The Dead Pit

*“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” mixed with 70s-80s horror…* …such as the “Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise, “The Beyond,” “Re-Animator,”  “The Sender” and Romero’s flicks. In other words, don’t expect the subtlety of “Cuckoo’s Nest” as this goes over-the-top like those horror movies. Voluptuous Cheryl Lawson is a highlight with her full brunette mane, reminiscent of Heather Langenkamp in the 80s or Cerina Vincent in the 2000s. Writer/director Brett Leonard doesn’t fail to capture her beauty in a tasteful way. While she flirted with acting, she ended up doing more stunt work. Speaking of Brett Leonard, he went on to helm movies like “The Lawnmower Man,” “Hideaway” and “Man-Thing.” He included a sense of artistry amidst the gory mayhem at the mental hospital. For the first 50 minutes I wasn’t sure I’d like the film, but the last act delivers the goods with human interest, a compelling story and lots of horrific action. So, stick around if you’re getting bored.    It was shot at the east campus of Agnews Development Center in San Jose, California, which was located at the south end of San Francisco Bay. The east campus closed in 2011, and three schools were eventually built there, as well as a city park, which includes two restored historic buildings, the auditorium and the mansion. Contrary to what some dubious sources say, this location has no link to Ken Kesey’s “Cuckoo’s Nest.” The book was inspired by Kesey’s experiences working as an orderly at Menlo Park Veterans Hospital, which is located 16 miles to the northwest of the former east campus. Kesey’s story was set at the Oregon State Hospital, just south of Portland, which is also where the movie was shot (as well as Depoe Bay on the nearby coast). It runs 1h 36m GRADE: B