then you'll love this movie. If you hate those films you'll hate this one. But the odds are pretty good then that you're not the one it's being marketed to.
What is nice is that a piece of movie history, judged neither good nor bad, has made its way onto blu-ray again. I always find that a good thing to have happen. Films have fans of all sorts, those that love everything from Disney flicks to movies that ruled 42nd Street when it wasn't the family playground it is today. Those fans deserve to have the option of having access to their favorite films in the best format possible. Synapse has done that here with a clean print of the film that fans will love having on hand.
Myself I was never a big fan. The mixture of Satanic images (pentagrams and the like) was something I considered unnecessary in movies like this. Perhaps they're a plot element others like to use but it became far too often seen for me. Director Jim Wynorski shows that he does indeed have talent and the ability to create a good looking film no matter what the subject matter. He's drifted back and forth between regular exploitation movies (CHOPPING MALL) and soft core flicks (BUSTY COPS) and it would be interesting to see what he could do with a major Hollywood film. For now fans will be content with adding this one to their collection. Chances are if successful more will be on the way.
Entertaining For What It Is
Michael_Elliott11 July 2016
Sorceress (1995)
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Penthouse pet Julia Strain plays a witch who uses black magic to paralyze a man (Edward Albert) who was seeking a high paying job. The witch did this so that her former lover would get the job and help his career skyrocket. The paralyzed man is thankfully married to a woman (Linda Blair) who also happens to be a witch.
There's honestly more "plot" in this softcore flick than any other that I've ever seen. In reality there's probably enough plot here for four of these types of films but director Jim Wynorski is a genius when it comes to these types of "B" movies. SORCERESS became a huge hit when it first started to play on stations on Cinemax but when it came time to release it to Blu-ray the director was able to make an uncut version, which features a lot more full frontal nudity.
So, how is the film? In all honesty I found it to be fairly entertaining for what it was. Obviously if you're coming into this movie expecting CITIZEN KANE then you only have yourself to blame. The film certainly isn't a masterpiece but if you enjoy this type of low-budget movie then there's plenty here to be entertained by. This includes the non-stop nudity and softcore sex scenes, which Wynorski at least manages to make erotic. A lot of times I find these scenes to be laughably bad but the director handles them well here.
Another major plus is that the cast is actually very entertaining and helps keep you into the events. This includes Albert, Blair and Michael Parks. They're going to be the best known people here and while Blair was never a great actress her presence alone is worthwhile. I also thought Strain was good in the role of the witch and Rochelle Swanson is also good.
I really thought there was a tad bit too much plot a few too many characters but SORCERESS is at least entertaining, rather well-made and there's enough nudity to keep anyone awake.
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Penthouse pet Julia Strain plays a witch who uses black magic to paralyze a man (Edward Albert) who was seeking a high paying job. The witch did this so that her former lover would get the job and help his career skyrocket. The paralyzed man is thankfully married to a woman (Linda Blair) who also happens to be a witch.
There's honestly more "plot" in this softcore flick than any other that I've ever seen. In reality there's probably enough plot here for four of these types of films but director Jim Wynorski is a genius when it comes to these types of "B" movies. SORCERESS became a huge hit when it first started to play on stations on Cinemax but when it came time to release it to Blu-ray the director was able to make an uncut version, which features a lot more full frontal nudity.
So, how is the film? In all honesty I found it to be fairly entertaining for what it was. Obviously if you're coming into this movie expecting CITIZEN KANE then you only have yourself to blame. The film certainly isn't a masterpiece but if you enjoy this type of low-budget movie then there's plenty here to be entertained by. This includes the non-stop nudity and softcore sex scenes, which Wynorski at least manages to make erotic. A lot of times I find these scenes to be laughably bad but the director handles them well here.
Another major plus is that the cast is actually very entertaining and helps keep you into the events. This includes Albert, Blair and Michael Parks. They're going to be the best known people here and while Blair was never a great actress her presence alone is worthwhile. I also thought Strain was good in the role of the witch and Rochelle Swanson is also good.
