Review of Hatchet (2006) by Feldon C — 30 Jun 2011

With directors Eli Roth and Rob Zombie reviving the '70's style of horror filmmaking, first-time writer/director Adam Green has seemingly set his sights on the early '80's slasher films. His debut feature "Hatchet" is an outrageously gory, wonderfully old-fashioned winner that achieves greatness by not trying too hard. It doesn't have a convoluted, high concept plot but it succeeds by paying its dues and being respectful of the genre.

The script is a lot smarter than we're used to and it has a funny sense of humor that is almost always successful. It's successful more often than not anyway. The story does the expected by setting up the characters, introducing the legend of the killer and then letting the limbs and body parts fly. And do they ever. Effects man John Carl Buechler has been off the scene for a while, but he returns with a vengeance with this movie. The gore is plentiful and very convincing.

The cast of young newcomers is very appealing, especially Deon Richmond who makes the best of his throw-away best friend role, but the real fun comes from the horror film veterans that pop up throughout. We get Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger and the Candyman all in one film. Green also makes the most of his Louisiana bayou setting to add even more creepy flavor to the proceedings.

"Hatchet" is one of the nicest surprises horror fans have had in a while. It's a real treat for those of all jaded by all of the PG-13 rated remakes.