| Overall Grade: |
B+ |
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| Story: |
B+ |
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| Acting: |
B |
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| Direction: |
B+ |
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| Visuals: |
A- |
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Enjoyable Gore-Fest Is All It Promises To Be
by Adam (movies profile)
May 14, 2008
14
of
16 people found this review helpful
Slither is old-fashioned, gore-soaked monster mashing at its best. Reminiscent of 1980's shockfests, with obvious homage paid to the likes of Raimi and Romero, director James Gunn has crafted a strange horror film that realizes the key to audience's hearts is a careful blend of humor and body parts. Not quite a spoof, but with way too much wackiness to be truly frightening, Slither squirms its way right into the front of my brain as one of the most enjoyable times I have had at the movies recently.
Set in a rural hunting town, Slither revolves around the sudden arrival of a mysterious meteorite that brings several not-so-welcome guests to the otherwise dull goings-on in the lives of the small-town residents. Things really go to hell as people are infected, slugs rape a few faces, and zombies make yet another welcome appearance.
Part of the film's success is due to the "everyman" quality of the cast. With only a few relatively well-known actors, the small town of Wheelsy, America feels like any number of places populated with "regular" people. Nathan Fillion, who some may know as Captain Mal Reynolds from the amazing albeit short-lived Firefly, lights up the screen as local sheriff Bill Pardy. His "give-em-hell" attitude and laid back personality helps give Slither a low-budget, SCI-FI Channel quality that had me overcome with nostalgia. Additionally, Michael Rooker as the ill-fated Grant and Elizabeth Banks as his caring wife, add a romantic dynamic that brings up several hilarious questions about what happens to a relationship after your husband becomes a giant squid. Fans of the American version of The Office will also recognize Jenna Fischer, otherwise known as cute receptionist Pam and real-life wife of the director, in a small role as a nonchalant dispatcher.
For all of its quirkiness and humor, Slither certainly knows how to turn the gore on. Disembowelments and general ickiness abound. Gunn also knows how to create atmospheric suspense. His camera techniques are right out of slasher-oriented yesteryear with a fantastic opening that reminded of The Thing and The Evil Dead. The make-up is top-knotch with only a few instances where the computer takes over a little too much of the effects.
Overall, Slither is a thoroughly exhilarating small film with great characters, thrilling action, and plenty of horror. Although the story did not always go the direction that I wanted and most of the material has been done before, Slither is a welcome surprise in a market dominated by increasingly sadistic torture-shows a la Saw and Hostel. |
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