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BY MAX COLSTON | Comedy group Broken Lizard (they hate being called a
"troupe") broke out onto the scene back in early 2001 when they showcased
their film Super Troopers at the Sundance Film Festival. Since its theatrical
release, the group has developed a long line of followers, all waiting
for their next film: Club Dread. And yes, I am one of those followers.
The Lizard's next film focuses on an island somewhere in Costa Rica
inhabited by a bunch of beer-guzzling and sex-crazed teens who have nothing
else on the mind since they're on Spring Break. When all the drunken brawls
and premarital sex is cut short by a crazed killer prowling the island,
it's up to the club's staff to put a stop to the violence.
EXPECTATIONS
What I'd Seen
I had seen Broken Lizard's first film, Super Troopers, and was impressed
by the type of dead-pan humor that they used. I had also seen the trailer for
this, and to tell the truth, didn't think it was all that funny.
What I'd Heard
I'd heard that the film wasn't on par with Super Troopers comedy wise,
but that it was funnier than most comedies these days. I also heard that Bill
Paxton was really funny in the role as the island's old, drunk owner, Coconut
Pete.
What I Wanted
I wanted a funny, violent, and ribald horror movie spoof that didn't take
itself too seriously and went all-out on the comedy. I also wanted lots and lots
of female nudity. Just kidding! Oh, wait, no I'm not.
EXPERIENCE
What Turned Me On
For a supposed horror spoof, the movie is actually a bit scary. With its campy
80's look and the supremely amusing deaths, there were a couple of times
when I found myself looking through my fingers. The group also delivers more
of the type of bland, dead-pan comedy that would easily fly under radar if you
didn't have the right sense of humor. Unfortunately, a lot of it flies
under radar here.
What Turned Me Off
The film has a difficult time determining whether it wants to be a comedy or a
horror film. Every death is played out dramatically, but the seriousness of it
all is messily transitioned to another butt and fart joke, leaving me wondering
if the filmmakers really wanted us to take the whole things or seriously, or as
a joke.
Lines Worth Repeating
"Jenny, I only assume when you put your arms around me that every other
man on the island is dead."
Never Saw That Before
Such a hilarious campfire tale. This scene will have you busting a gut for days
and days afterward.
Fidget Factor
Yeah, I guess I peaked at my watch a couple times. But when it comes to the exciting
(and surprisingly serious) climax, my attention was at once focused on the screen
again.
AFTERMATH
I left thinking... That really wasn't a horror spoof,
but a horror movie with a few occasional jokes thrown around here or there.
I left saying... Man, that was a little disappointing, but
I still had a fun time. I think I would have enjoyed it even more if the guys
hadn't taken the horror part of the movie so seriously.
Expiry Date... Broken Lizard fans will definitely ensure
a successful opening and be slightly disappointed, while newcomers to the group
who haven't seen Super Troopers will probably laugh their asses off.
When it comes out on DVD... I don't think I'll
be adding it to my DVD collection, but a fun rent nonetheless.
Grade: B-
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