The Janitor (2003) User Reviews

I Suspect Shill Reviewing On This One...

[EVOL666 · 6/10 · 25 February 2006]

There seems to be an awful lot of "10" reviews on this film on here...either people are posting that are affiliated with this film - or the idea of giving a film a perfect score is lost on me. I'll say that THE JANITOR is a relatively entertaining gore film if the forced-comedy Troma angle is your thing - but there's really nothing remarkable about this one at all. The box quotes liken THE JANITOR to early Peter Jackson or Sam Raimi...I guess that would be true if you took all of the decent performances, cinematography, and actually funny humor out of Raimi or Jackson's films and just left the gore. Otherwise, THE JANITOR has nothing on THE EVIL DEAD (1 or 2), BAD TASTE, or BRAINDEAD. Not that I hated this film by any means - but 10's seem a little out of whack for this one...

THE JANITOR is about - you guessed it - a janitor - named Lionel (a nod to BRAINDEAD perhaps ???), who kills pretty much everyone who annoys him. He has a mentor/partner named Mr. Growbo (who is actually the one person in this film who seems to be a decent actor...) who knows Lionel's secrets but keeps his mouth shut due to their old friendship and camaraderie as sh!t sweepers. That is, until Lionel decides to ditch Growbo and take a job at a sorority house because he hates the place that he and Growbo currently work at. Growbo isn't too pleased with all this and decides to turn the tables on Lionel and steal the job at the sorority house. Lionel of course is not pleased by the turn of events and decides to take it out on Growbo and everyone that is at the sorority house...

Again - I didn't hate THE JANITOR at all - it just wasn't anything very memorable. Other than the guy that plays Growbo, the acting is horrible and although the gore is pretty heavy - it's usually pretty ridiculous looking and ineffective. I'm sure some will say "well, the acting in this film isn't supposed to be good - it's supposed to be a campy horror/comedy..." but I typically find that to be a cop-out for the fact that the script and actors themselves are no good. That's one of the main reasons that I don't like Troma or Troma-style films, other than a very small handful of notable exceptions. If micro-budget Troma-style films are your thing (Kauffman even makes a very inept cameo in this film...) then you'll probably love this one - others will find it an OK way to pass 90 minutes...6/10

Gore: 10. T&A: 10. Plot: See Below!

[shdwrun · 9/10 · 27 September 2004]

The movie-industry has been due for a good slasher film for a long time. It seems the contemporary film industry has led the horror genre to fall into two clearly distinct categories: the M. Night recipe of infinite plot twists that confound the viewer and ultimately leave him unsatisfied, or the psychological horror tripe in which the climax is the protagonist awaking to realize that the entire ordeal was all a dream. These shortcomings are compounded by a level of seriousness that rivals Pentagon Briefings, which leaves the viewer mumbling "Bueller? Bueller?" in a vain attempt to make sense of where the last two hours of his life went.

"The Janitor" shines because it isn't meant to be taken seriously. Nor is the viewer expected to see it as a dramatic, break-through work that rattles the conventions of society while leaving the viewer with a single tear-trail on an ashen cheek. With so many first-time filmmakers attempting to take Cannes by storm with this cookie-cutter film making style, it would almost be prudent to call the thought process of first-time directors Signore and Nordaker groundbreaking. It follows: Slasher fans like violence. Slasher fans like dark comedy. Slasher fans like beautiful naked women. Let's make a film with violence, dark comedy, and nude hot chicks that would make my great-grandfather pop a boner.

And they have done just that. Signore and Nordaker have accomplished in their first attempt what many veteran directors have yet to achieve: they have made a film that is enjoyable to watch that does not, by any means, remain in the realm of good taste. And that is how it should be; similar to Raimi's early work, "The Janitor" keeps the viewer on the thin line between face-stiffening laughter and gore-induced queasiness. As the film begins to stray more towards one side, the filmmakers skillfully pull the viewer back with clever writing and savvy editing. It is clear that Signore and Nordaker have created a film that is both enjoyable and entertaining. It is also certain that the directors of "The Janitor" have a promising future in the film making industry. Finally, this viewer will ensure that he never forgets to put his office cleaner on his Christmas Card list, lest he stray to far into the custodial closet, never to be seen again!

