Two lovely American girls go to Italian castle to paint and restore pictures.During their visit they run into a traveling sideshow and invite all the members of said sideshow over to the castle for dinner.An orgy results with the girls being drugged and raped by two men.One of them is transforming into beast due to the curse.The romance between the beast and Sherilyn Fenn ensues...I wanted to see "Meridian" because of "Twin Peaks" starlet Sherilyn Fenn,one of the most beautiful actresses of 80's and early 90's.She and Charlie Spradling have some wonderfully sensual sex scenes in this mildly interesting and rather watered down Walerian Borowczyk's "The Beast" clone.Still "Meridian" is worth watching for stunningly ravishing Sherilyn Fenn.6 out of 10.
43 Reviews
Atmospheric, but slow
feet-likefins20 June 2005
The first half hour or so is entertaining, but it tends to shift around from there. It oscillates between interesting and boring.
Meridian is a beautiful movie, and it contains some of the most beautiful actresses I have ever seen. Meridian maintains a dreamy elegance throughout its length and rarely fails at that.
The settings, music, and sequences successfully convey an ethereal world. Despite a few slightly unsettling carnal scenes, Meridian is a pretty romantic movie that may move you. This may be true, if you believe in soul mates, or finding a true love. I was hopelessly in love when I saw this 10 years ago, so it kind of was on the same wavelength as me.
Meridian is a beautiful movie, and it contains some of the most beautiful actresses I have ever seen. Meridian maintains a dreamy elegance throughout its length and rarely fails at that.
The settings, music, and sequences successfully convey an ethereal world. Despite a few slightly unsettling carnal scenes, Meridian is a pretty romantic movie that may move you. This may be true, if you believe in soul mates, or finding a true love. I was hopelessly in love when I saw this 10 years ago, so it kind of was on the same wavelength as me.
guilty pleasure
SnoopyStyle28 January 2016
Gina (Charlie Spradling) is restoring an old painting from the church in Italy. Her school friend Catherine (Sherilyn Fenn) returns to take over her family castle after being away for 10 years. A wizard supposedly create the castle and Martha has been the caretaker even since Catherine can remember. The two friends are taken by a traveling circus and invite them in for diner. Durint the diner, the girls are drugged. Catherine is taken to the bedroom by the leader Lawrence (Malcolm Jamieson) and given to his masked twin Oliver.
This is made by B-movie horror director Charles Band although this has more in common with pulpy romance novels. This is either softcore porn with better than average plot or a B-movie horror with plenty of nudity. It's substantively not good compared to normal movies but this is simply a guilty pleasure. Sherilyn Fenn from Twin Peaks has always been gorgeous and this movie introduced the beautiful Charlie to me.
This is made by B-movie horror director Charles Band although this has more in common with pulpy romance novels. This is either softcore porn with better than average plot or a B-movie horror with plenty of nudity. It's substantively not good compared to normal movies but this is simply a guilty pleasure. Sherilyn Fenn from Twin Peaks has always been gorgeous and this movie introduced the beautiful Charlie to me.
Bands Gothic Fantasy
amesmonde22 June 2020
Two post-collegiate friends in Italy watch a traveling sideshow and get drawn into mystery of cursed supernatural horrors.
The story by Charles Band and screenplay by Dennis Paoli feature drugging and raping women in the name of a dreamy take on Beauty and the Beast. On revisiting since it's release it is at times a little uncomfortable viewing unless gratuitous sex scenes are your thing.
It opens up like The Church, with an interesting titbit about crypts and oil paintings all in Italian dialogue, there's impressive locations, sets, music (by Pino Donaggio) and some special effects etc but it's not long before it becomes an erotic, Gothic mystery that's gives off a Meatloaf music video vibe. Thankfully there are a few twists to the tale which gives it some much needed weight.
Actors Sherilyn Fenn and Charlie Spradling are solid enough Hilary Mason as Martha is her fantastic creepy self. Vernon Dobtcheff is first rate as the priest. Malcolm Jamieson does his best with the duel twin role but looks uncomfortable at times even when emulating the best and worst of Hammer Horrors.
Meridian has a hazy, dream-like quality which offers mood and atmosphere, to its credit it hasn't a direct to video visual look, Band delivers a filmatic quality of Full Moons Paramount days.
Overall, it's themes are dated even more so in these conscientious times and rob Meridian of being Bands Howling. Watch for curiosity if nothing else.
The story by Charles Band and screenplay by Dennis Paoli feature drugging and raping women in the name of a dreamy take on Beauty and the Beast. On revisiting since it's release it is at times a little uncomfortable viewing unless gratuitous sex scenes are your thing.
It opens up like The Church, with an interesting titbit about crypts and oil paintings all in Italian dialogue, there's impressive locations, sets, music (by Pino Donaggio) and some special effects etc but it's not long before it becomes an erotic, Gothic mystery that's gives off a Meatloaf music video vibe. Thankfully there are a few twists to the tale which gives it some much needed weight.
Actors Sherilyn Fenn and Charlie Spradling are solid enough Hilary Mason as Martha is her fantastic creepy self. Vernon Dobtcheff is first rate as the priest. Malcolm Jamieson does his best with the duel twin role but looks uncomfortable at times even when emulating the best and worst of Hammer Horrors.
Meridian has a hazy, dream-like quality which offers mood and atmosphere, to its credit it hasn't a direct to video visual look, Band delivers a filmatic quality of Full Moons Paramount days.
Overall, it's themes are dated even more so in these conscientious times and rob Meridian of being Bands Howling. Watch for curiosity if nothing else.
