Low budget genre films don’t fail based on acting, sets and
effects. Success rest on the
script, as well as the filmmaker’s ability to recognize their limitations and
find creative ways to deal with a shortage of preproduction time, a limited
shooting schedule and finding engaging talent willing to be underpaid, if paid
at all.
The filmmakers behind All Hell Breaks Loose avoid those
common pitfalls and deliver a great slice of cheesy fun. The script, by The Vocabulariast, is fast
paced and contains some solid offbeat humor. And first time feature director Jeremy Garner delivers a
terrific looking film, with solid performances, decent looking effects and a
quick pace that keeps the audience engaged, rather than looking for production
shortcomings.
The plot mixes biker exploitation films, horror and bits of
splatstick. A group of bikers,
released from Hell to corrupt innocent women for the Devil, come across
newlyweds Nick (Nick Forrest) and Bobbie Sue (Sarah Kobel Marquette). Nick is killed and the bikers ride off
with Bobbie Sue.
However, God (Joseph Sullivan) is willing to give Nick a second
chance to be the hero and resurrects him to save Bobbie Sue from eternal damnation. But Nick isn’t really an action hero and
continues to need divine intervention.
Well, if at first you don't succeed...
Sure, you might find a few problems with the story, like why God doesn't give
Nick a few hints on how to take the bikers down. But that would have deprived the film of some great moments,
and it’s too much fun watching Nick try saving Bobbie Sue, only to fall short every
time. If you let such minor plot
points ruin this film for you, you’re probably watching the wrong movie.
Also helping sell this absurd concept is the terrific work
by the entire cast. Joshua Lee
Frazier is great as the lead biker, Sundown, especially as he talks to Nick’s
corpse, trying to convince him not to come back. He knows Nick’s efforts will be futile, and his sincerity to
try and save the man from further pain (and death) is touching in a way. Forrest is great playing the hapless
hero, and Sullivan is perfect as a rather uncaring God. Though these actors standout, thanks to
their roles, the rest of the cast is quite good and really sells the absurd
action and humor in the script.
Seriously, I'd tell you not to get back up, but that would
really hamper the film's running time.
The gore effects, a mix of practical makeup and CGI, look
better than one might expect from a low budget film. The sets look fine, with a nice mix of locations shots and
sets. And the film has plenty of
homages to other horror films, which should bring a smile to fans. Just wait for Nick's uses of condoms
filled with Holy Water, a great riff on the final battle in From Dusk Till Dawn.
Another nice touch is Garner’s use of grain to simulate the
experience of watching a slightly worn 35mm film. The effect is very unobtrusive, unlike its use in other
grindhouse homage films, and you will likely not really notice it a quarter of
the way into the film. But it’s a
nice touch, giving the film a nice feel, and Garner’s restraint keeps it from
becoming a gimmick.
Yeah, someone's in trouble....
If you get the chance, check out All Hell Breaks Loose at Cinema
21 on October 3 at 10 pm. It’s a
fine slice of cheesy fun, filled with solid performances, plenty of quirky
humor, and is more engaging than most low budget genre features
dumped onto home video these days.
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As is my policy at The Shadow Over Portland, I need to state
that I viewed a screener of the film online. I was able to watch the film without incurring any cost to
myself, and in a venue not available to casual viewers.
Also, my interview with the director and scriptwriter took
place after I saw the film, though the interview was posted first. The delay in writing and posting this
review is my fault, though life and a day job played a role.
That said, I enjoyed All Hell Breaks Loose and hope readers
able to attend the Portland premiere enjoy it as well.