Keeping in mind it is a B-movie, it does a great job of it! Comedy, gore, women, and murder. What more could you ask for? Watch the movie to find out.

[mrmalechild · 10/10 · 11 October 2004]

I loved this movie. I wonder how many of the people who have voted have actually watched it. Also surprised to see the stats so far show women enjoyed it more than men, being that it has qualities that most male b-movie fans look for in their films.

There is plenty of originality. Most b-films do a lot of the same stunts for their gore and comedy. But this one has quite a few new nice surprises that will have you coughing up your liver from laughter in some scenes. One of my favorite scenes is where the prostitute's head is still attached to the guys crotch after it has been cut off (don't worry, you don't see his pecker). The sound effects when it is pulled off is just hilarious. The film's sound effects were done really nice and often times really helps make the scene.

Another scene is one that involves Lloyd Kauffman, President of Troma, whom plays the bum in the back alley in this movie. When Lloyd looses his arm, he doesn't react like you think he would, not like most people do in a b-movie in this situation. He does and says something that had me rolling into the floor and out of my chair with laughter. I didn't expect that by far. Can't say what it is, that would be a spoiler and I already gave you one of those with the Prostitute scene.

The movie as you can tell revolves around the Janitors. They start off as friends but then there is a twist and stand off in the end. Can't say more than that without giving away details. But for the most part, in this movie, if you are a Janitor, then you stick together. They turn janitoring into a brotherhood, in a very comical way.

Imagine Al Bundy in Married With Children working in his shoe store. Well that is what these Janitors are like and how their job is looked at by the other characters in the movie. These Janitors also pretty much look at their jobs and treat their jobs the way Al and the other shoe salesmen in Married With Children did. I really think Al and his job was a major influence to this aspect of the film.

Also if you are familiar with Sickening Conceptions, then you will be happy to know that TJ Nordaker is behind this (among other people) and even does a scene or 2 in it.

My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer. That is because I enjoyed what I saw so much that I wanted more. But it is long enough for most I presume. I just hope that a directors extended cut will be done for it's official release on DVD. I own one of the first 50 copies of this DVD and if their are any left, I suggest you get one while you can. Just remember that this is a b-movie and that it doesn't try to be anything more. Actually that is part of the beauty of it. Because any other type of film couldn't get by with some of the things this does and this does those things so very well.

Hilarious little gore fest (Some minor Spoilers)

[m_jordan_jones · 10/10 · 6 January 2006]

This is one of the most Hilarious B-films ever made. With that aside I'd like to say that a lot of the gore is extremely cheesy and fake. The Janitor is about a Janitor who runs around killing people he hates...And thats about it. You don't need much of a plot to make a fun B-flick. This film is so Hilarious the makers of this film had a great sense of humor and balls to put this kind of stuff in there flick. From crushing head to whacking off unconscious FBI agents the Janitor will find a fuzzy place in your heart. But of course don't show this film to just anybody. This is a very offensive movie that isn't just for anybody. I recommend this film to any B-move fan. This film isn't for the Scream lovers.

like a better acted Troma film

[movieman_kev · 8/10 · 17 October 2005]

Poor Lionel is tried of taking crap from the workers in the building that employs his Custodial services, so he goes on a rampage mutilating anyone who looks at him the wrong way. Mr. Growboi s a fellow janitor who looks to Lional as a son and helps him cover his bloody tracks. However Mr. Growbo isn't someone you should spurn. With horror comedies, they either work or they suck. No middle ground here. Fortunately this one works, coming off as a moderately well acted version of a Troma film (Lloyd Kaufman even has a cameo). It's gory, has gratuitous toplessness, and is frequently quite fun. The character of Lional kinda reminded me of a cross between Peter Jackson circa "Bad Taste" and Orville Ketchum from "Hard to Die" and "Sorority House Massacre 2". My hats off to Andy Signore, TJ Nordaker, and everyone else involved in the production. You guys know how to bring a tear to the eye of a drunken jaded exploitative horror fan.

