Jack the Reaper and Your Invitation to Terror: A Movie Review

*full disclosure: a screener of this film was provided by American World Pictures.

Director/writer: Kimberly Seilhamer.

This film is a little different from the usual ride down the tracks. Instead of and expressionless killer, Railroad Jack shows that he is a happy killer. Railroad Jack is always killing with a smile and soon, this viewer was smiling along with Jack, in Jack the Reaper. Unbelievably, this film has not secured a release date, but this film is deserving of distribution and of horror fan's attention. The film uses a great set involving a carnival in a desert and the drama among the characters heightens the tension. This is a title that needs to be seen to be believed and hopefully, Jack the Reaper will find a welcoming home soon, so he can terrorize more macabre watching fans.

Jack the Reaper begins with a flashback and soon the horror tone is set with a quick pickaxe strike. Next, several young teens are forced aboard a school bus, to make up for a missed assignment. Personally, this reviewer would have written the paper on the industrial revolution, rather than face a ten hour field trip. Later, Tony Todd makes an introduction as Steel and each of the teenagers is given a dramatic backstory e.g. allusions to incest, new fathers, and rich kids gone bad. Unknowingly, each teenager has a big target on their back.

A nice drive out into the desert is interupted by a crash and unbelievably a carnival turns up in this isolated locale. Director Kimberly Seilhamer shows her talent for creating a brilliant looking setting and the high quality film stock increases the visual textures. Jack the Reaper is fun to look at. However, the characters in the film have only a little time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the ferris wheel, the merry-go-round etc. Because, Railroad Jack has issues with teenagers and he solves them with murder. This is not a great way to make friends.

And instead, Railroad Jack makes a lot of enemies, while turning carnival goers into bloody messes. He does this with enthusiasm and his passion for killing made this horror watcher smile a few times. This film is simply fun and watching Douglas Tait as the killer creates for some of the most memorable scenes. Hidden behind black eyes, Railroad Jack generates ambivalent feelings, which is a nice change from the stock horror villains of old, who only generate fear.

A few minor criticisms pop up, including: the underuse of actor Tony Todd, the ending could have been explained a little better and a female narrator spouts awkward prose at strange, random intervals. Overall, this is an excellent horror film; hopefully, Jack the Reaper receives a release soon, as many horror fans will enjoy this depraved, but happy killer. Unfortunately, this reviewer will never be able to visit a carnival again!

Plot/story/writing: 7.5 (some use of tropes, but there is something fresh here and Seilhamer pays attention to the details).
Characters/believability: 7.5 (some of the characters are stereotypes, but there is enough drama here to create enough empathy).

Overall: 7.5 (Jack the Reaper is recommended for a fun night of horror).

*no release date announced.

Watch the trailer for Jack the Reaper here, on 28DLA:

Jack the Reaper Trailer Courtesy of American World Pictures

A second positive review of this title from Igor's Lab (Igor):

Jack the Reaper Reviewed at Igor's Lab

Jack the Reaper at American World Pictures:

Jack the Reaper Reviewed at American World Pictures (Film Details)

American World Pictures also recently released the horror thriller Detention, starring David Carradine:



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