Director: Steven Kostanski
Year: 2021
Country: Canada
Alternate Titles: N/A
Genre: Creature Feature; Horror/Comedy
Plot:
After awakening from a millennia-long slumber, a vile, destructive alien force finds that he has become controllable by a bratty teenager and forced to perform her every whim against his wishes, and when the original galactic forces that imprisoned him learn of it set out to stop him once and for all.
Review:
This was a pretty problematic film to get a handle on. The film’s best attributes are far and away the over-the-top bloodshed and gore present which admittedly goes a long way towards the film’s fun factor. The ability to dish out ultra-violent deaths at the drop of a hat, whether it’s ripping people’s heads off, turning a person into a stone column and more than countable limbs ripped off and heads crushed to provide an ocean of splatter throughout here. Given a lighthearted tone even with the gruesomeness of the activity on display being played completely tongue-in-cheek due to the jokes and reactions to everything it creates a strong element to the film.
The other factor that stands out here is the absolutely enjoyable and over-the-top action present here. The powers of the creature are given a wide berth here with the initial attack on the vagrants but also the colorful and explosive backstories that we get to see involving the various conflicts and intergalactic destruction that again offers tons of gore but also some big combat sequences. That carries over into the final half where it features the creatures coming after him and getting into some high-energy battles, there are some great moments here showing off the impressive practical effects and costumes for each of the unique creations. These are the film’s positives points.
There are some major problems with the film present. The main issue here is the main girl we’re supposed to be rooting for that is one of the most unlikable and unworthy leading characters in a genre film. Unrepentant, psychotic to a horrifying degree, and the tell-tale sign of a bratty younger sister, the very fact that we’re supposed to feel for her in this scenario is just plain ludicrous and asinine. That she never learns a lesson and spends the entire time being defiant in the face of authority figures trying to prevent the destruction of the galaxy in favor of her own petulant desires speaks volumes to the character.
The other problem with the film is a series of utterly painful side stories that are present here to eat up time that just absolutely undermines any kind of plotline that was being developed here. The main culprit is a ridiculous running gag with the brother’s visiting friend that has a humorous joke at the end but quickly wears out its welcome after a while much like the family turmoil subplot that comes off as stupid, unrealistic, and unnecessary. The last issue is with the comedy, which is intended to come across as light and endearing but is just cringe-inducing to sit through, which are all that hold this one down.
Overview: ***/5
As a fun, throwback gorefest this one isn’t that bad but anything more than that will probably highlight the issues present here since this one does have some pretty big problems. Those who appreciate this kind of film, enjoy the creative crew’s past work, or unhindered by the flaws should give this one a watch while all those who aren’t won over by the negatives or any of those other aspects should heed extreme caution here.
Comments
Post a Comment