Eye Candy: Rachael Ann Bennett, Crystal LeBard, Stephanie Medina, and Tusdi Rodriguez get topless

My Grade: B

DVD Extras: Commentary by Andy Signore, John Carreon, and TJ Nordaker; a 58 minute Making of; "th Office is Closed" short film; Lackadaisical Music video; Photo gallery; Deleted scenes; and the trailer

2 Easter Egg: Bruce Cronander improvising & missing his cue; more nudity set to music

great movie - give it a chance!

[TedMeister · 10/10 · 29 September 2005]

I don't know how anyone couldn't like this movie. That is, unless your idea of a good horror movie is "Scream." I was in a unique position while watching this movie. I am a huge gore fan, a filmmaker, and a former part-time janitor. As a gore fan, I enjoyed seeing all the obviously fake blood and guts being sprayed everywhere. As a filmmaker, I could appreciate how hard these guys had to work to put together this film on a shoestring budget. And as a former janitor, I loved seeing a fellow custodian murdering all the jerkwads that ticked him off.

And on top of that, this movie is hilarious. The script, the performances, the subject matter, and the guest appearance by Troma's Lloyd Kaufman...all hilarious. Even if you don't appreciate the cinematic genius that is "The Janitor," at least you'll find it funny. I showed it to a group of mainstream movie fans, and they all loved it.

I rented this movie from NetFlix a few days ago, and immediately bought it after watching it. I can't wait for their next movie to come out, and according to Andy Signore (I emailed him to tell him how great it was), it sounds like it's going to be another winner.

Give this movie a chance. Help some really talented filmmakers continue making amazing movies.

The Janitor rules!!!!

[maggotoftherottingflesh · 10/10 · 3 February 2006]

Blood, breasts, and cleaning products rain supreme in this soon to be classic film. Filmed with entertainment in mind, this gore flick has lots of sick humor! There isn't much justice my words can do. Just see it. This is is total B-Movie. B= best, breast, blood, bludgeoning, and bucket of cleaning solution. See it! The characters are unique and fun, the girls are hot or at least highly killable as some of the dudes scream like girls and get the plunger! Warning contains some of the best video ever seen of girls "having fun." Was seen when they first played this online. Is a must see film for parties and other large gatherings where feeding off one another's reactions makes it over the top.

I liked it.

[GMBOBSCI · 10/10 · 17 May 2004]

It was a lot better than I expected. The dark comedy was great, and there was also the type of humor that I think mainstream audiences would enjoy as well. This movie can be compared to Troma films because of all the sex and violence, but in my opinion, The Janitor seems to have more style than a Troma film would. Some of the shots and angles and such are really creative, and the editing was quite smooth. By some of the choices made with music and characters and whatnot, you could tell that one of the directors was influenced by the Coen Brothers. The Troma influence is probably a lot more obvious. Hell, Lloyd Kaufman even shows up as a bum...with a Troma poster on the dumpster he lives by. And with the line "That's my right leg!" which some punk yells after the janitor rips his leg off, there's another apparent Troma connection...in Toxic Avenger 4, the same line is yelled by a guy who gets HIS right leg ripped off. For a first feature, these guys show a lot of professionalism in their work. Fans of horror/comedy should definitely check this movie out!

The Way Low Budget Horror Films Were Meant To Be Made

[gavin6942 · 10/10 · 8 July 2006]

I had "The Janitor" recommended to me by two friends, and when a time came where the opportunity presented itself, I jumped on it like a loaded hand grenade. Best decision I could possibly make. There is a fine line between "good bad horror films" and "bad bad horror films" (see also my review for "Andre the Butcher") and this one stays safely on the "good" side.

The plot is this: a janitor is sick of being looked down on and kills as many people in his office building and at a sorority that he can in the time given him.

This film is not going to be something called a masterpiece. The acting is campy, the characters are caricatures, and if it cost more than twenty dollars to film this I would be surprised. But they make it work. Those with a sick sense of humor will love the non-stop jokes about STDs and semen. And the violence and gore is about the best you will find in a horror film, mainstream or otherwise. Star / writer / director Andy Signore seems to have learned a lot from Troma's Lloyd Kaufman (who appears in this film as a bum).

There's also a difference between good horror nudity and bad horror nudity. Some films throw topless women in the mix simply because they can, and others will do so in a way that is completely unattractive (see again "Andre the Butcher"). The Janitor has some excessive nudity, but it seems necessary and very "hot" which complements the gore aspects well. (I say "necessary" because the characters who get nude are written to build up to these things, unlike other films that have nude women show up without explanation.) Oh, and if you like the nude scenes, check out the Easter Eggs on the DVD. Well worth it.

