How to be a Serial Killer: A Movie Review

Director: Luke Ricci.

Writer: Luke Ricci.

Already released through a limited run last summer How to be a Serial Killer is a 2009 DVD October release that blends comedy, some horror, and solid writing to show the life of a serial killer over the course of several days. Really a spoof of infomercials How to be a Serial Killer from writer, and director, Luke Ricci is a fun watch despite some limiting production values (low budget). A great addition to horror genre How to be a Serial Killer is a Netflix must for those wanting something off the beaten path.

The film centers around Mike played by Dameon Clarke and Matthew Gray Gubler as Bart who form a dysfunctional, symbiotic relationship as they terrorize the unfortunate folks of Santa Clarita, California. Shot documentary style the film shifts back and forth between Mike the seminar leader and the and often funny actions of Bart. HTBASK is really a buddy movie in the guise of a thriller piece so prepare to some over-the-top action scenes involving murder with some great comedic exchanges.

Well written by Luke Ricci the storyline simply unfolds as a fun film to watch more than once. The charismatic appeal of Mike and the bumbling of Bart together create a foil for each other, but add contrast to an already comedic film (just check out the 70s elevator music throughout). A shootout in the back of an apartment complex is bizarre as characters step into frame briefly only to be tracked down by Mike and bludgeoned in their own homes. This is one of the comedics highlights from the film and there are more, but some of the disadvantages of shooting on a limited budget means that the amount of minor characters in the film are sparse and there is a heavy reliance on closed sets to keep shooting simple.

HTBASK is like a stop at a stand up act with Dane Cook confidently spouting off lines about how to improve your killing and how to live your life more confidently. A great film and a lot of fun to watch HTBASK can be picked up to own this October 13, 2009 and definitely don't pass this one by as it is like briefly looking into a serial killer's brain with a microscope so don't miss it!

Continuity/directing/editing: 8.5.
Writing/plot/story/logic: 7.5.
Characters/action/interacion: 8.5.
Overall: 8.25 Funny Bones out of 10.