Director: Frank Henenlotter
Year: 1982
Country: USA
Alternate Titles: N/A
Genre: Slasher; Horror/Comedy
Plot:
After arriving in New York, a young man carrying around a large wicker basket begins a rampage of terror against the team of doctors who separated him from his Siamese twin brother, and upon realizing the contents of the large basket try to stop him from concluding his rampage.
Review:
This ended up being a generally lame effort overall. Among the film's numerous problems is that nothing here is really funny so what happens here is generally quite lame for the most part. The giant basket he carries around is a one-note joke that isn't funny based on the fact that the entire thing is based on trying to figure what's inside but once you do the entire purpose of the film is completely pointless. With everyone making an opinion on what's inside or go out of their way to acquire it for themselves, there's little of interest to this one once you're aware of it when it happens relatively early in the course of the film. That doesn't mean the concept is all that funny, however, despite assertions to the contrary within the film as the joke of talking to a toilet or hauling around such a large container that everyone keeps mentioning when he arrives as the supposed source of the comedy here.
The other problem here with the film is the absolutely inane and moronic plot that isn't all that well thought-out. The central premise of him being attached to the figure and trying to seek revenge on the crew that separated them doesn't make any sense as we never get any real motivation for why he's doing this. The separation act by itself should've been more than enough yet that is completely neglected, and the fact that he's trying to get away with it like he is manages to highlight the fact that he's trying to do so signals his intention and really should've warned everyone involved as to what's going on. Likewise, the way in which he goes about doing so is clumsy, awkward and sure to send up red flags everywhere he goes, and the acts themselves are handled disastrously to the point that alerting the authorities should be considered mightily. Together, these massive flaws hold it down considerably.
When this one does work, it's due to the rather enjoyable grindhouse atmosphere and influence throughout here, as the seedy atmosphere and generally grimy air throughout here provides some aspects to enjoy. The hole-in-the-wall apartment that doubles as a prostitution ring for the clientele in the area, the continuous traffic and sirens blaring away outside and the way everything plays out to trying to rip him off once they're aware of his money on him. Coupled with the effects-work on the creature as well as the nudity and it suitably fits in that time-frame rather nicely. The only other aspect to enjoy here is the fact that the kill scenes, regardless of how lame and awkwardly they're handled, provide enough blood and gore in their presentation, even if just in the aftermath of such situations, that adds to the film. Overall, though, these are all that work for this one.
Overview: **5
With some rather detrimental issues and a few rather enjoyable elements present here, there's only a small central base here that will find the quirks of this one. This is really only for those that will appreciate the grindhouse aesthetic present within the film or are intrigued about the quirkiness of the premise, while those that look for more than just a one-note joke from a film should heed caution here.
Comments
Post a Comment