The Rocky Horror Picture Show was a great satirical horror spoof musical, and you probably wouldn't think there was a follow up, but there was, from returning director Jim Sharman. Basically this one, set six years after the previous film events, spoofs the world of television, specifically game shows crossed with early reality TV. Returning and in the audience for this show on a giant TV station called "Dentonvale", hosted by the eccentric Bert Schnick (Barry Humphries, best known as Dame Edna Everage), are now married Janet (Jessica Harper) and Brad Majors (Cliff De Young). They are currently in a rocky patch with their marriage, and the show offers a chance for them to restore their feelings for each other, which Janet is more than happy to do, while Brad is imprisoned. As time goes by it seems that Bert, along with the McKinleys as right hands, Nation (Patricia Quinn) and Cosmo (Richard O'Brien, also writing), are offering more than just the romance re-ignition, but a star career for Janet. She is entranced by her new life of stardom with the help of the megalomaniac TV crew, and has pretty much forgotten all about Brad, that is until we find out the other big name in the show Farley Flavors (also De Young) is the twin brother of Brad. After some looking behind the scenes by concerned Judge Oliver Wright (Diamonds Are Forver's Charles Gray) and Betty Hapschatt (Ruby Wax) things are settled in the end, I can't remember or be bothered to find out how, but it is. Also starring Nell Campbell as Nurse Ansalong, Rik Mayall as 'Rest Home' Ricky and singer and frequent guest judge in The X Factor Sinitta Renay as Frankie. One or two of the songs are a little catchy, the lyrics certainly do alright, and the colourful sets and costumes look okay, but all this doesn't make the film any better. The acting is terribly cheesy, the story is stupid, the music doesn't always fit, and you just know deep down that the first film is better, this is easily the most forgettable sequel I've ever seen, a silly musical satire. Pretty poor!
Review of Shock Treatment
