Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Michael Allen
Writers: Ben Begley and Renee Dorian.
Cast: Robert Englund, Jere Burns, Scottie Thompson, Matt Angel and Chasty Ballesteros.
The Funhouse Massacre is an indie horror feature from director Andy Palmer (Badlands of Kain). Written by Ben Begley and Renee Dorian, this title blends a lot of blood with some comedy, on Halloween night. Serial killers haunt an amusement park. And, a family reunion, created in Hell, offers a decent climax. Meanwhile, a theme involving impersonation is appropriate for the film's Halloween setting, while The Funhouse Massacre manages to create an entertaining horror world.
In the story, actor Robert Englund appears as a blood-thirsty warden. He allows a journalist to tour his psychiatric hospital. The hospital pens several serial killers in its walls. While the journalist and warden become better acquainted, six murderers escape their confines. The taxidermist (Clint Howard), the cannibal (E. E. Bell), the dentist charmer, a killing wrestler, a cult leader and the Stitch Face Killer are each set onto the streets. They all meet up at the local haunted amusement park. And, they use the cover of Halloween and the macabre sets to kill the spectators. Several friends arrive for some fun. But, they end up fighting these murderers, in order to survive the night. With so much bloodshed and so many deaths, there is no clear winner.
There is no shortage of gore in the film. The over-the-top kill sequences enhance the film's humour. In an early scene, a dummy begins to squirm, scaring one of the park's employees. The character's reaction is gut-wrenching and funny. Another blood spewing plastic model spits blood all over Dr. Suave (Sebastian Siegel). Suave's disgusted reaction also creates more chuckles. Though, there are darker moments. A cheerleader meets the sharp end of a knife and her severed head made one viewer's stomach flip. Other heads are ripped off, in later scenes. And, the reality of makeup effects made for a believable bloodbath. The blend of humour with horror is well done in The Funhouse Massacre.
This film viewer enjoyed the interrelatedness of three of the characters. A late character relationship enhanced the film's finale. Mental Manny, played by Jere Burns, is the leader of the killers. One of the only survivors of a suicide cult, Manny is rescued by his daughter, at the aforementioned psych' ward. They team up well together as a family bathed in blood. But, there is one other family member related to these two. That character's identity will remain in mystery. But, Darth Vader's "I am your father" has nothing on The Funhouse Massacre. Late character reveals enhance the tension between this trio.
There is one theme within this title: impersonating others. Unfortunately, there is no symbolism in the film, nor meta-message. Almost all of the characters are pretending to be someone else. Ms. Quinn (Candice De Visser) impersonates a freelance journalist, to gain entry to her father's cell. The first body in the film is the work of the Stitch Face Killer aka Ms. Quinn. Her real identity is never discovered by the poor guards. Also, a group of amusement park workers are dressed as the six serial killers. Though, they have little screen time and are replaced by the real thing, fairly quickly. There is no substitution for authenticity. Finally, the protagonists are each dressed in costumes. The Machete-like character (Erick Chavarria), in leather, is the standout and his outfit comes closest to his action-here-like personality. Almost all of the characters impersonate others, which is appropriate to the Halloween night setting.
The Funhouse Massacre had a limited theatrical run in November of last year. Since then, the film has found a DVD release via Scream Factory. This horror film fan's copy offers a commentary from the director and actors; there are a few other special features, as well. Full of grotesque action sequences, The Funhouse Massacre offers lots of great one-liners and hilarious moments. This viewer laughed often, across a couple of viewings. Worthy of your time and full of enjoyable sequences, indie horror film fans are encouraged to capture their own copy. You will find your own favourite comedic and jaw dropping moments, if you do.
Overall: 7.75 out of 10.
A trailer for the film is available here: The Funhouse Massacre Official Trailer
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