No film has done more for “the slasher” since Scream.

It reminded me a lot of Friday the 13th: Part VI except more disgusting, funnier*, and completely unrelenting. There are also some shots that are surprisingly beautiful. The 4:3 aspect ratio does this film wonders and there are far distant shots that make you feel voyeuristic and complicit.

*I was the only one in my surprisingly well attended (for a matinee - 8 in a 94 seater) showing who was cackling when Johnny goes to town on “someone” toward the end.

This is the rare slasher that should please everyone because it works on all levels (turns out it didn't because people are stupid). If you only want kills, you’ve got them (one is easily the most inventive I’ve ever seen) though you might get a little restless at the end. If you want smarts you’ll be pleased by the satire.

The anti The Strangers: Chapter 1.

4/5