Lifeforce (1985) ****

Writer Dan O'Bannon and director Tobe Hooper crammed Lifeforce (1985) to the brim with everything and the kitchen sink—space vampires, zombies, over the top acting, ridiculous dialogue, gonzo special f/x, breakneck pace, explosions, London in shambles—all set to a gigantic, rousing score by Henry Mancini. Steve Railsback goes off the rails in one of the most oddball lead performances that truly has to be seen to be believed. Mathilda May hypnotizes every male character (and viewer) with her clothes-defying performance and impossibly perfect features. 

A lot of films get labeled as "bonkers" or "batshit" but Lifeforce is one that truly deserves those descriptors. Even by Golan and Globus standards it's nuts. The Cannon Group gave Hooper $25 million and a sandbox and he created an insane sci-fi freakout that flopped tremendously and foreshadowed the demise of the company. Critics hated it but it's since become a cult favorite that only rewards on repeat viewing. The 1980s were truly a wonderful time that can only be imitated, never replicated.

Tobe Hooper Feature Films Ranked