Ken Boyd has just returned to his home town after time spent in a psychiatric hospital, addressing problems stemming from his constant torment by the college basketball team. A recluse, a loner, and a closet horror artist, he spends his days working at the ice-cream parlour and suffering verbal abuse in the evenings from his long-suffering and unsympathetic mother. Further confusion and awkwardness sets in when he finds himself the attention of a beautiful young woman, and a daughter he never knew he had. But he hasn’t forgotten his ill-treatment at college, and pretty soon the bodies begin to stack up...

It’s an extremely refreshing viewing experience to be surprised by a film. Having never come across this one before, the title had me believe it might be another sordid fictionalised biopic of a serial killer, or at best a horror-comedy, which seldom works as well as it should. However, even when you do realise the premise of the story, the seemingly standard offering gets lifted by a number ingredients. This is a movie which is much more than the sum of its parts. It cleverly transcends several genres; incorporating, and so potentially appealing to, followers of horror (particularly slasher movies), murder mystery/police procedurals, dark comedy, emotional family tales, and the feel-good factor.

An extra added advantage seen here in all its glory is the obvious chemistry between the actors, allowing the characters to really flesh-out in a relatively short space of time. Kevin Corrigan, who plays the key character of Ken Boyd, brilliantly keeps his part introverted and yet darkly comedic. Lucy Davis plays wannabe girlfriend Stephanie with a skittishness which means she has experienced problems of her own. Barry Bostwick’s portrayal of the sheriff is initially tiresomely lightweight and distracted, but we discover he has layers. He has the backbone to stand up to politicians, and he surprises everyone - even his deputy - by getting to the heart of the matter.

The film is given an emotional poignancy with the sub-plot of Ken’s newly discovered daughter. He has no idea how to react to her; there is a wall he has built around himself, and he isn’t sure he wants to live in the real world any more than going through the motions. Of course, he isn’t used to nice things happening to him, and has difficulties making the adjustments.

Of course, a large percentage of viewers are going to predict the outcome as easily as if it were displayed in subtitles, but that in no way detracts from what is essentially a hugely enjoyable film. I will say I was disappointed with the lack of extras considering this is in Blu-ray format. The Making of... is a scant few minutes long, and there is only a (albeit entertaining) Commentary to accompany it.

On a final note: John Landis was once connected with this movie, but moved on to another project. Director Jack Perez asked if he could still use his name as Executive Producer. Landis agreed and was very pleased with the outcome. Well, why wouldn’t he be?

8

Ty Power