I really thought there was a tad bit too much plot a few too many characters but SORCERESS is at least entertaining, rather well-made and there's enough nudity to keep anyone awake.
"I love you, Larry, but I'm not going to die for you."
Hey_Sweden17 October 2016
B cinema filmmaker Jim Wynorski gives his faithful audience all the sex and nudity they could want in this moderately amusing movie. The plot is pretty nonsensical, but since it's serving to set up a bunch of genuinely titillating sex scenes, it's doubtful that there are going to be many complaints on that front. Larry Poindexter plays a lawyer named Larry Barnes, whose wife Erica (Julie Strain) is a witch. She uses her powers to try to secure a critical promotion for her husband, but instead of killing his competitor, Howard (Edward Albert), she manages to cripple him. This sets off Howards' wife Amelia (Linda Blair), who is herself in tune with the occult. Predictably, she puts into motion a plan of revenge.
Wynorski puts a great deal of his efforts into stressing the erotic elements rather than traditional horror elements. (A note to the unaware: this isn't really a horror film at all, but an erotic thriller.) Technically speaking, it has to be one of the most accomplished things that Wynorski ever did; the filmmaking is pretty slick. Photography and picture quality are sublime, helping to show off every asset in the bodies of our attractive female cast. To that end, Wynorski deserves some respect for just diving in head first, giving us an eyeful of Strains' anatomy in the very first scene.
The acting is tolerable from most concerned. Michael Parks is a little under utilized as a gardener / murder suspect. Wynorski regular Lenny Juliano regularly walks away with his scenes as Larry's outgoing colleague. It's a treat to see William 'Blacula' Marshall as the senior partner at the firm. And Albert really is quite good. Fans of B movie babes will be pleased with the roster here: Strain, Rochelle Swanson, Toni Naples, Antonia Dorian, Kristi Ducati, Melissa Brasselle. Wynorskis' peer Fred Olen Ray produced, and plays the role of Bill Carson.
The movie does accomplish what it sets out to do, but it's really hurt by an aggravating, incredibly clichéd ending.
Seven out of 10.
Wynorski puts a great deal of his efforts into stressing the erotic elements rather than traditional horror elements. (A note to the unaware: this isn't really a horror film at all, but an erotic thriller.) Technically speaking, it has to be one of the most accomplished things that Wynorski ever did; the filmmaking is pretty slick. Photography and picture quality are sublime, helping to show off every asset in the bodies of our attractive female cast. To that end, Wynorski deserves some respect for just diving in head first, giving us an eyeful of Strains' anatomy in the very first scene.
The acting is tolerable from most concerned. Michael Parks is a little under utilized as a gardener / murder suspect. Wynorski regular Lenny Juliano regularly walks away with his scenes as Larry's outgoing colleague. It's a treat to see William 'Blacula' Marshall as the senior partner at the firm. And Albert really is quite good. Fans of B movie babes will be pleased with the roster here: Strain, Rochelle Swanson, Toni Naples, Antonia Dorian, Kristi Ducati, Melissa Brasselle. Wynorskis' peer Fred Olen Ray produced, and plays the role of Bill Carson.
The movie does accomplish what it sets out to do, but it's really hurt by an aggravating, incredibly clichéd ending.
Seven out of 10.
Nothing works...
bernhard_alund5 November 2013
As sad excuse of a movie that has a hard time deciding what leg to stand on and instead just flip-flops back and forth from being a bad horror-thriller and a wannabe playboy-flick. Every single time the story makes some sort of progression it's instantly halted by weird softcore sex-scenes. No matter what the situation might be they somehow find some excuse to throw ugly silicone tits in your face. I am in no way against exaggerated nudity in films but it has to be done with either humor or class and this film lacks both of those elements. I somehow get the feeling that it was two directors instead of one that filmed two completely different films and then just mashed them together, where Linda Blair stars in some bad occult thriller that at least has some "TV-movie" qualities and then a softcore Playboy flick starring Julie Strain and some other bimbos. The end result is just weird and since I love most stuff starring Linda Blair I felt sad seeing what became of her career after the 70's and 80's.
