In the Eighties Stephen Geoffreys appeared to be one of horror's next big stars. After a fantastic supporting role in Fright Night, he was given the lead role of Hoax in Robert Englund's satanic feature film 976-Evil. This movie is, quite simply, the Stephen Geoffreys show and it works perfectly in every scene he's in. While most horror movies are filled with paper-thin characters, 976-Evil boasts one of the finest characters I've ever seen in Hoax. A teenage outcast raised by a fanatical movie, he's the male version of Carrie - only he has a sense of humor. Hoax doesn't let his tormentors ruin his life, he tries to go along with the joke, even if it's always on him.

Overall, the film is uneven. Geoffreys' scenes are riveting and you're always feeling something when you watch him. The other cast members are fine in their mostly stereotypical roles, but props go out to Lezlie Deane not only for giving the fan boys some nice topless action but also for giving a layered performance. Plus, she's a great screamer. Robert Picardo(The Howling)also has a great glorified cameo.

The idea of an evil 1-900 type of phone line is a great one. Creepy and amusing at the beginning, it quickly becomes more sinister. The movie builds up some very nice momentum and is reminiscent of a better movie - Christine - in the way our favorite character descents into a life of evil and revenge. Unfortunately, it loses its impact when we begin to move away from Hoax and focus on Spike, mostly because Spike isn't all that interesting. The ending is a let down as a special effect bonanza takes over and robs us of the human drama.

Geoffreys owns this movie giving a masterful performance which should have made him a star. Instead, after a handful of roles in mainstream films he ended up in the seedy world of adult entertainment. I can't understand how that could have happened because the guy was a great actor. His portrayal of Hoax tugs at your hearts, makes you laugh, makes you afraid and makes you feel pity. Without him, this is standard horror schlock but with him, it's a movie you must see.