Chop and Rolling on the Floor in Laughter : A Movie Review

*A screener of this film was provided by director Trent Haaga.

Director: Trent Haaga.

Writer: Adam Minarovich.

Director Trent Haaga (Killjoy 3) has a strong relationship with horror films as an actor. Now, he directs his first film with Chop, a comedic initial entry. Writer Adam Minarovich is also familiar with the genres of horror and comedy, with an appearance on the first season of The Walking Dead and a showing in Wiseguys vs. Zombies. Together, they have found a way to tickle viewer's funny bones in Chop, despite a screen full of blood and gore. Actor Will Keenan incites much of the laughter, as his character Lance digs his own grave with stories of accidental murder and mayhem. However, actors Timothy Muskatell and Ricardo Grey also bring some chuckles, as weirdly dressed characters.

Currently set up for a March 25th appearance at the Boston Underground Film Festival, Chop changes the point-of-view from Lance in the beginning of the film, to a character only known as The Stranger (Timothy Muskatell). This is a film of transition and much like the recent I Spit on Your Grave, there is a change in protagonists at the mid-point of the film. Also transforming is Lance's health. The Stranger dismembers many of his limbs. You see, Lance has snubbed The Stranger in an earlier meeting and now, he must re-live some of the lowest points of his life. Lance's self-disclosure of previous murders will quickly put the viewer on the side of The Stranger. But, this not a story entirely of horror; there is a lot of comedy here, too.

Much of the hilarity in the film comes from Keenan's dialogue with The Stranger. Despite missing two arms and a leg or two, he still manages to laugh at his situation. Chop is definitely tongue-in-cheek. The expressions on Keenan's face, as his character looks at pictures of his cheating wife, are gut spasming. There is shock, horror, confusion and disgust all in one twisted expression. Keenan's character also knows how to torture others with subtle accusations: "did you know that 35% of people who use personals are married?" His wife is not amused, but viewers will be.

Also of note are the strange situations that Lance finds himself in. Whether running down a drug dealer with his car, being accosted by a prostitute on the street, or being tormented by a very gay biker, Lance is constantly being introduced to the bizarre. The situations and dialogue made the film for this reviewer, but others might not find the bloodier situations to their taste. Overall, this reviewer enjoyed some of sillier situations, especially the ending, which showed actor Muskatell in an eighties styled wig. Muskatell seemed to be channeling a burnt out headbanger heading to the next Ozzie Osborne concert, in these final scenes.

But the stand alone greatest laugh for this reviewer came from Ricardo Grey's performance as Monica. Grey continues to get s&^* upon by casting in the indie horror film industry. If he is not a retarded kid with bunny ears (Easter Bunny, Kill! Kill!), then he is a transgendered prostitute (Chop) or a perverted medical student (Someone's Knocking at the Door). Each of these roles is played with ridiculous charm, which only Grey knows how to tap in to. Keep choosing these roles Grey; you have made this reviewer laugh on many occasion.

Chop, while comedic, is also an interesting moral tale, with dilemmas worthy of attention. In between the difficult situations, there is a lot of humour. It is this humour that shows Haaga's and Minarovich's entertaining time spent as actors, writers and producers in the horror and comedy genres. See this film at the Boston Underground Film Festival March 25th and then, let the laughter roll as Grey prances around in a shiny purple tube top, like something out of Blondie's video "Heart of Glass."

Overall: 7.5 out of 10 (good writing of characters, good pacing, good acting by Keenan and others, a little short, quality of the film just okay).

Become a fan of Chop on Facebook:

Chop on Facebook

Chop is not available for purchase. The film is currently on the film festival circuit. However, the films below, from the cast and crew of Chop, are:



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

 |  |  |  |  |  | 

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Posted in: 2011,adam minarovich,chop,film festival,horror,indie horror movie review,movie review,ricardo grey,thriller,timothy muskatell,trent haaga