Gory Gory Hallelujah (2003) User Reviews

Great Concept film!

[christinel692000 · 13 January 2005]

Its sounds like one of those religious jokes " four Jesus's walk into a bar......"What follows is a bar brawl with Elvis impersonators, including a "Midget Elvis" (Elvi?)and unfair incarceration. A crooked town administration and Jury and a coven of witches round out the excellent and intricate cast of characters in this comedy/horror. It is unfortunate that this incredibly entertaining and sometime cynical film is listed in some circles as campy, this film is definitely more witty than the term 'Camp' implies. Although Troma film fans will not be disappointed. The plot follows four wannabe actors all vying for the part of Jesus in a play, who lose the part to the plays director. THey head to New York on a cross country road trip(on Motorcycles no less!) and end up in a completely screwed up small town where the townspeople are messed up and good intentions go bad, and where a savior is the most unlikely one. Throw in a few dozen 'undead'and the plot takes off! Gr Gory Gory is especially applicable in todays political climate. Highly recommended.

yup we actually watched this...

[schniegp · 1/10 · 16 February 2006]

...and now we want eradicate the pressure upon our brain cells for being subjected to such torture. lab rats could have asked for better. this erotic, a.k.a. one demented bloody breasted woman, zombie thriller where the zombies only appeared at the end is not actually zombie movie. what it really is remains to be known. however, i do know that no one should ever watch this even if you are hosting bad movie night. it is rivaled only by manos: the hands of fate and any movie with Paris hilton. the only thing that would have saved this movie is street luging zombies with a male identified lesbian named helga. and you reading this, i don't get this and neither should you. it is just the side effects of gory gory hallelujah.

Weak script and poor acting sink this satire

[vinylparadise · 2/10 · 20 September 2018]

This overly long film's first 5 minutes are promising, then the film rapidly deteriorates into a 90-minute slog pulled down by infantile humor, atrocious acting, and labored direction. The reviewer who compared this to Bruce Campbell, John Waters, and Faster Pussy Cat! Kill! Kill! is a shill or delusional. Give this a firm pass.

Dreadful

[Phil-King-1967 · 2/10 · 8 December 2013]

I guess the other reviews are the cast.

Found myself reaching for the FF button, it wasn't even slightly funny unless you are 12 yr old.

I watched it as it was in the list of zombie movies and i wanted to add this to my lists of zombie movies. The 1st hour and 15 minutes could have been cut and it would still of been too long. There was the usual flash of breasts and a little blood, its just a shame the zombies didn't arrive sooner and kill everyone.

All the characters were annoying, the story was stupid and unfunny, the acting...well they did their best with the trash they was given but the production, sound and music was fine, thats the only reason i gave it 2 stars. The rest of it was lame.

Not surprised it was a flop.

Avoid!

Troma-style indie road trip comedy horror

[Leofwine_draca · 1/10 · 14 November 2017]

GORY GORY HALLELUJAH is your typical cheap and trashy indie comedy horror flick, in which a squad of failed actors go on a road trip and encounter everything from Elvis impersonators to zombies. The whole thing plays out in an extremely over the top way, Troma style, and the cheap camera-work really hurts the look of the thing. The comedy feels forced and unfocused too, not making this an entirely enjoyable viewing experience.

wacky, bloody

[FilmAholicAnonymous · 9/10 · 13 January 2005]

A friend of mine was able to get ahold of a DVD of this flick and brought it to a movie night - Oh my God it blew me away! Wacked. But brilliant, too, in it's dark, harsh wit (nothing is sacred, not even goats). Definitely different, definitely surprising and delightful. I love independent film and occasionally the raw freshness of first films (that is, if they're not just trying to emulate Hollywood), and this had that fresh touch without being clumsy, and enough real smarts to make me feel like I was on the ground floor of something great.

It's a comedy that makes fun of fear-fueled "family" values and all things self- righteous. Four actors meet at a casting call for the role that each of them has fashioned their (very different) lives after. The role: Jesus. Who gets the part? None of them. So they hit the road together, but end up facing a horrible world filled with back- woods xenophobes and a coke-snorting gang of Elvises. How will each of them use their image of holiness to concur these evils?

Can I just say that the Black Power Jesus was fantastic. Like most things holy: beautiful, powerful, and ridiculous.

4 Jesus' walk into a bar...

[Weezeee · 13 January 2005]

Each time I see this movie I love it even more. Director Sue Corcoran has conjured up a fast-paced and wonderfully shot feature for fans of the midnight movie genre. My personal favorite scene: a knock down, drag out, balls-to-the-wall brawl between a motley gang of Elvis impersonators and our 4 Jesus protagonists. Or maybe its the MGM musical number at the end complete with singing and dancing zombies. It's debauchery with a message, mayhem with a moral, and of course the most glamorous apocalypse imaginable. Gory Gory Hallelujah is delightfully shocking, whip-smart and funny as hell. With stellar acting performances from the cast and a great score to accompany the action.

....I'm an obtuse man, so I'll make this oblique.......