It's far from erotic unless you enjoy watching desperate silicone bimbo's rubbing their nether parts against equally desperate and washed up "Days of our life's" actors. If you ignore the bad sex-scenes then you're left with a bad thriller involving witches. It's not smart, it's not scary (unless you count Julie Strains plastic tits) and the only thing it has going for itself is two decent actors (Michael Parks and Linda Blair) that do their best to save it from a complete disaster, without success.
It's far from erotic unless you enjoy watching desperate silicone bimbo's rubbing their nether parts against equally desperate and washed up "Days of our life's" actors. If you ignore the bad sex-scenes then you're left with a bad thriller involving witches. It's not smart, it's not scary (unless you count Julie Strains plastic tits) and the only thing it has going for itself is two decent actors (Michael Parks and Linda Blair) that do their best to save it from a complete disaster, without success.
Hottest erotic thriller!
Hprog12 October 1999
When I get to see erotic thrillers I don't pay much attention to the production's quality although I appreciate it. Well, this one is a must for those who look for hot erotic stuff on films. Great quality of image, gorgeous ladies and girl-girl and foot stuff, which are my favorite items on erotic tracks. The script isn't too bad, but what would you expect from straight-to-video B-movies?
Desperate Housewives
the Witchcraft edition!
Coventry3 October 2010
Produced by Fred Olen Ray and directed by Jim Wynorski. The involvement of these two names is already a proper indication that "Sorceress" isn't exactly going to be a high work of cinematic art, but merely a sleazy and flat out insignificant piece of 90's trash. Olen Ray and Wynorski clearly weren't interested in a movie about witchery spells and supernatural revenge, they just wanted to exploit the voluptuous chests of their female cast members as much as humanly possible. And who can seriously blame them, if that cast includes names like Rochelle Swanson, Kristi Ducati, Toni Naples and Julie Strain? Actually, the biggest starlet of "Sorceress" is Linda Blair, but unfortunately she doesn't get topless. She just accidentally ended up in a hopelessly inept B-movie production
again. "Sorceress" has the most ludicrous and imbecilic plot imaginable but, as said already, you're not supposed to pay attention to little details like that. As a matter of fact, the film is really a predecessor to the successful TV-series "Desperate Housewives". This is about a bunch of spoiled and snobbish rich women, the wives and mistresses of lawyers of an acclaimed agency, who got so bored that they became experts in the field of witchcraft and demonology. They use their powers to get their husbands promoted or to make each others' lives miserable. When one of Erica's spells narrowly goes wrong, costing almost the life of Amelia's beloved husband Howard, her man Larry leaves her. Erica falls off a balcony during the struggle, but she has enough black magic wisdom to haunt Larry's sexual fantasies from beyond the grave. Meanwhile, Amelia is out for revenge as well and she's even supremely witch enough to have Erica reincarnate as Larry's new love- interest Carol. Admittedly this all sounds a lot more complex than it actually is. "Sorceress" is a fairly straightforward B-movie with an enormous amount of plot holes and silly conclusion. This film is about Julie Strain's kinky outfits, the lesbian threesome halfway through the film, the shower interlude of Kristi Ducati and – to a slightly lesser extent – the sexy charisma of a mature Linda Blair.
* * out of 4.
brandonsites198119 August 2002
A witch (Julie Strain) gets rid of her husband's (Larry Poindexter) competition at a work. His wife ends up casting a spell that results in his main competitor (Edward Albert) being crippled for life. However Albert's wife (Linda Blair) also happens to be a witch and she is intent on bringing those who caused her and her husband harm down. Good premise, slightly better scripted then you would expect for such low budget fare has plenty of hot steamy moments and an attractive cast.
