Filmed entirely in 1987, Housesitter…The Night They Saved Siegfried’s Brain sat unfinished for thirty-two years. Now, with post-sound from Skywalker Sound and final picture from Paramount Pictures color department, it is at last completed.
From the minds of Robin Nuyen and Richard Gasparian (The Simpsons, King of the Hill), Housesitter… gives fans plenty classic sci-fi and horror to indulge in. The film focuses around Andy, a stressed-out medical student (with an intense Elvis obsession), who is attempting to perform a “brain transfer” between two rodents. When his experiment fails in front of the board, Andy’s future is held in suspense. What Andy doesn’t realize is that his mentor and professor, Doc Crosby, is taking this theory to a much more devious level by using human brains. The film takes the audience on a ride as we watch Andy and his friends battle mad scientists for their brains, and their right to party.
There are definite Re-Animator meets Animal House moments that make this movie an entertaining horror comedy. The over thirty-two year build-up for this presumed cult classic did leave much to be desired, though. It’s often cartoonish and at many times clearly dubbed, but the nostalgic 80’s horror and 50’s-esque science fiction moments still make this film enjoyable to watch. There’s a few twists, some fun and cheesy gore, and enough nerdy [nonsensical] science jargon to warm my heart and make me a fan. There are also many artistic transitions to black and white for the sci-fi moments, giving the film an excellent contrast between its genre crossovers.
Related: 1980’s Horror Comedies That Defined Their Decade
If any of this has caught your attention, I highly recommend having a horror-comedy marathon and adding this film onto the list. You might not love it, but you will certainly be entertained. Housesitter…The Night They Saved Siegfried’s Brain is available now On Demand and on Blu-ray, and you can watch the trailer here.