This was a dull movie...
paul_haakonsen15 February 2024
Of course I wasn't familiar with the 1990 movie titled "Meridian" from director Charles Band, prior to stumbling upon it here in 2024. But I am no stranger to many other movies from Charles Band, so of course I opted to sit down and watch it. The fact that the movie was one I had never seen before, much less heard about, and it's title, then my interest in the movie was definitely caught.
The storyline in the movie was bland, and the narrative was rather slow paced and sluggish. And without a whole lot of interesting things happening throughout the 85 minutes that the movie ran for, it was somewhat of a struggle to sit through this particular movie and feign an interest in it.
I found the narrative in the movie to be rubbish and the writers struck out in terms of entertaining me.
Of course the fact that the movie was starring Sherilyn Fenn also helped to make me want to watch the movie, but even she stood no chance in lifting up "Meridian". There were a few familiar faces on the cast list, aside from Sherilyn Fenn, with the likes of Phil Fondacaro and Vernon Dobtcheff.
There was a little bit too much focus on some sex scenes that dragged on a for way too long, and it sort of made the movie unnecessarily sleazy. Those scenes could easily have been cut out of the movie and it wouldn't have hurt the narrative. But I am guessing writers Charles Band and Dennis Paoli felt an urge to add those for some reason.
"Meridian" had a good title and a good cast ensemble, but it suffered from a boring and dull storyline and narrative, and it really wasn't worth wasting 85 minutes on watching.
My rating of "Meridian" lands on a very, very generous three out of ten stars.
The storyline in the movie was bland, and the narrative was rather slow paced and sluggish. And without a whole lot of interesting things happening throughout the 85 minutes that the movie ran for, it was somewhat of a struggle to sit through this particular movie and feign an interest in it.
I found the narrative in the movie to be rubbish and the writers struck out in terms of entertaining me.
Of course the fact that the movie was starring Sherilyn Fenn also helped to make me want to watch the movie, but even she stood no chance in lifting up "Meridian". There were a few familiar faces on the cast list, aside from Sherilyn Fenn, with the likes of Phil Fondacaro and Vernon Dobtcheff.
There was a little bit too much focus on some sex scenes that dragged on a for way too long, and it sort of made the movie unnecessarily sleazy. Those scenes could easily have been cut out of the movie and it wouldn't have hurt the narrative. But I am guessing writers Charles Band and Dennis Paoli felt an urge to add those for some reason.
"Meridian" had a good title and a good cast ensemble, but it suffered from a boring and dull storyline and narrative, and it really wasn't worth wasting 85 minutes on watching.
My rating of "Meridian" lands on a very, very generous three out of ten stars.
It's Beauty and the Beast essentially, sans the talking dishes...
Aaron13758 January 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I got this film in a pack with eight other films in it. I watched this one first because its very short description made it sound like it might be good. I was thinking a haunted house tell with some risqué scenes here and there. Instead, it turns out to be one of the most dull films I have ever seen from the Full Moon Studios. I just could not believe it was made by them, one never expects gold when watching their films, but one does expect more fun than this film had to offer. Even the music was bland...it reminded me of the music from that Pod People film. Someone pushing on a Casio keyboard for a minute at a time! The only saving grace was the two lead actresses who were very cute and you did get to see them nude. Not enough to save the film, I am afraid.
The story at first seemed to have something to do with a girl who restores paintings. However, the focus is instead on this girl's friend who has returned to live at her castle. The painting restorer and the head of the castle view this show and invite the entertainers to the castle where the entertainers promptly drug and have sex with the two girls. At this point I am thinking it is going to be bad, but at least there will be plenty of nudity. Unfortunately, I quickly realize this film is not really much of a horror flick at all and only a slightly more risqué version of Beauty and the Beast. There is hardly any blood or gore and besides the first nude scene there is relatively little in the way of skin the rest of the way.
Perhaps Charles Band wished to make a more serious in tone film, and I will not fault him for trying something different. One could almost say this is a horror film and a romance merged into one. However, it plays out way to much like a chick flick for my tastes as it needs more of anything! It also needed less paint restoration too. Yes, this goes on for way to long and the revelation here was not all that grand either. The ending was also relatively lame...just too much talking, not enough anything of interest to me when I have expectations of watching a horror film.
The story at first seemed to have something to do with a girl who restores paintings. However, the focus is instead on this girl's friend who has returned to live at her castle. The painting restorer and the head of the castle view this show and invite the entertainers to the castle where the entertainers promptly drug and have sex with the two girls. At this point I am thinking it is going to be bad, but at least there will be plenty of nudity. Unfortunately, I quickly realize this film is not really much of a horror flick at all and only a slightly more risqué version of Beauty and the Beast. There is hardly any blood or gore and besides the first nude scene there is relatively little in the way of skin the rest of the way.
Perhaps Charles Band wished to make a more serious in tone film, and I will not fault him for trying something different. One could almost say this is a horror film and a romance merged into one. However, it plays out way to much like a chick flick for my tastes as it needs more of anything! It also needed less paint restoration too. Yes, this goes on for way to long and the revelation here was not all that grand either. The ending was also relatively lame...just too much talking, not enough anything of interest to me when I have expectations of watching a horror film.