[vincentgates1 · 9/10 · 29 January 2005]

Never before have the politics of "playing Jesus" been so naughty and yet so much fun! It's a bubble bath of a film that washed the dirty complacency from the recesses of my mind. Gory Gory Hallelujah made me laugh and challenged me to think about current events, politics, religion, and the fused web of all three combined. I really enjoyed this film and you will too if you dig films that take chances with colorful humor, streaky flair, and saturated wits!!!!!!! I particularly enjoyed the "Wizard of Oz" influenced ending complete with MoJack, a character of true human compassion, stealing the show. A nice twist in a film with zombies, don't you think? -vg

Gory, Gory Rocks!

[holly9352 · 10/10 · 25 January 2005]

This film is a screaming good time!! I've seen it a few times and love it! The characters are outrageous, the costuming delightfully, fantastically surreal. I have to say that Sue and Angie Louise have got a lot more ahead for us, I just get that feeling...

See this movie! It's great to watch with a big group of friends! I only wish there were a "Gory, Gory" board-game, then I might be Jesus!

So much love, dedication and hard work went into Gory, Gory and I think EVERYONE should see it- see how great it is when friends bring all of their talents together. Sue and Angie are the Dynamic Duo. I can't wait to see what's next!

Hilarity embodied!

[bittercrow · 10/10 · 13 January 2005]

This movie was brilliant!! It starts you out in a hilarious take of a real-life situation, and by the end, you can't believe where you have landed! The outrageously, in your face humor, was surpassed only by the subtle moments of farce. The characters were ludicrous, and in a great way. And the story line is enough to make you pee in your pants. Definitely not for the weak of heart, or humor. It pokes fun at a whole range of humanity. It is definitely the little hidden gems of humor that were my favorite. Its one of those movies, that the more you watch it, the more little bits you notice every time. Definitely see this movie, and get ready to laugh...

Good hometown, zombie-lickin fun!

[CorinaL · 18 January 2005]

I'm a big fan of the show :) And it is not just because I am in it! Sue and Angie did an amazing job every step of the way to ensure a high level of quality and to see their vision come from the page to the screen. This gory-horror-comedy focuses on 4 unique characters and the trials they meet along their travels. From the big city to a very small town, there are lots of interesting people from Elvis to zombies, the theatre to the church. The variety of situations the main characters find themselves in is hilarious...you never know what to expect. With lots of comedic action, it will keep you engaged all the way through...with surprises around every corner!

Press Reviews

[vonpiglet · 10/10 · 22 September 2005]

"You wanna see it? We wanna see it!" --Entertainment Weekly

"A brilliant cross between The Life of Brian and The Rocky Horror Picture Show". Not to be missed!" --L'Ecran Fantastique (France)

"Brilliant! Destined to be a classic cult film. The Von Piglet Sisters are courageous, talented and totally original. I loved this film!" --Lloyd Kaufman – Troma Studios

"The bravest film of the festival!" --Gus Van Sant – Juror, Bend Film Festival, Special Juror Prize

"Wildly entertaining and subversive hitting both left and right. I laughed my head off in Jackville!" --Richard Elfman – Director "The Forbidden Zone"

"How can you resist this? Where do we sign up?" --Film Threat

"A bawdy, surreal art-musical with zombies that also happens to be the most intelligent film about Christianity in ages." --The Nashville Rage – Ranked "Gory Gory Hallelujah" as the #5 best film of 2003

"Just when you think you've seen the most outrageous, campy film of all time, along comes this mind-blowing epic!" --Portland Willamette Week

"A Troma-esquire Thrill Ride!" --The Seattle Stranger

"If you like The Evil Dead … despise the church, and read Howard Zinn, then this is the flick for you." --Seattle Weekly

"A slick well thought out film that is still unabashedly campy and absurd." --Portland Art Museum

"Sue Corcoran is a bankable Yankee blonde." --The Weekly Standard (London)

"A remarkable debut! An outlandish tale bound to earn cult classic status!" --Warren Etheridge, The Warren Report

"The directing is really impressive… the characters are just so special you can't help loving them!" --Slasherpool.com

"Seattle's Von Piglet Sisters have crafted a cinematic abomination. Like a ***** up cross between Wizard of Oz and Rocky Horror Picture Show, this slippery, gaudy toboggan ride to hell will leave you asking yourself, "did they just do that"? Seeing this film could make you feel nine kinds of ridiculous." --Lance Chess, The Portland Mercury

"A trashy horror-comedy that deals mercilessly and entertainingly with American bigotry and power. Director Sue Corcoran is a multi-talented filmmaker." --Moviestar Magazine (Germany)

So Damn Funny

[seamunky30 · 14 January 2005]

For a good time cry out GORY GORY HALLELUJAH! At times i laughed so hard I almost wet my pants. This is a must see!!!! It is a very intelligent comedy for those with a twisted sense of humor. Do you like Bruce Campbell, are you a fan of John Waters, do you own a copy of Faster Pussy Cat Kill Kill? Than this is for you, make a point to see this movie. You will not be disappointed. I promise. The Von Piglet sisters have outdone themselves this time. The creative efforts of Ms. Corcoran and Ms. Louise are both witty and a little kooky. These two women have brought their vision to the "silver screen" for all of us to enjoy, and I hope any and all who read this do just that.