Unrated; Strong Sexual Content, Nudity, Violence, and Profanity.
Unrated; Strong Sexual Content, Nudity, Violence, and Profanity.
Erotic Coven
claudio_carvalho1 April 2022
When the lawyer Howard (Edward Albert) is promoted to Vice-President of a prominent law firm where he works, the wife of his colleague Larry (Larry Poindexter), who was disputing the position with Howard, puts a spell on him and he has a car accident. Erica (Julie Strain) is a seductive and powerful witch that took Larry from his beloved colleague Carol (Rochelle Swanson), using another spell. Larry and Erica have an argument and Erica fall off the balcony of their house and dies. Meanwhile Howard becomes crippled and informs his wife Amelia (Linda Blair) and his boss that Larry should be promoted since he would not work again. The grieving Larry decides to rebuild his life and gets rid of Maria (Toni Naples) that worked with Erica and taught her the spells and gets close to Carol. However, weird things happen with him in his house.
"Sorceress" is an uneven erotic film, with a messy and disjointed screenplay, beautiful cinematography and hot women. The plot is disconnected, with the ridiculous subplot of Stan and his wife. However, it is worthwhile watching the naked "actresses", all of them sexy with beautiful bodies. My vote is four.
Title (Brazil): "Tentação" ("Temptation")
"Sorceress" is an uneven erotic film, with a messy and disjointed screenplay, beautiful cinematography and hot women. The plot is disconnected, with the ridiculous subplot of Stan and his wife. However, it is worthwhile watching the naked "actresses", all of them sexy with beautiful bodies. My vote is four.
Title (Brazil): "Tentação" ("Temptation")
Black Magic Cheese
Tweetienator3 October 2022
If I would have the rights on this little flick I would produce and publish a special cut - just cutting together and using all scenes with nudity and erotic content (maybe using some material that didn't make it into the final release version): those are the one and only really entertaining pieces of Sorceress (to a certain degree). I have a certain hunch that those scenes were the one and maybe only motivation for the director to make this movie (but I got no proof for this theory). Surprised, I realized that there is a follow-up movie to this one. So what's left to say? Sorceress is no movie interesting for the adept of black magic nor for the true connoisseur of the art of horror. I guess, it's only interesting for those folks who want to see one of the actresses (or actors) naked. Last note: as I used the fast forward button very freely, so I may indeed have missed somehow an entertaining story hidden somewhere between boobs and burning candles but I dare to doubt that... Anyway, if you expect something like The Witches of Eastwick or The Love Witch, I would recommend to look somewhere else.
For what it was, it was pretty good. B+
Smooth B27 April 2001
Why this movie doesn't come on Cinemax more often, I don't know. But this was one of the better B-movies I've seen in a while. It's got a great cast of good-looking women and the story wasn't that bad.
Here's the gist of the plot:
Erica Barnes, played by Julie Strain, "dies" early in the movie. She's a modern-day witch, and uses her witchcraft to cast a weird spell over her unsuspecting husband, Larry.
You see, she suspects that her husband is cheating on her with an old girlfriend, Carol, played by Rochelle Swanson (always a favorite of mine). Carol is a blonde early in the movie, but she's brainwashed by the spirit of Erica to dye her hair brown. Now, of course, she looks like Erica. Slowly but surely, Erica begins to take over Carol's thoughts until she can no longer think for herself. It ends in a flurry of bullets, but I'll save the ending for the select few of you who make it that far.
Linda Blair gives a believable performance as Amelia, the other practicing witch in the movie. She battles with Erica through her magic and sorcery as well. Her husband has been relegated to a wheelchair and she's, shall we say, horny. She wants to have an intimate relationship with her husband again, but his injuries prevent that from happening.
In the final analysis: good story, good women, decent sex and a better than average cast make this a movie worth watching.
