The Outing

*When the genie in Aladdin’s Lamp doesn’t turn out to be Barbara Eden* The story revolves around six high schoolers deciding to stay overnight at a museum for kicks after their class field trip ends. Unfortunately, a newly acquired mysterious lamp turns their fun into horror. There are a couple of creative peripheral elements thrown into the mix that I’ll leave for you to discover. Winsome Andra St. Ivanyi stars as the protagonist, Alex. She has a look similar to Tiffany in the ’80s with an impressive head of hair, but this was her only role. Damon Merrill is also on hand as brunette Babs, but not enough is done with her. Deborah Winters is featured in multiple roles whereas blonde Michelle Watkins is worth a mention in the opening act, despite the dubious character she plays. It’s similar to “The Power” from three years earlier and a little better. With just a few tweaks it could’ve been more memorable, like 1982’s “One Dark Night.” Nevertheless, it’s just good enough to check out for those interested. It runs 1h 31m and was shot in APR 1986 in Houston, particularly the Houston Museum of Natural Science, as well as Galveston, with studio stuff done in Los Angeles. GRADE: B-