A couple of weeks ago I had a friend invite me to watch a movie I had never heard of in my life, admittedly the title wasn’t the catchiest, however after watching I was amazed. The film, a horror-comedy, is one of the funniest films I’ve seen in recent years but still with good moments of gore, suspense and bit to make you jump like sat on a nail. So how comes I know nothing of this film, I work at a cinema, I like to think I keep up to date-ish with movie news. So investigate I did, 7.5 out of 10 rating on imdb.com 100% on rotten tomatoes (though unconfirmed due to lack of reviews). It showed at a number of film fests and won awards. But alas this was Eli Craig’s feature debut, and got an immensely limited release, outside of America it was almost entirely a film festival showing. Heck it went to the Czech republic before getting to Britain to be shown at the dead by dawn Scottish horror film fest.
So what is this film?
Tucker and Dale VS Evil. Like I said not the catchiest but the synopsis makes up for it. Two hillbillies pack up some stuff and set out to their dream, a little vacation home in the woods to fix it up. It quickly becomes evident they’re nicer than nice, not hugely intelligent but smarter than your average red neck. Also on their way to the woods are a group of young college kids looking to get drunk and high. But the two don’t mix and soon due to complicated misunderstandings people start dying, which really isn’t helped with the one college kid who is off his nut with a grudge against all hillbillies. I shall say no more as not to give away some of the ingenious twist and turns
One of the best things about this film is it’s look at cliché, at common perceptions of good and evil especially those propagated by holly wood, there are also some lessons to be taken as to real life. In truth this film, though having its twists, has some bits of the plot that could be seen coming by a blind man from a mile off. But that doesn’t spoil them, which film doesn’t have predictable points? And just because we know how that one unlucky fuck is going to die doesn’t stop us laughing when it happens. What makes this film so good is execution, Tyler Labine and Alan Tudyk lead the cast as the title characters and their acting is splendid with their odd camp on screen chemistry. But all the other cast are just as talented and show it though none are big names. The filming is well done with few effects to clutter the place, excellent make up and a great location. In fact I find it difficult to find fault in the film, it is a tad predictable, and at times it would be nice if it took a little more time. I guess what gets me down about this film is its limited release. Amongst such current comedies of the hangover part 2 and bridesmaids this stands out as far better executed, far more intelligent, and far far funnier. I am no hipster and being one of relatively few to have seen this only upsets me. So I implore you to get the dvd when it is released (or download it now)
No comments:
Post a Comment