TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL
Director Eli Craig and co-screenwriter Morgan Jurgenson poke fun at horror clichés with this genre-bending comedy about a pair of harmless backwoods hayseeds who are mistaken for vicious serial killers. Dale (Tyler Labine) and Tucker (Alan Tudyk) are checking out their newly acquired "summer home" (read: dilapidated cabin) when they save the life of a gorgeous college student (Katrina Bowden) who's camping in the woods with some friends. When a series of misunderstandings leads to Dale and Tucker being labeled psycho killers by the vacationing students, the situation takes a sudden and ghastly turn for the worst. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Eli Craig
Cast: Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk, Katrina Bowden, Jesse Moss, Philip Granger
Release Date: Sep 30, 2011
Rated R for bloody horror violence, language and brief nudity
Runtime: 1 hr. 26 min.
Genres: Art House, Comedy, Horror
Review:
Eli Craig’s debut film is a hidden horror comedic gem. While he doesn’t quite achieve the satirical greatness of something like Shaun of the Dead, he does get pretty damn close. Playing off all killer hillbilly clichés, Craig delivers a steadily funny film that’s sure to please genre fans without being inaccessible to the general public. It’s funny, goofy, gory and generally likable across the board. A lot of the credit has to go to his 2 leads. Tyler Labine, whose like a lovable grizzly bear, and Alan Tudyk are on task right from the start. Their screen presence is perfect for the roles and both have comedic chops. They play off each other easily and naturally. 30 Rock’s Katrina Bowden is equally likable even if she’s asked to do a lot less. The remaining cast plays roles that are purposely one note but they fill the required clichés needed for these type of films. Tucker & Dale vs. Evil is steady until the final act where it has to deal with wrapping up the plot and it’s not nearly as enjoyable as everything that preceded it. Still, it’s hardly enough to take anything away from the experience as a whole. The film has been out in limited release for a few years now and on most cable and satellite on demand systems, its worth looking for and deserves a bigger audience.
B+