Okay; campiness, humor, nudity, gore. What am I missing? Ah, yes, the music video on the DVD. This is also a must-see. The star not only wrote and directed, he also sings on the soundtrack and has made a great music video called "You're Gonna Die" which fits the theme of the film well and teaches you to respect your cleaning staff.

Rent this film. Buy this film. If you do not like it, I cannot offer you a refund -- but you will never have to trust another horror movie review from me again.

Thank you Horror Channel!

[amidemon78 · 8/10 · 15 September 2006]

Well, just watched the midnight showing of Janitor and I was quite happy with it. I'm into the lower end of the budget food chain. This movie had it all, humor and slasher elements. None the less it was a great movie and if your into the B-movie/low budget slasher/comedy flicks I suggest a watch. The characters are well played and fit in well, and some of the scenes are things well...you just haven't seen before. Trust me, I had more than one WTF moment. Like before mentioned I was pleased with it as a whole, it was a good movie and it didn't try too hard to be taken overly serious. I like movies that are fake as hell, if I wanted to sit down and watch something super realistic I'd watch the news. This was entertaining and innovative. Three cheers for the blue collar working man, you keep on Rollin' Janitor! Well, take it easy and happy viewing.

Angry custodian goes postal in this uproarious horror comedy hoot

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 7 November 2010]

Bitter, disgruntled, and deranged homicidal janitor Lionel (essayed with growly gusto by bearded and burly Andy Signore, who also co-directed and wrote the cheerfully crude and nasty script) gets fed up with the snobby jerks at the white collar office he works at constantly mocking and belittling him, so he goes on a brutal killing spree in which he bumps off everyone who crosses his deadly path. Wise and loyal mentor and fellow custodian Mr. Growbo (a solid and engaging performance by Bruce Cronander) helps Lionel out. Signore and co-director TJ Nordaker joyfully mine a hilariously crass, twisted, and outrageous line in unapologetically dark, mean, and offensive lowbrow humor that gets plenty of big sick belly laughs by eschewing good taste, restraint, and subtlety in favor of genuinely inspired and often sidesplitting hardcore lunacy and depravity. Moreover, Signore and Nordaker deliver a generous amount of yummy gratuitous female nudity complete with an uproarious parody of the infamous "Psycho" shower murder set piece and pour on the gloriously excessive and over-the-top graphic gore with lip-smacking gonzo relish. Granted, the acting is admittedly pretty ragged, but the game cast's palpable go-for it enthusiasm goes a long way, with especially amusing turns by G. Larry Butler as jolly boss Mr. Bouillabaisse, Skip Pipo as clueless bumbling fed Agent Page, Crystal LeBard as shameless and enticing office tramp Mary, and Joe Carreon as eager new janitor Willis. Troma head honcho Lloyd Kaufman has a funny bit as an obnoxious bum. Carreon's competent cinematography boasts a few nifty visual flourishes. Both Adrian Burka's robust score and the cool rock soundtrack hit the right-on hoppin' spot. A complete riot.

Clever, unique, impressive, bold

[BalzarX · 10/10 · 26 September 2004]

The Janitor, Andy Signore's first full length picture, is very impressive. From the brooding Lionel, to the special effects, the choreography, the music, and the supporting characters, it is an outstanding first movie - especially when compared to the first films of Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson. Andy has an eye for clever cinematography and an ear for coordinating great music to the scenes. The Janitor is bold in it's use of gore in a story about Lionel's rather sensitive, but, misguided, sense of what and how he believes life should be. This is a great "B" film with something for everyone. While attending the Philadelphia premier I heard this movie praised by sensitive women and burley men. Everyone enjoyed it. A must have for everyone's movie collection. This will not be Andy's last film. It's just the beginning of a great career.

A brush with death... toilet brush that is...

[yonhope · 8/10 · 1 October 2004]

Hi, All Gore fans,

No, I didn't say Al Gore. All gore. Good gore. More gore.