Sex: B- Women: B+ Story: B+ Overall: B+
Here's the gist of the plot:
Erica Barnes, played by Julie Strain, "dies" early in the movie. She's a modern-day witch, and uses her witchcraft to cast a weird spell over her unsuspecting husband, Larry.
You see, she suspects that her husband is cheating on her with an old girlfriend, Carol, played by Rochelle Swanson (always a favorite of mine). Carol is a blonde early in the movie, but she's brainwashed by the spirit of Erica to dye her hair brown. Now, of course, she looks like Erica. Slowly but surely, Erica begins to take over Carol's thoughts until she can no longer think for herself. It ends in a flurry of bullets, but I'll save the ending for the select few of you who make it that far.
Linda Blair gives a believable performance as Amelia, the other practicing witch in the movie. She battles with Erica through her magic and sorcery as well. Her husband has been relegated to a wheelchair and she's, shall we say, horny. She wants to have an intimate relationship with her husband again, but his injuries prevent that from happening.
In the final analysis: good story, good women, decent sex and a better than average cast make this a movie worth watching.
Sex: B- Women: B+ Story: B+ Overall: B+
Julie Strain - Amazon Sex Goddess
Dr. Gore2 May 2003
Warning: Spoilers
*SPOILER ALERT* *SPOILER ALERT*
I bought the unrated version of this video. I had to have it. SHE put a spell on me. Yes. Julie Strain. She is an Amazon Sex Goddess. I was powerless to resist. "Sorceress" gives softcore a good name.
There aren't a lot of sex scenes in "Sorceress" but there is one scene about an hour into it that makes this movie worth owning. No man can resist its power. In a dream sequence, Julie Strain has sex with two women! Yes! Yes!! YES!!! It must be Christmas because Santa left me a present! This one scene is the whole reason for this movie's existence.
The rest of "Sorceress" is fairly lame. Something about spells and witches and revenge. Any "plot" scenes took away from valuable naked breast time. That's why God invented the fast forward button. There are other pretty women who get naked but they just don't have that certain something Strain has. It's still good though.
If you want Julie Strain action, my advice is to get the unrated version, fast forward an hour and party down.
I bought the unrated version of this video. I had to have it. SHE put a spell on me. Yes. Julie Strain. She is an Amazon Sex Goddess. I was powerless to resist. "Sorceress" gives softcore a good name.
There aren't a lot of sex scenes in "Sorceress" but there is one scene about an hour into it that makes this movie worth owning. No man can resist its power. In a dream sequence, Julie Strain has sex with two women! Yes! Yes!! YES!!! It must be Christmas because Santa left me a present! This one scene is the whole reason for this movie's existence.
The rest of "Sorceress" is fairly lame. Something about spells and witches and revenge. Any "plot" scenes took away from valuable naked breast time. That's why God invented the fast forward button. There are other pretty women who get naked but they just don't have that certain something Strain has. It's still good though.
If you want Julie Strain action, my advice is to get the unrated version, fast forward an hour and party down.
Amazingly hot
monyetsungainaikkuda22 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The story tells about witch who's trying to get rid of her husband's competition at his work. In order to do this, His wife used a spell that crippled his main competitor for life. However Albert's wife also happens to be a witch she wants to bring those who caused her and her husband harm down.
This movie is surprisingly hot, all the womens shown in this movie are all voluptuous and sexy. With all the nude and sex scene, i can't resist my erection. I remember jacking off 2 times at my bed midnight watching this alone at my room.
For all of you that wants a midnight entertainment for pleasure satisfaction, this movie is just the one. All the womens are just irrestible!, and don't be ashamed if you jack off cause i did too.
This movie is surprisingly hot, all the womens shown in this movie are all voluptuous and sexy. With all the nude and sex scene, i can't resist my erection. I remember jacking off 2 times at my bed midnight watching this alone at my room.