Fantasy and lust but lacked that beasty edge
livin_the_weekend16 November 2019
**NON-SPOILER**
This film is essentially about fantasy and lust which sees two younger women who are seduced by the charms of a fairy tale beasts. As pleasurable as it may be on the eye it lacked a lot of conviction whilst at some stages presented confusion. You pretty much knew how it would end from around half way through, it may be old now but it still needed something else as it ultimately lacked edge
This film is essentially about fantasy and lust which sees two younger women who are seduced by the charms of a fairy tale beasts. As pleasurable as it may be on the eye it lacked a lot of conviction whilst at some stages presented confusion. You pretty much knew how it would end from around half way through, it may be old now but it still needed something else as it ultimately lacked edge
Very good for a straight-to-video erotic horror film
Red-Barracuda15 July 2015
Meridian is an erotic horror film that used to be known under the name 'Phantoms' here in the UK. It was directed by Charles Band for his Full Moon production company who were known purveyors of B-movie schlock. This one seems to have a bit more of a budget about it, although it was still a straight-to-video effort. In fact, it could easily pass itself off as an Italian movie, seeing as it benefits from a very nice on-location Roman setting; while the soundtrack from the popular composer Pino Donaggio gives it a lush Euro atmosphere, in a late 80's kind of way. Its story focuses on a young American woman Catherine who inherits an Italian castle. One day, she and her friend encounter a group of travelling carnies whom they invite over for dinner, only for this to end in both girls being drugged and raped by their guests. Supernatural events follow
The film is sort of a sex and horror version of the 'Beauty and the Beast' story and keeping with its fairy-tale roots it remains a pretty restrained, albeit erotic in places. The reason it's sexy is also the prime reason to see it and that is undoubtedly on account of its two incredible leading ladies, Sherilyn Fenn and Charlie Spradling. They are certainly the best thing about this one and both feature prominently in a very sensual and well shot erotic sequence, which you will sure know when you see it. As astronomically beautiful as Ms Fenn is, I actually thought that Charlie was - incredibly - even more attractive. Needless to say, these girls are pure candy for the eyes. Unfortunately Charlie more or less vanishes for the second half of the movie and the plot then focuses on the ghostly goings on surrounding Sherilyn. Perhaps inevitably after such a strong start the film does fade somewhat as it goes on, yet it remains pretty stylish and entertaining for the most part. But see it for Charlie and Sherilyn would be my advice.
The film is sort of a sex and horror version of the 'Beauty and the Beast' story and keeping with its fairy-tale roots it remains a pretty restrained, albeit erotic in places. The reason it's sexy is also the prime reason to see it and that is undoubtedly on account of its two incredible leading ladies, Sherilyn Fenn and Charlie Spradling. They are certainly the best thing about this one and both feature prominently in a very sensual and well shot erotic sequence, which you will sure know when you see it. As astronomically beautiful as Ms Fenn is, I actually thought that Charlie was - incredibly - even more attractive. Needless to say, these girls are pure candy for the eyes. Unfortunately Charlie more or less vanishes for the second half of the movie and the plot then focuses on the ghostly goings on surrounding Sherilyn. Perhaps inevitably after such a strong start the film does fade somewhat as it goes on, yet it remains pretty stylish and entertaining for the most part. But see it for Charlie and Sherilyn would be my advice.
The incredible Sherilyn "Fenn-tastic" in a rubbish horror fairy-tale
Coventry25 November 2009
I never thought I'd say these words in relation to a Full Moon production, but this film contains one of the most sensual and arousing erotic sequences I've ever seen. Approximately half an hour into the film, there's a bizarre but nevertheless oddly enticing series of scenes where a pair of malignant twin brothers drug and seduce the heavenly astounding Sherilyn Fenn and her equally attractive friend Charlie Spradling. Both girls are undressed in highly sensual circumstances (fireplace, blood red sheets, moody tunes
) and the footage is revealing without becoming tasteless or gratuitous. Initially I wasn't too interested in checking out "Meridian", as I suffer too much from Charles Band allergy and Full Moon aversion, but eventually borrowed the DVD from a friend because I was enthralled by the presence of Sherilyn, the intriguing fairy-tale outlook and the potentially macabre settings illustrated on the back of the DVD-cover. Well, yeah, the film LOOKS pretty good. It's nearly incomprehensible how such a bunch of fascinating story elements are turned into such a boring and anti- frightening wholesome. "Meridian" is kind of like a crossbreed between Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" and Walerian Borowczyk's cult classic "La Bête", but it lacks the charm of the former as well as the shock- impact of the latter. The graduated art student Catherine Beaumancini returns to her home country Italy to inherit the old family castle. She and her friend Gina become dangerously entangled in a web of mystery and deceit when they invite a traveling circus assembly to dinner. Catherine becomes an object of seduction to the malicious ringmaster Lawrence. His twin brother Oliver sincerely loves Catherine, but stands powerless because he's under a spell that turns him into a wolf-like creature. Interesting enough plot, but the film is indescribably boring and overwrought. Charles Band really exaggerates in trying to make "Meridian" look Gothic and unsettling, with an overload of slow-motion camera-work and unnecessary set pieces. The special effects – and the wolf disguise in particular – are laughably tacky and wouldn't upset the smallest child. In fact, Disney's "Beast" actually was a lot scarier when he got angry.
It won't be everybody's cup of tea.
Hey_Sweden11 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Give Charles Band a little credit for stepping outside his genre comfort zone. Here he attempts to create a deadly serious Gothic romance. While it's going to be much too slowly paced to suit some tastes, others will appreciate the heavy atmosphere, and the incredibly sincere performances.
The premise is essentially a variation on the classic Beauty and the Beast theme. Two art school graduates, Catherine (Sherilyn Fenn), and Gina (Charlie Spradling), travel to Italy. Gina goes to work restoring paintings, while Catherine goes to live in the opulent castle that she has inherited. Soon, Catherine finds herself caught up in a love triangle with twin brothers (Lawrence and Oliver, both played by handsome Malcolm Jamieson). Lawrence is cruel and controlling, Oliver is the much more sensitive one. Yet Oliver is the one suffering a sad curse.
