Review of The Dirties (2013) by Ben C — 20 Jan 2014

This is one hell of a film and it's Canadian! One of the best films of 2013 comes from writer/director/ and star Matt Johnson who gives us a comedy that revolves around a school shooting. Now I know that sounds terrible and really offensive, but trust me on this, it all works.

It's not laughing at school shootings at all. It in fact points out that someone capable of great evil can be anyone and not just the quiet or depressed stereotypes that are usually found in most movies revolving around school shootings.

This is also a film for film buffs as there are a million and one film references that are used very effectively. The main characters are very funny, particularly Matt Johnson's character. However, when the reality of the situation is brought upon us, the demons begin to reveal themselves and it becomes an ultimate balance of comedy and tragic drama.

For much of this I was laughing constantly in my seat. Another portion of it had me on the edge of my seat. It's that kind of film. You really get sucked into these characters. You feel bad when harm is done to them because you like them so much and they feel genuinely real.

"The Dirties" really starts off with a joke, a joke that is flat out mentioned throughout the film and even in front of people at their school and everyone takes it as a joke. However, do the comedians getting the laughs take it as a joke too? It is worth finding out!