A group of young horror film fans led by the earnest and obsessive Tyler (a solid and likable performance by Tad Hilgenbrink) venture into the deep woods in search of the location where a legendary "lost" splatter fright flick was shot twenty years ago. The group discover that the killer in said feature is the real deadly deal and more than happy to meet new aficionados who are willing to die for his art. Director Dave Parker, working from a sick, compact, and ingenious script by David J. Schow, relates the absorbing story at a brisk pace, creates and sustains not only a genuinely creepy atmosphere, but also a strong feeling of dread and a good deal of tension, delivers a generous sprinkling of yummy bare distaff skin as well as a handy helping of graphic and unflinching in-your-face nasty gore, and tosses in shocking elements of snuff, torture, and incest to further spice up an already tasty'n'twisted cinematic stew. Better still, Parker maintains a grimly serious take-no-prisoners sensibility that becomes more increasingly bleak, dark, and unsettling as the harsh plot unfolds a powerfully disturbing surprise bummer ending. The fine acting from the capable cast rates as another sterling asset: William Sadler contributes a top-rate turn as deranged and reclusive director Concannon, gorgeous blonde Sophie Monk likewise excels as the equally unhinged, but sexy and enticing psycho junkie slut Alexa, Danko Jordanov cuts a scary figure as ferocious disfigured killer Babyface, plus there's sound work by fetching brunette Janet Montgomery as the sassy Serina and Alex Wyndham as the sarcastic Lalo. The startling outbursts of raw brutal violence pack a savage kick to the gut. Ilan Rosenberg's sharp cinematography provides a pleasing polished look. Frederick Wiedmann's shuddery score does the bone-rattling trick. Recommended viewing for slice'n'dice fans.
Review of The Hills Run Red