The movie is worth watching for Ms. Fenn. She's absolutely beautiful, as always, but also delivers an appealing performance. Fenn and the equally ravishing Spradling do show off quite a bit of their bodies in some extended love making scenes. Jamieson does a respectable job at portraying these two wildly contrasting characters. The strong supporting cast includes Hilary Mason as the wise and loving old nanny Martha, Phil Fondacaro as the dwarf, Vernon Dobtcheff as the priest, and Alex Daniels as the beastly incarnation of Oliver.
Pino Donaggio composed the haunting and lovely score, the lighting is by genre veteran Mac Ahlberg, and the castle sets look pretty good. There aren't that many visual effects to speak of, but the beast makeup by Greg Cannom is reasonably impressive. Another enjoyable element is watching a painting reveal itself under another painting, as Gina goes about her business of restoration.
Worth a look for people seeking a change of pace from more typical Full Moon product.
Seven out of 10.
The premise is essentially a variation on the classic Beauty and the Beast theme. Two art school graduates, Catherine (Sherilyn Fenn), and Gina (Charlie Spradling), travel to Italy. Gina goes to work restoring paintings, while Catherine goes to live in the opulent castle that she has inherited. Soon, Catherine finds herself caught up in a love triangle with twin brothers (Lawrence and Oliver, both played by handsome Malcolm Jamieson). Lawrence is cruel and controlling, Oliver is the much more sensitive one. Yet Oliver is the one suffering a sad curse.
The movie is worth watching for Ms. Fenn. She's absolutely beautiful, as always, but also delivers an appealing performance. Fenn and the equally ravishing Spradling do show off quite a bit of their bodies in some extended love making scenes. Jamieson does a respectable job at portraying these two wildly contrasting characters. The strong supporting cast includes Hilary Mason as the wise and loving old nanny Martha, Phil Fondacaro as the dwarf, Vernon Dobtcheff as the priest, and Alex Daniels as the beastly incarnation of Oliver.
Pino Donaggio composed the haunting and lovely score, the lighting is by genre veteran Mac Ahlberg, and the castle sets look pretty good. There aren't that many visual effects to speak of, but the beast makeup by Greg Cannom is reasonably impressive. Another enjoyable element is watching a painting reveal itself under another painting, as Gina goes about her business of restoration.
Worth a look for people seeking a change of pace from more typical Full Moon product.
Seven out of 10.
It looks nice...
FlashCallahan27 July 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Two American students go to Italy after graduating from art school, one to work in restoration of paintings, the other because she's inherited her father's castle.
When the restorer visits her friend at the castle, they invite the players of a travelling sideshow to dinner, and are slipped drugs, leading to an orgy of abandon.
The woman who owns the castle keeps having visions of a young woman who has been stabbed.
After talking to her nanny, she finds that the "vision" woman is her father's sister, who was murdered brutally as the consequence of a 15th Century curse put on her family, and that she is the next in line, and the troupe they have entertained is a part of the curse....
So the film looks good, very good in one scene, but when it has something like that so early on in the film, where do you go from there?
Well according to this film, nowhere, just keep shooting the scenery, put a ghost and a beast in the film, and chuck in the old beauty and the beast film.
It doesn't work one bit, it's uncomfortable to sit through, and becomes a chore very quickly.
Boring and drab.
When the restorer visits her friend at the castle, they invite the players of a travelling sideshow to dinner, and are slipped drugs, leading to an orgy of abandon.
The woman who owns the castle keeps having visions of a young woman who has been stabbed.
After talking to her nanny, she finds that the "vision" woman is her father's sister, who was murdered brutally as the consequence of a 15th Century curse put on her family, and that she is the next in line, and the troupe they have entertained is a part of the curse....
So the film looks good, very good in one scene, but when it has something like that so early on in the film, where do you go from there?
Well according to this film, nowhere, just keep shooting the scenery, put a ghost and a beast in the film, and chuck in the old beauty and the beast film.
It doesn't work one bit, it's uncomfortable to sit through, and becomes a chore very quickly.
Boring and drab.
Beauty & the beast...with Sherilynn & Charlie naked!
Dax-2130 September 1999
Yep, that's about what you get. A strangely warped Beauty and the beast (with twin beasts) story whose main benefit is it's two gorgeous heroine's Sherilynn Fenn and Charlie Spradling. Never can any film have featured two such beautiful actresses and the director is quick to get them drugged and stripped.
The Spradling character (she was credited as just "Charlie" in this film) allbut disappears from the plot thereafter leaving La Fenn to wrestle with the beast twins and eventually fall in love with the good one of the two.
The Spradling character (she was credited as just "Charlie" in this film) allbut disappears from the plot thereafter leaving La Fenn to wrestle with the beast twins and eventually fall in love with the good one of the two.
Get the Kleenex out boys!
Bezenby31 December 2012
It's the moment you've been waiting for! Sherilyn Fenn in the buff, and as an added bonus, some other actress too.
Sherilyn's just returned to Italy to her family castle as a successful sculptress, and is welcomed home by her old nanny. Her friend, also American, restores paintings and heads over for the weekend for a bit of a laugh. At the same time, however, a strange travelling freak show turn up and Sherilyn's a bit taken by the leader of the show: some guy who, judging by his dress sense, wouldn't have looked amiss singing for Spandau Ballet.
