Review of Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer (2007) by Robert L — 05 Oct 2008

Well-intentioned ode to 80s creaturefests aspires to Raimi/Jackson "cult classic" status but falls short of the mark--thankfully, it delivers more honest laughs and thrills than most programmers of Charles Band/Troma vintage.

Slick and well-made on a limited budget in the Ottawa area, the film's charms come chiefly from the top-billed Englund, who gets to let 'er rip when he becomes possessed by a monster's heart, although star Matthews makes for an amiable lug.

The monster suits are pretty cool, too. Pity the hook isn't terribly strong (I was never sure if Brooks was the only one who knew monsters existed, or, if such beasties were commonplace to everyone else), and it takes a while to kick into gear, becoming more sure-footed as it goes on.

A sequel has been promised...I'll gladly give the concept another go...