Popeye the Slayer Man - The scoop and digest

After the ultra low-budget Popeye's Revenge (which I couldn't be bothered to cover), the second horror taking advantage of character entering public domain is directed by Robert Michael Ryan.

Sean Michael Conway - Dexter

Elena Juliano - Olivia

Mabel Thomas - Katie

Marie-Louise Boisnier - Lisa

Jeff Thomas - Seth

Jason Stephens - The Sailor Man

Summary

In Anchor Bay, drug dealers are in chasing a woman called Adrienne, who breaks into a derelict spinach canning factory.

Both men are killed by a hulking man in a sailor suit, but it's left ambiguous if Adrienne survived.

In the not too distant future, Dexter and fellow student Olivia are making a documentary on the Sailor Man urban legend, who is said to haunt the factory waiting for his love to return.

Knowing the factory is going to be sold and demolished by a property developer, Dexter, Olivia and friends visit the same night.

But all and sundry soon discover he is what he is.

Anchor's aweigh

Not the embarrassing car crash I expected.

Acting is a mixed bag, kills get repetitive, but practical effects can be impressive.

20 years ago, the factory was closed down, apparently because of dangerous working conditions.  But Dexter and Olivia learn a spinach contamination caused a neurological infection, giving Popeye superhuman strength, but rotting his brain as a side effect.

A newspaper randomly dated May 3 2004 reveals employee Olive Oyl blew the whistle on factory and has been missing ever since.

Opening rips off Friday the 13th (2009), but strangely doesn't go through with it entirely, because Adrienne is never seen again.

For shiggles, the cautionary tale to keep kids away from the old docks: 

When you smell the smoke from his pipe he's near

He will kill you if you show fear

He gets his strength from a spinach can

He is Popeye the Sailor Man

Shit is left open for a sequel, as Dexter and Olivia vow to help Popeye find Olive.

Resident Evil

Dexter comments on Olivia's lock-picking skills, which is surely a nod to Jill Valentine.

Alistair Holdings (who covered up contamination) is basically Umbrella and spinach is arguably a version of the T-virus.

Resident Evil 2 (2019)

When he's not eating toxic treats, smoking a pipe and repeatedly grunting, Popeye stomps about just like Mr. X.

Before it's revealed that Popeye is her father, Olivia tells him to put Dexter down, and obeys.  Popeye then waits outside and doesn't enter, inferring room is a 'safe' area.

Coincidence?