Absolutely hilarious

[mattsmom99 · 10/10 · 14 January 2005]

I wasn't sure what to expect. Turns out it has everything and more. From the first scene to the last, it was witty, thought provoking and really touched on many of today's "hot" issues. Homosexuality, racism, religion, and fantasy, just to name a few. My favorite scene was with Birdie Mae, the church lady! Sue Cochran rocks with her flare for dare, and brings a touch of Seattle's attitude to the big screen. Angie Louise, as usual, is priceless as the token female Jesus. Take a "bite" out of your day to see Gory Gory. And don't forget the popcorn, you'll be "goolishly" pleased. Definitely a must see. Another movie destined to be a classic, right up there with Rocky Horror.

Tongue-in-Groovy Send-Up of All Things Zombified...

[naomiserviss · 14 January 2005]

If you like your horror drenched in black satire, 80s'-flecked acid-trippy, and offensive to everyone, this one's for you. I recently viewed and reviewed the DVD for a French Film Mag "L'Ecran Fantastique" and had a blast following the ridiculous and sublime send-up to the horror genre with a nod to the hippie dippy past...What can you say about a redemptive, spiritually based can-do group of thespian friends eager to do the right thing for the good of Mankind who ends up having to reckon with a small town up in arms and supposedly gunning for Satan?

This is for die-hard fans of zombie parody, Peter Max-inspired graphics out-there bad wigs, over-the-top costumes and funny as all get out.... Lotsa fun. Lotsa laugh. Lotsa Gore. Enjoy!

Amazing... a must see to believe

[songarden · 10/10 · 26 October 2005]

I loved this movie. I watched it 3 times in a row and each time I couldn't wait to return to the title page on the DVD where I was able to see the huge atom bomb blow up before I entered the scene page and I loved this feature. The movie is so Awesome, I became so invested into the characters and their road trip to find themselves and a bit of each other as well. I loved the Elvis bar brawl and the sexy dialogue between the characters. The huge dance scenes at the end with all of the Zombies was so entertaining, and the 4 Jesus characters were very well cast and each did a great job of "owning" their roles. I would recommend this movie to young and old, or to anyone that is looking for a great time and needs some comedy and horror in their life. I loved this movie and I can't wait to go home and watch it again.

Over the top enjoyable

[rcumbow1 · 15 January 2005]

Four actors, disappointed at not getting the role of Jesus in a new play, hit the road for Broadway to audition for a revival of Jesus Christ, SUPERSTAR. They don't get very far. (Not a spoiler.) From the utterly unique Von Piglet Sisters comes this spoof of over-the-top exploitation films that is even farther over the top than the films it spoofs. GORY GORY HALLELUJAH sends up road movies, motorcycle movies, sexploitation films, zombies, ancient curses, musicals, serious legitimate theatre, actors, directors, producers, trite camera angles, inventive camera angles, relationship movies, relationships, religion, Elvis impersonators, Elvis, preachers, down-home rural-crazies horror movies, gross-outs, and everything else that's sacred. People who love Troma will love this film even more. An instant classic of its genre.

There's crazy, there's wacky, then there's this......

[fimthread · 9/10 · 3 November 2005]

Just when you thought it was safe to visit the red states comes a movie that makes you thinks twice. If you're gay, Jewish, black, or god forbid a woman, don't break down in a small town. This movie starts off simple enough but takes you in so many directions, all you can do is just sit back and enjoy the ride. This is a one of a kind film. A must see for anyone that craves the kitchy, zany, true B movies of mad creative minds. I look forward to the next feature from this risky, talented and brave filmmaker. Despite it's fun facade, it manages to take on some pretty serious subjects including race, religion, drugs, and corruption.

Very fun - thought-provoking through nonstop laughing

[almaria716 · 14 January 2005]

This is a very funny movie - although like all good satire it is also a sharp and biting indictment of social ills - in this case narrow-minded religiosity and hypocrisy. The rollicking pace and continual surprises make it very entertaining; the content of the satire sticks, giving a memorable message. The characters are both archetypal and hilariously believable, the acting terrific. The outrageous plot sweeps one right along for the enormous fun of it all, but in the middle of the hilarity the brain keeps registering that this is really an extremely intelligent and imaginative piece of social commentary, telling very important truths while being extravagantly entertaining.

**********

A wonderful and delightful rare treat

[osirisunderworld · 13 January 2005]

A wonderful and delightful rare treat. A laid back movie that allows for one being open to possibility. Funny and not to concerning total enjoyment,if your open? I found myself thinking about GOry Gory Hallelujah 2. Though I realized sometimes or most times you can not repeat the simple things.

Nice to see a movie like this in times like ours, light and enjoyable. I can not remember seeing a movie, with roots to the local community give so much. All the characters brought a deal of realism about themselves to the screen. This for me made the movie, we all can identify with the characters, thus allowing for laughter. I added this one to my personal Library.