Murder Loves Killers Too: A Movie Review

Director: Drew Barnhardt.

Writer: Drew Barnhardt.

The horror genre film "Murder Loves Killers Too," adds a new take on the slasher film with big Stevie looking to take some marital frustrations out on some happy-go-lucky twenty-somethings. Moving a long at quick clip almost a third of the cast becomes indisposed ten minutes into the film. Also, with the focus on humour several classic horror films from the past are once again given the spotlight with director and writer Drew Barnhardt showcasing his knowledge of the genre. Blending all the elements of film "Murder Loves Killers Too," tells a taught thriller for fans of the genre in this send up to the serial killer motif.

The plot of "Murder Loves Killers Too," involves five young restless youths (Mary LeGault, Christine Haeberman, Kat Szumski, Scott Christian, John Jenkinson) driving up to a remote cabin in the woods for some wild partying. Stop me if you have heard this one. After unloading the liquor and getting acquainted with the bedrooms an imposing man only known as Stevie (Allen Andrews), kills one girl in the mania phase of her manic depression and one other ten minutes out of the starting gate.

Two characters live out their young lives and sexual passions on the pool table totally ignorant to the fact that Stevie wants to celebrate his birthday with them and others at knife-point. Unknown to, soon to be heroine, Aggie all of her friends are dead and she must take on a six foot leviathan or become just another victim. Not satisfied with being the object of Stevie's lustful desires Aggie takes the cat-and-mouse chase to new heights before succumbing to choke-out at the hands of one very calm and sincere serial killer.

Director and writer Drew Barnhardt knows the ins and outs of the slasher genre, but in "Murder Loves Killers Too," the story highlights the ability of film to be comedic and sinister all in one bite. As well, the wink to horror films of the past, including the "Friday the 13th," films "The Shining," and "Seven," shows Barnhardt's ability to combine several elements of previous films and then comes up with something entirely different, or unseen.

Every action scene is unique in its execution within "Murder Loves Killers Too;" whether the music changes in tone, or the scene changes in length the film has a personality of its own. And one personality that stays forefront is that of Stevie who knows how to party like the rest of the kids; yet, his sexual frustrations get in the way of vodka shots and dancing. Instead Stevie must use knife and drill to fit in and the plentiful use of overhead shots with darkness means that viewers will have an interesting time watching Stevie have a psychological meltdown. One scene in particular, with Stevie celebrating his birthday, stands out as the costumes, lighting, and music change while Stevie shares his present, a hunting knife, with character Bryan. Killer can have fun too right?

"Murder Loves Killers Too," gets many more things right than it does wrong in the execution of the film including; music, lighting, characterizations, pacing, and continuity. The music often sets the tone in film and the synchronization of the films score with the action is an aural gift for viewers as the rock music pounds during party scenes and the cell phone ring moves from background noise to forefront in the films soundtrack. As well, the quick jump into action early in the first act will adrenalize viewers as Stevie goes about his work right from the first act. In fact, Barnhardt shows his knack for coaching actors as a beautiful and rugged cast go through long rehearsed and choreographed shots to keep the visual appeal changing and complex. Lastly, few continuity errors means that each scene blends into the next and the lack of break up in the story signals that the film goes by rather smoothly and quickly.

For fans of the bloodier style horror film there are enough jump scares and unexpected twists to thrill, but this first feature length Radar Dog Production central purpose is to create an enjoyable, slightly comedic horror film. For gorehounds there are several bloody bits; one, with help from prosthetic make-up, shows the detonguing of a central character, while a separate scene shows viewers a place where Stevie would rather put a more sexual part of his body than fist and knifeblade. The delivery of this second scene is shown from the point of view of the knife and shows a uniqueness in Barnhardt's execution (get it).

"Murder Loves Killers Too," will come out on DVD this June 16, 2009 and the film must not be missed in a slew of summer blockbusters that will soon be forgotten after viewing while "MLKT," will not. So, take some time off from bar-b-qs and trips to the beach by watching this independent film from relatively small production studio Radar Dog Productions and pre-order yourself a copy through the companys official website. Your funny bone will thank-you.

Rating: 8 Laughing Skulls out of 10.

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"Murder Loves Killers Too."

Posted in: 2009,christine haeberman,drew barnhardt,dvd,genre,horror,john jenkinson,kat szumski,mary leGault,movie,movie review,murder loves killers too,plot,scott christian,story,thriller