Review of Smash Cut (2009) by Matthew C — 01 Dec 2009

I'm torn when reviewing this film as I enjoyed it as I do most of Lee Demarbre's work; yet at the same time I was highly critical of some of the aspects emplored in the film. While yes the film stayed true to the classic b-horror genre in all campy aspects it was the acting that lost me. I understand that the film is a tribute to the work of Herschell Gordan Lewis which was part of the reason that I liked the film; but the casting choice of David Hess as the main character, Able Whitman, was (in my mind) a poor choice as he is in almost every scene yet whenever he opens his mouth I lose interest in what's going on. Sasha Grey was another poor acting choice; I understand that she is trying to go mainstream a bit (but The Girlfriend Experience - her other mainstream film was much worse - so much so that I fell asleep through it - garnishing a 0.5/5 rating from me). Grey's acting (I can't say talents) attempts are more of a distraction than David Hess. The only character that was half-decently acted was maybe the film's most random and ill-placed character, Isaac Beaumonde (played by Jesse Buck).

This film is definitely not for everyone and will generate a cult following - it's definitely one that will be loved by few, hated by few and misunderstood by most.

If you are into the whole b-genre of horror films you may actually like this film... just be careful of the very campy dialogue and acting because it does become overbearing eventually.