This is a film that I believe was a remake of The Sound of Music but slightly different. This time Julie Andrews is a janitor who is played by a bearded guy. His partner is a Dick Van Dyke look-a-like but who sounds more like Howard Stern after gargling Pennzoil.

The movie begins with a clever title sequence, well edited, and has correct spelling. There is a killing before the title and then it becomes violent with nice music here and there. Good comedy seminal fluid inserts.

Costuming is very well done. Acting is superb, but does not detract from the occasional bloodspurt. Death scenes are funny.

Lionel the Janitor is sort of a combination plate of Jonathan Winters, Charles Bronson, Hulk Hogan, Leo Gorcey, Steven Segal and a touch of Shirley Temple.

His partner is more of a cross between Dolph Lundgren and Tex Ritter with a voice somewhat reminiscent of Mr. Ed.

This is a very funny slasher movie that is well made. I hope the team works on some more stuff soon. Perhaps a western.

Tom Willett

Perfect, for the intended audience

[KentaroK · 10/10 · 29 July 2017]

It is not often that I give a movie 10/10. This one, for sure, is not for everyone at all times, but for the intended mood and audience, it is perfect.

Every scene has high production values, when you consider that the intent is to produce confusion. Some call this a "B-grade movie", but no, they did not lack the budget to do a good movie. They intentionally, by careful purpose, made something which never suspends disbelief because the world is intrinsically unbelievable.

The result involves everything from audio re-dubbing to key plot points, all used to make you see the mistakes, not as errors, but as intentional. They aren't mistakes at all, they are just... unreal.

This movie should not exist, but it does. A whole crew sat down and made sure that in no moment can you get complacent, thinking that you finally understand the "world rules" can just sit and "be entertained". No, every single moment has obvious wrong things, less obvious wrong elements, and is all constructed upon a premise which is wrong both morally and in consistency with any fantasy or real world laws or order.

This is not total chaos, however. It is a straightforwards story offset, twisted, and then twisted again. At every scene, for every character, in every way.

The acting team is competent, the writing makes for a time-line with no plot holes, and the directing and editing are spot on to keep a great pacing. On purpose, all of the characters are not only odd in some way, but are also exaggerated to the point where their lack of self-awareness is the only consistent plot point.

The audio mix is well done, but on purpose some things are out of sync (e.g. intentional off-sync audio dubbing), as if making reference to other films that do it due to constraints, rather than due to the purposeful effect of parody of an entire genre.

This is not to say that, on a deeper level, this is worth watching - - no, this movie is shallow, gross at times, sets bad examples, and cannot be shown to anyone who takes their time seriously.

However, if you do find yourself taking life too seriously, and struggling with any problem which seems impossible, then this movie will take your mind totally off of those things, and help you to feel emotions that are directed, ultimately, at a well constructed respite from the folly of human society.

I would not suggest that this movie was made by aliens from outer space, but rather, from the comedian from inner space. It is a reflection of those thoughts that we normally ignore and dismiss as way out of possibility and utility, and thus discard.

This movie is trash, on purpose, made to draw attention and then waste it... and it say so in the synopsis. Thus, if that is what you want, a distraction, and an absurdity, then it does it well.

It does not lack in any technical point, either, and greatly appreciate that. The scenes, story, and characters, may all repulse, but never will you be straining to hear a line, complaining about the acting, or thinking that they should have edited the script or timing more.

Rather, you may want to know... what was it that I just watched, how could they possibly get funding for this, and why can't I have as much fun?

I hope that this inspires a new generation of film-makers to make more films with high objective qualities, no matter their budgets, and to spend the extra time and money to polish it in editing.

It may sound like a contradiction, but this is well presented garbage, and that makes it a great movie. If that is what you are looking for, if you have a bunch of friends or some alone time to get distracted and challenged to see life through less serious lenses, then this will definitely help you there.

Please enjoy this as much as I did... just don't judge it as anything than what it plans to be.

Not details about story, plot, or character because every scene is its own "what the ---" moment, and all I want to do is hope that others also can enjoy it. It might even be a new genre: the super never serious consistently inconsistent unpredictable details chaos based horrible emotion invoking movie, or BI SCC DUNS WHIM for short (anagram). Why did I make that anagram?

If you watch this movie, arbitrary things like that will be filling your mind. It is curiously contradictory.