The freak show are invited to the castle for dinner, and before you know it, Sherilyn and her friend have been drugged and ended up getting raped by the ringleader and a mysterious masked man, who not only is the twin of the ringleader of the freaks, but also turns into some sort of beast mid-coitus. This actor, in real life, probably chalks up this scene, where he gets to lie naked with both actresses, as the 'best thing he's ever done ever'. I'll bet he's still grinning and pinching himself to this day.
Turns out these New Romantic twins are ancient brothers, and one of them is evil and the other one just wants to be free of the curse. This is all linked to Sherilyn's family, and a painting her friend is restoring, and one of the characters may even be a ghost, and by that I don't mean the actual ghost that's kicking about. Much spooky happenings, romance, and naked Fenn scenes ensue.
I quite liked Phantoms, for what it was. I've never been big on rape in films, mind you, but this all seems to be tied in with the plot somehow. There's effective scenes of the brothers emerging from the walls of the castle. It's very close in spirit to the actual home grown Italian horror movies of this era (Specters, Demons 3 The Ogre) although it's slightly lacking in the cheese department. Recommended for those who are unnerved at trying anything that has the name 'Charles Brand' attached to it.
Sherilyn's just returned to Italy to her family castle as a successful sculptress, and is welcomed home by her old nanny. Her friend, also American, restores paintings and heads over for the weekend for a bit of a laugh. At the same time, however, a strange travelling freak show turn up and Sherilyn's a bit taken by the leader of the show: some guy who, judging by his dress sense, wouldn't have looked amiss singing for Spandau Ballet.
The freak show are invited to the castle for dinner, and before you know it, Sherilyn and her friend have been drugged and ended up getting raped by the ringleader and a mysterious masked man, who not only is the twin of the ringleader of the freaks, but also turns into some sort of beast mid-coitus. This actor, in real life, probably chalks up this scene, where he gets to lie naked with both actresses, as the 'best thing he's ever done ever'. I'll bet he's still grinning and pinching himself to this day.
Turns out these New Romantic twins are ancient brothers, and one of them is evil and the other one just wants to be free of the curse. This is all linked to Sherilyn's family, and a painting her friend is restoring, and one of the characters may even be a ghost, and by that I don't mean the actual ghost that's kicking about. Much spooky happenings, romance, and naked Fenn scenes ensue.
I quite liked Phantoms, for what it was. I've never been big on rape in films, mind you, but this all seems to be tied in with the plot somehow. There's effective scenes of the brothers emerging from the walls of the castle. It's very close in spirit to the actual home grown Italian horror movies of this era (Specters, Demons 3 The Ogre) although it's slightly lacking in the cheese department. Recommended for those who are unnerved at trying anything that has the name 'Charles Brand' attached to it.
Why Do Vampires get all the Girls
dragonhuntor31 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers
May Contain Spoilers. This movie is old enough I think you can deal.
Make no mistake, this is not a great movie. It is, in its limited way a fairly entertaining movie, but not great. Catherine owns a castle. Her and her friend invite a traveling show over for dinner. Debauchery ensues. PG debauchery. The main draw of this movie is, ultimately, is Sherilyn Fenn. She is adorable, and naked with her breast exposed a couple of times. Sherilyn and her breast have appeared in several movies some with more story. They are always a welcome treat. The movie, on the whole leaves a person unsatisfied. Unfortunately, movies that rely on nudity to draw an audience fail from the same fate as those that rely on special effects, they forget they still need a compelling story. the movie is short and feels long. There is little to no explanation of the characters who seem to have major behind the scene parts, like Martha and the priest. There is an evil dwarf but he actually causes a continuity error with what looks like an inter-cut rape scene that must not have been. Except for "the Howling" why aren't there more stories with werewolf sex in them? I don't know. Animated corpses feeding off the blood of the living no matter how enticingly dressed really don't appeal to me. Maybe someone could make a good nordic rape/pillage movie with skin-dancers but most likely it would be cheesy. oh well. We must just keep our eyes open for the gems as we ply thru the dregs.
Make no mistake, this is not a great movie. It is, in its limited way a fairly entertaining movie, but not great. Catherine owns a castle. Her and her friend invite a traveling show over for dinner. Debauchery ensues. PG debauchery. The main draw of this movie is, ultimately, is Sherilyn Fenn. She is adorable, and naked with her breast exposed a couple of times. Sherilyn and her breast have appeared in several movies some with more story. They are always a welcome treat. The movie, on the whole leaves a person unsatisfied. Unfortunately, movies that rely on nudity to draw an audience fail from the same fate as those that rely on special effects, they forget they still need a compelling story. the movie is short and feels long. There is little to no explanation of the characters who seem to have major behind the scene parts, like Martha and the priest. There is an evil dwarf but he actually causes a continuity error with what looks like an inter-cut rape scene that must not have been. Except for "the Howling" why aren't there more stories with werewolf sex in them? I don't know. Animated corpses feeding off the blood of the living no matter how enticingly dressed really don't appeal to me. Maybe someone could make a good nordic rape/pillage movie with skin-dancers but most likely it would be cheesy. oh well. We must just keep our eyes open for the gems as we ply thru the dregs.
