Based on the award-winning novel by Gregory Lamberson (Slime City, Killer Rack), who also directs, "Johnny Gruesome" stars Anthony De La Torre, Byron Brown II and Michael DeLorenzo. The movie combines supernatural elements, psycho-killer revenge and zombie-esque thrills. "Johnny Gruesome" is being released by Uncork'd Entertainment this October, just in time for Halloween.
High school students Eric Carter and Johnny Grissom are best friends. Johnny is a heavy metal rebel nicknamed "Johnny Gruesome" by his classmates. When Johnny is murdered while on a drunken joyride, his killer persuades Eric and Johnny's girlfriend to help him make the murder look like an accidental death. Johnny returns from the grave as a murderous, wisecracking zombie hell bent on revenge.
"Johnny Gruesome" brings back memories of a classic horror trope that I personally thrived on "back in the day". The teen angst rebel yell nightmare syndrome. The story plays metal head against jock, zombie against the living, and supernatural horror against revenge killing - all in a suburban high battleground. Lamberson taps in to the energy and attitude that films like "Trick or Treat", "Wraith" and even "Heathers" raged on with during the 80's.
The story is cool, retro, and full of amped up emotion and indie gore. Gregory Lamberson manages to bring most of his novels juice to the screen. The film kicks in from the moment the metal begins to play. The music in this movie epitomizes the vision brought to life in the pages of Johnny Gruesome. There are a few flaws in the film adaptation. At times the dialog seems forced between characters, and some humor falls flat and out of place.
The special effects and overall horror elements, here, are tops. The creature design and makeup is excellent. Gruesome is a commanding character and gave me the same thrill that I got from Sammi Curr. Most of the bloody effects are practical and the FX department does pretty good creating those moments. At times the CGI, when used is flawed, but for the most part everything seems to work well enough to thrill.
Overall , "Johnny Gruesome" is a nice indie horror that is a classic as it is fresh. The soundtrack is awesome, and the energy is amped. I was hoping for something a bit more darker and serious toned, but wasn't disappointed with Lamberson's decision to mix it up. "Johnny Gruesome" has some classic , cult-level moments and is definitely worth checking out. (3.5/5)
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