For all of you that wants a midnight entertainment for pleasure satisfaction, this movie is just the one. All the womens are just irrestible!, and don't be ashamed if you jack off cause i did too.
Remarkable talent in this low budget t&a semi-horror flick.
JerBear-222 October 1998
Remarkable and naked bodies will surely cause any dedicated surfer to pause on this one awhile, but only if it's on a movie channel. Without the nudity this one wouldn't hold anyone's attention for long. Even Linda Blair looks great (the best she's looked since she was kidnapped by Martin Sheen), but Eddie Albert Jr.( Butterflies are Free), who's far too talented for this film, looks like the director (or Linda) has ridden him hard.
Nice slice of mid-90's soft-core horror sleaze
Woodyanders4 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Lovely, but lethal witch Erica (robustly played with lip-smacking wicked relish by statuesque B-movie goddess Julie Strain) uses her black magic powers to further the career of her lawyer husband Larry (likeable Larry Poindexter). However, Erica winds up incurring the deadly wrath of rival witch Amelia (a solid performance by fright icon Linda Blair).
While director Jim Wynorski keeps the surprisingly convoluted story moving along at a brisk pace and treats the lurid premise with admirable seriousness, he nonetheless makes no bones about this flick being a pure exploitation piece by delivering oodles of tasty bare female flesh and several seriously scorching hot soft-core sex scenes that are highlighted by an especially sizzling lesbian threesome.
This movie further benefits from the presence of a few beautiful babes: Toni Naples as Erica's concerned sister Maria, Rochelle Swanson as the sweet Carol, Antonia Dorian as chipper receptionist Trisha, and Kristi Ducati as the perky Kathy. The rest of the cast are quite good as well: Edward Albert as the crippled Howard, Michael Parks as pathetic gardener Stan, Lenny Juliano as the smarmy Don, and William Marshall as friendly law firm head John Geiger. Fred Olen Ray has a small role as newscaster Bill Carson while Wynorski makes a quick cameo appearance. Gary Graver's glossy cinematography provides a pleasing polished look. A total trashy blast.
While director Jim Wynorski keeps the surprisingly convoluted story moving along at a brisk pace and treats the lurid premise with admirable seriousness, he nonetheless makes no bones about this flick being a pure exploitation piece by delivering oodles of tasty bare female flesh and several seriously scorching hot soft-core sex scenes that are highlighted by an especially sizzling lesbian threesome.
This movie further benefits from the presence of a few beautiful babes: Toni Naples as Erica's concerned sister Maria, Rochelle Swanson as the sweet Carol, Antonia Dorian as chipper receptionist Trisha, and Kristi Ducati as the perky Kathy. The rest of the cast are quite good as well: Edward Albert as the crippled Howard, Michael Parks as pathetic gardener Stan, Lenny Juliano as the smarmy Don, and William Marshall as friendly law firm head John Geiger. Fred Olen Ray has a small role as newscaster Bill Carson while Wynorski makes a quick cameo appearance. Gary Graver's glossy cinematography provides a pleasing polished look. A total trashy blast.
this flicks *ahem* lopsided
movieman_kev16 October 2003
Let me preface this by saying the only reason i gave this flick a shot was because I like Jim Wynorski, The director. That said, this isn't one of his better movies. Sure it has the high breast count thing going for it. And Jim DOES like his obligatory gratuitous shower scenes. But this tale of a guy's wife (Julie Strain) who dies & might or might not be haunting him is merely passable fare. Linda Blair hams it up, especially towards the end. On a final note, I ALWAYS hate endings like this one has.
Where i saw it: Showtime-on-demand
My Grade: C+
Eye Candy: I lost count, but Joe Bob Briggs said there's 27 breasts, so i defer to the master
Where i saw it: Showtime-on-demand
My Grade: C+
Eye Candy: I lost count, but Joe Bob Briggs said there's 27 breasts, so i defer to the master
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