An Eye Candy Snippet
Robbie-4319 August 1999
The film Meridian is basically a live version of the classic cartoon "Beauty and the Beast" but without the singing teapot, candle, and clock and some other plot changes. The heroine, as played by Eye Candy Hall of Fame inductee Sherilyn Fenn, inherits a creepy castle. One day, she and her friend (fellow inductee Charlie Spradling) venture down to the village and watch a creepy little circus. They proceed to invite the creepy performers back to the castle for dinner. The creeps then drug our two ladies, and while in an altered state, the creepy ringmaster disrobes them to engage in a carnal act. Here at the academy we deplore the concept of date rape or any other act of sexual aggression within a film to justify a nude scene. In this case it is an important plot development, the film is of the horror genre, no physical abuse is incorporated in the scene, and the fact that it proceeds at a snail's pace causes us to forget what triggered the event. Putting our bias aside, upon viewing the de-clothed heroines, we realize that Sherilyn looks Fenn-tastic and Ms. Spradling ain't such a bad thing. In fact hold onto your beer while admiring the natural talents of Ms. Spradling. This scene alone fulfills the requirements of the academy but the film alone does not (no more worthy scenes of nakedness). As for the film itself, the story then proceeds along to answer the following questions: Can the curse of the Man-Beast be lifted?, Why are there strange happenings at the castle?, Will Ms. Fenn's character find true love?, and How come some of the castle walls are made of cardboard?
saved by Sherilyn
panther2pup29 May 2014
I had never heard of this movie but it was included in a box set of horror I found in a bargain bin. Obviously from a VHS copy, the grainy screen added to the films overall aura. Little Red Riding Hood meets Beauty and the Beast is what came to mind. It is an interesting adult themed version of two girls trip To Italy, one to pursue art the other to take possession of an inherited castle. I thought the pace was rather slow and the scenes of love and rather flat, lacking that abandon I look for in love scenes, leaving the story rather cold. But the lush scenery helped make up for the loss of depth in the theme. Sherilyn Flynn made this bearable for me.
Beauty and the Beast with uncomfy parts
BandSAboutMovies23 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Dennis Paoli wrote Re-Animator, From Beyond, Dagon, The Dentist, Spellcaster and Castle Freak, so I would put his Full Moon work on the good side of the "Is it a good or bad Full Moon?" equation that we'll discuss throughout this week of their films. I am thanking him for somehow getting Charles Band to make a movie with all non-small characters, save Phil Fondacaro, because Mr. Band just can't seem to make a movie without someone short or miniature.
Unlike so many other Full Moon films, this one looks and sounds great, with a Pino Donaggio score and a lush and romantic feel, because hey, it's the Full Moon version of Beauty and the Beast.
It's also incredibly troubling, as Lawrence and his twin brother are under a curse and may only be killed by someone who loves them. I don't believe that said curse gives them license - here's the rough part - to drug and assault our main character Catherine Bomarzini (Sherilyn Fenn) and her friend Gina (Charlie Spradling, who was also in the Full Moon films Bad Channels and Puppet Master II).
Also known as The Ravaging, which is the re-mastered title, this movie also has a ghost girl, a faithful nanny and monster and human lovemaking. It's kind of like the Cinemax version of a fairy tale - umm, no wait, that would be Fairy Tales - and I'm sure that lots of folks rented this before they could actually rent VCA movies and were rewarded with something even stranger than an actual adult movie.
Unlike so many other Full Moon films, this one looks and sounds great, with a Pino Donaggio score and a lush and romantic feel, because hey, it's the Full Moon version of Beauty and the Beast.
It's also incredibly troubling, as Lawrence and his twin brother are under a curse and may only be killed by someone who loves them. I don't believe that said curse gives them license - here's the rough part - to drug and assault our main character Catherine Bomarzini (Sherilyn Fenn) and her friend Gina (Charlie Spradling, who was also in the Full Moon films Bad Channels and Puppet Master II).
Also known as The Ravaging, which is the re-mastered title, this movie also has a ghost girl, a faithful nanny and monster and human lovemaking. It's kind of like the Cinemax version of a fairy tale - umm, no wait, that would be Fairy Tales - and I'm sure that lots of folks rented this before they could actually rent VCA movies and were rewarded with something even stranger than an actual adult movie.
Beauties and the beast.
BA_Harrison6 May 2021
Young American sculptor Catherine (Sherilyn Fenn) returns to her family castle in Italy where she meets up with her pal, artist Gina (Charlie Spradling). After enjoying the sights of a travelling sideshow, the girls invite the performers to the castle for dinner. During the evening, the friends are drugged and raped by twins Lawrence and Oliver (both played by Malcolm Jamieson), one of whom is evil, and the other cursed to turn into a beast whenever he gets the horn!
Those who watch Meridian in order to see Twin Peaks babe Sherilyn Fenn in the altogether will no doubt be more than happy by the actress's frequent unclothing, but they may be amazed to find that Fenn isn't the fittest bird in the film: outshining Sherilyn is Charlie Spradling, who only has the one nude scene, but what a scene it is! If only the roles had been reversed, giving us more opportunity to fully appreciate her incredible physical attributes.
In addition to the impressive forms of both of its leading ladies, Meridian also benefits from excellent special make-up effects courtesy of Greg Cannom (channeling his inner Rick Baker for a cool transformation scene), a lush score from Pino Donaggio, and sumptuous cinematography from Mac Ahlberg. It's a shame that the story isn't really worthy of such talent - a weak 'beauty and the beast' style fantasy horror yarn spiced up with erotica, that director Charles Band is unable to bring any magic to: his attempts at style and classiness (slow motion, red light and smoke) amount to tedium for the most part, while the script conveniently glosses over certain plot elements with fairytale 'anything goes' dream-logic (thereby avoiding addressing such questions as 'Why does the painting being restored by Gina depict events that are about to happen?',' Why is there is a glowing red portal in the castle walls?', and 'Why do the sideshow ghosts enter and leave through the mouth of a statue?').
