On B List of Movie Reviews

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Back Door to Hell (1964)

Rate: 3
Viewed: 3/25

3/25: The only reason Back Door to Hell gets any look is Jack Nicholson.

Easy Rider hasn't come around yet, so that makes it five years of waiting. Anything this early is a curio because how can anyone had missed him? Well, Jack Nicholson doesn't look fully polished here and thus needs more seasoning. Instead, it's Conrad Maga who steals the show as Paco, but that's not saying much because Jimmie Rodgers keeps diverting his face from the camera. Both never saw their careers go anywhere afterwards.

Because of the bare-bones plot, Back Door to Hell doesn't feel like a movie but a TV episode. The action is always weak and never daring, and nothing dramatic is shown. Then again, what do I expect when it was made for eighty grand? At least, it's only 69 minutes long. Of what I've seen, I'm reminded of Ambush Bay which is far better and more developed in every aspect.

All in all, Back Door to Hell is a nothingburger.

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