Hell Comes to Frogtown

Fun, quirky sci-fi/fantasy with Roddy Piper and Sandahl Bergman

In the post-apocalyptic landscape of the American Southwest, Sam Hellman (Roddy Piper) becomes property of the provisional government and is taken by agent Spangle (Sandahl Bergman) & her crony (Cec Verrell) to the derelict factory complex now known as Frogtown, where mutant frog-humanoids dwell. Their mission is to rescue a kidnapped harem of women. William Smith is on hand as a heavy.

"Hell Comes to Frogtown" (1988) is a sci-fi/fantasy adult comedy that mixes the first two Planet of the Apes movies (or the Mad Max flicks) with frog people and a comedic vibe. Former pro-wrestler Piper makes for a likable, amusing protagonist while Sandahl is the same in the feminine department, although she lost the curvy appeal she had when she was in her physical prime in “Conan the Barbarian” (1982). She’s too thin here, but still attractive.

At the end of the day this is an entertaining throwaway flick that fills the bill when you’re in the mode for something light and goofy. While the movie flirts with raunch, it has a good heart. You like the two protagonists and enjoy their antics together; and the ending is heartwarming.

The film runs 1 hour, 26 minutes, and was shot in Southern Cal (Indian Dunes, Valencia; Kaiser Steel Mill, Fontana; Lincoln Foundry, Vernon; and Vasquez Rocks, Agua Dulce).

GRADE: B-