4.5/10, rounded up to 5 for IMDb. Recommended to fans of Fenn and Spradling for obvious reasons, but the slow pace and trite gothic romanticism makes it a bit of a bore at times.
Those who watch Meridian in order to see Twin Peaks babe Sherilyn Fenn in the altogether will no doubt be more than happy by the actress's frequent unclothing, but they may be amazed to find that Fenn isn't the fittest bird in the film: outshining Sherilyn is Charlie Spradling, who only has the one nude scene, but what a scene it is! If only the roles had been reversed, giving us more opportunity to fully appreciate her incredible physical attributes.
In addition to the impressive forms of both of its leading ladies, Meridian also benefits from excellent special make-up effects courtesy of Greg Cannom (channeling his inner Rick Baker for a cool transformation scene), a lush score from Pino Donaggio, and sumptuous cinematography from Mac Ahlberg. It's a shame that the story isn't really worthy of such talent - a weak 'beauty and the beast' style fantasy horror yarn spiced up with erotica, that director Charles Band is unable to bring any magic to: his attempts at style and classiness (slow motion, red light and smoke) amount to tedium for the most part, while the script conveniently glosses over certain plot elements with fairytale 'anything goes' dream-logic (thereby avoiding addressing such questions as 'Why does the painting being restored by Gina depict events that are about to happen?',' Why is there is a glowing red portal in the castle walls?', and 'Why do the sideshow ghosts enter and leave through the mouth of a statue?').
4.5/10, rounded up to 5 for IMDb. Recommended to fans of Fenn and Spradling for obvious reasons, but the slow pace and trite gothic romanticism makes it a bit of a bore at times.
Teenage Late Night Cinema: Kiss of the Beast.
Captain_Couth28 August 2005
Kiss of the Beast (1990) was a film that I saw many times late night on cable. The movie itself is pretty weak. Who cares about twin dudes who turn into some haggard looking hairballs? The only reason you'll want to watch this film is to see the awesomely hot Sherilyn Fenn (as a brunette!) in various stages of undress and the smoking Charlie Spaudling in the buff as well. Why hasn't this movie ever been released on D.V.D.?
Sherilyn Fenn is one of those actress during the eighties that has always been overlooked. I mean she's one attractive lady, and she can act with the best of them. Whatever happened to her career? She was destined for greater things instead of appearing in Lifetime Network movies she should have been a star. Oh well, Hollywood's loss is D.T.V.'s gain.
Recommended for Sherilyn Fenn fans.
Sherilyn Fenn is one of those actress during the eighties that has always been overlooked. I mean she's one attractive lady, and she can act with the best of them. Whatever happened to her career? She was destined for greater things instead of appearing in Lifetime Network movies she should have been a star. Oh well, Hollywood's loss is D.T.V.'s gain.
Recommended for Sherilyn Fenn fans.
Tedious and hard to focus on
Groverdox27 September 2020
"Meridian" is just like the two Subspecies movies I watched last, which were also Full Moon/Charles Band productions. It's boring, hard to follow, with good locations and actors, minimal direction, and perhaps not much of a screenplay.
It also features American girls in a foreign country - Italy, this time - falling for a man who turns out to be a supernatural being or some kind.
It's only notable for Sherilyn Fenn's nude scenes, though she doesn't do full frontal nudity. The filmmakers prove to be as inept at eroticism as they are at providing thrills.
Also, the music is just as overbearing and irritating as it was in the Subspecies flicks.
It also features American girls in a foreign country - Italy, this time - falling for a man who turns out to be a supernatural being or some kind.
It's only notable for Sherilyn Fenn's nude scenes, though she doesn't do full frontal nudity. The filmmakers prove to be as inept at eroticism as they are at providing thrills.
Also, the music is just as overbearing and irritating as it was in the Subspecies flicks.
Not a Bad Movie
chelseajmbelehar25 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The whole movie has that late 80's early 90's theme and set effects that actually flow quite well with the story elements. Its a fun twist of medevil and modern. I honestly didn't see the Beauty and the Beast reference until the end.
The ending I don't get because all the others who ere involved with the rape went back with them and not to where ever Lawrence went. I could not see you could go with a man you love to be in a world with them a part of it forever!
The only real problems I have with this movie are two things.
First, Catherine and Oliver's romance feels none existent. Sympathy at best not romance or true love.
Second and most important point. It all started with a double drug rape!
Once the ability of choice was taken away, this was not a romance. Lawrence "She is ready and willing." There was no ready or willing! Then the brother who is supposed to be good rapes her. NOT ROMANCE RAPE!
The only real problems I have with this movie are two things.
First, Catherine and Oliver's romance feels none existent. Sympathy at best not romance or true love.
Second and most important point. It all started with a double drug rape!
Once the ability of choice was taken away, this was not a romance. Lawrence "She is ready and willing." There was no ready or willing! Then the brother who is supposed to be good rapes her. NOT ROMANCE RAPE!
Yeah, no, but YEAH, but no.
bombersflyup9 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Meridian tantalizes, but the fantasy tale becomes a chore to sit through.
It's essentially a Disney Beauty and the Beast story for adults, I dunno. A small portion of the film's done extremely well, with the excellent casting of Fenn and Spradling, but most a bore.
It's essentially a Disney Beauty and the Beast story for adults, I dunno. A small portion of the film's done extremely well, with the excellent casting of Fenn and Spradling, but most a bore.
Low budget live action Beauty and the Beast with the most un-PC sex scene ever!
