I am sure everyone has already heard but there is a movie out making waves. All the reports of people vomiting and passing out, though may be true, was an excellent promotion. It is almost like the little engine that could, a movie with a $250,000 budget has raised over 10 million just in one month. What is it about this movie that attracts a forgotten relic of horror? A culture coaxed into fandom for the "big names" in the industry. Let's face it, horror has become an entirely different entity and with social media the fans have nothing left to do but argue. In my humble opinion, the new age of horror can suck a fat one. We have taken a whole new world with the elevated horror trend. Honesty at its best.
What saved the genre for me? Well, I was introduced to a character that changed my whole outlook. I first saw Art the clown in a meme, I was taken in by his facial features and had to hunt the movie down, way back in 2017. The first movie has its charm and a legacy I'll never forget, But Terrifier 2 is completely different. It took the walls that horror fans put up and busted them open with the strength of a wrecking ball. It has become its own franchise and Art has won the hearts of all the people who matter. David Howard Thornton (Art the clown) can make you laugh, and immediately after make you cringe. He knows what he is doing, and he does it well. A modern slasher who has beaten the likes of ancient times. They didn't base their movie off Michael Myers. To them Jason is still in Crystal Lake. However if you look close you will see director Damien Leone's Easter eggs of love for the genre. We definitely need more horror fans, making horror movies.
We all remember the iconic hacksaw scene from the first movie. However, Terrifier 2 is the equivalent to that entire scene. Each and every kill is formatted in chaos. A story line that leaves so much open. Some may deter from the 2 hour and 20 minute run time but as you watch the movie time flies. It grasps your attention by never letting either the action or humor go. This movie is a homage to everything true horror fans forgot about. It's distinct style is a labor of love. Everyone involved chipped in where they could, whether it was helping build sets, or volunteering to light yourself on fire for the good of the scene. The entire Terrifier crew is relentless in their ways. It reminds me of the days of George Romero and his clan of people that are passionate for what they did.
Art brings to life an entirely new super slasher. He never needs to say a word by miming facial expressions. It is almost as if David himself had mime training. That's just one of the many theories I have developed with this movie. There is a lot to unpack that only seems to lead up to an even longer sequel. I for one and not complaining about that. The movie is one constant humorous bundle of joy. From the moment it begins it's a splatter fans dream, the non-kill scenes are filled with moments that makes you erupt in laughter. The persona of Art the clown is perfect for the newest slasher icon. His antics put even the Leprechaun to shame. He has traits to him we have never quite seen without a rather annoying voice to accompany it.
Another rebirth (literally) we see in this movie is the super final girl. Sienna, played by Lauren Lavera is a top-notch hero and final girl. We have never seen the likes of this badass . She makes the movie whole with her brother played by Elliot Fullam. There is a family dynamic all throughout the movie, brother and sister, fighting Art the clown off until he has no more to give... for now.
It's not for everyone, and the people who aren't into it are very vocal about the fact. As with any other movie these days there is a "all or nothing" of love and hate. However, the people who love it are very loyal. There are fan groups, the biggest one being the Art the Clown Appreciation Society with over 14,000 members to date.
It is impossible to review this movie without gushing. To me the idea of Art is wonderful. Terrifer 2 opened my heart back to the slasher genre. The blood spills and the gore takes classic FX and breaks down yet another wall. In my humble opinion, we need the artistic mind of Damien to give us more and more. I could not honestly find anything I did not like about this movie. The story behind it, the hard work from everyone, and the splash it made in theaters. All of these things combined with the excitement I hold inside for everyone involved, I just couldn't stop saying nice things. I just want more Art in the world!
-Craig
Comentários