Review of Hatchet (2006) by Stuart S — 09 Sep 2010

Kicking off ironically with Marilyn Mansons This is the New Shit, Hatchet brings about some very old school horror/slasher sensibilities to a modern audience it feels has been perhaps sheltered from the gore. Except for the opening scene, the modern audience might wonder what all the fuss is about as the film goes about its set up in a very uneventful way. There's the excessive titty shots and the odd cheap scare but nothing of note that would make the 'modern audience' feel they missed out on old school horror. That is until the reveal of the Victor Crowley. Then the film hits its stride as body parts and the claret are splashed all over the New Orlean swamp setting. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a grin as wide as a Cheshire Cat when Crowley picked off his victims as each kill is as excessive and imaginative as the last.

Adam Green clearly has a love of horror cinema and whilst he knows what to do when it comes to guts and gore he needs to work on what to do with the quieter moments. But as an affectionate reminder of days gone by it certainly hits the spot.