Joxerlives8 November 2012
Warning: Spoilers
My friends and I went through a period of rather than attempting to rent the best video we could find we deliberately attempted to rent the worst. And if it had beautiful scantily clad women on the cover all the better. Phantoms/Meridian was top of the list not least because we were big Twin Peaks fans and posters of Sherilyn Fenn adorned our bedroom walls.
Really it's a pretty schizophrenic piece. We have a PG rated supernatural romantic love story that takes up the vast majority of the running time. It's OK, nice scenery, some decent acting and dialogue but pretty much unremarkable. The end scene where they disappear into the floodlit skull like cave is quite arresting and I recognised the whip wielding dwarf as Krammer's friend from Senfield.
But then it's like the producers said "We need to spice it up a bit" and filmed THAT scene, the infamous but undeniably strangely sexy sequence where the gorgeous Sherilyn and her equally beautiful co-star Charlene Spraldling are stripped and drug-raped only to succumb to their dark desires and end up willingly and enthusiastically participating in their own ravishment like true Gothic horror heroines. We always wondered what Sherilyn looked like naked and she certainly doesn't disappoint, just as gloriously nubile as we fondly imagined. Spraldling is also fantastically hot (and buxom!)and again, shame she never did much after this.
Pretty astonishing that they could still get away with an amazingly un-PC storyline like that in the 1990s! All the more amazing that the actresses actually agreed to do it no matter how much soft focus, erotic music and slow motion is employed, especially since Sherilyn was enjoying massive mainstream success with Twin Peaks at the time.
And THEN, then when you think it just can't get any weirder the twin having sex with Sherilyn's character transforms into a monster and she still keeps having sex with him!
AND THEN she falls in love with her man/beast rapist! Smacks of GOT/Galaxy of Terror fic, a fetish for beautiful women raped and impregnated by monsters whom they then fall in love with (yes, I am serious, just Google the term or search Monster Sex on Amazon if you don't believe me)
So, if you want to see a film with lovely scenery, a truly unconventional Gothic romance, a weird yet extremely erotic sex scene with 2 very beautiful female stars and a storyline that singlehandedly sets the cause of feminism back about 500 years then this one is for you
Really it's a pretty schizophrenic piece. We have a PG rated supernatural romantic love story that takes up the vast majority of the running time. It's OK, nice scenery, some decent acting and dialogue but pretty much unremarkable. The end scene where they disappear into the floodlit skull like cave is quite arresting and I recognised the whip wielding dwarf as Krammer's friend from Senfield.
But then it's like the producers said "We need to spice it up a bit" and filmed THAT scene, the infamous but undeniably strangely sexy sequence where the gorgeous Sherilyn and her equally beautiful co-star Charlene Spraldling are stripped and drug-raped only to succumb to their dark desires and end up willingly and enthusiastically participating in their own ravishment like true Gothic horror heroines. We always wondered what Sherilyn looked like naked and she certainly doesn't disappoint, just as gloriously nubile as we fondly imagined. Spraldling is also fantastically hot (and buxom!)and again, shame she never did much after this.
Pretty astonishing that they could still get away with an amazingly un-PC storyline like that in the 1990s! All the more amazing that the actresses actually agreed to do it no matter how much soft focus, erotic music and slow motion is employed, especially since Sherilyn was enjoying massive mainstream success with Twin Peaks at the time.
And THEN, then when you think it just can't get any weirder the twin having sex with Sherilyn's character transforms into a monster and she still keeps having sex with him!
AND THEN she falls in love with her man/beast rapist! Smacks of GOT/Galaxy of Terror fic, a fetish for beautiful women raped and impregnated by monsters whom they then fall in love with (yes, I am serious, just Google the term or search Monster Sex on Amazon if you don't believe me)
So, if you want to see a film with lovely scenery, a truly unconventional Gothic romance, a weird yet extremely erotic sex scene with 2 very beautiful female stars and a storyline that singlehandedly sets the cause of feminism back about 500 years then this one is for you
sexy scene
slimedevil4444-110 January 2006
This otherwise average film gets 2 extra stars for possibly the sexiest scene I have ever seen in a movie.I'm of course talking about when the 2 female leads are drugged and ravaged....I'm not a fan of date rape but this scene is done in a way that really works...watching the girls moaning and writhing as they are seductively stripped has to be seen by anyone who enjoys that type of thing.Unfortunately then a beast comes in the bedroom and starts making out with Fenn,and that is maybe a bit too weird.Too bad they didn't have a scene between the 2 girls...OK maybe I'm going too far but I can dream cant I?I saw Fenn in an episode of The Gilmore Girls recently and she sure still looks good since its been 15 years since the movie was made.
Boring tosh!
The_Void2 August 2007
Well Full Moon aren't exactly known for their great horror classic - and with films like this in their resume, it's not hard to see why. Meridian is a silly mess of a film that is as ridiculous as it is boring. It would seem that Meridian is trying to go for a sort of Hammer Horror feel, but it misses the 'camp' mark and unfortunately ends up being purely tacky - which doesn't do the film much good at all. The plot sounds like it might be interesting, but you shouldn't be fooled! We focus on two American students that go off to Italy after art school. One goes to restore paintings, while the other one is there as she has inherited her father's castle. However, there's something odd going on in the castle as it's new owner begins seeing visions, and the circus folk that hang around seem a bit odd also. The plot is never particularly fascinating, and despite a few sex scenes (which really couldn't be much less erotic), there is very little worth remembering in this film. Given the right handling, it could have been an atmospheric and memorable fantasy fairytale - but as it happens, Meridian is just trash, and not the good kind!
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