Review of Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010) by Tyler S — 30 Mar 2013

Most of the time, horror and humor don't really mix. Its an awkward and usually forced bastardization of styles in which each genre cheapens the other, leaving a steaming pile of unfocused mess. This is a shining exception. It delivers plenty of gore and horror trappings as well as laughs and manages to have both work together seamlessly, and ends up being really charming in a weird and off beat way.

What really sells the film is a couple of hilarious performances from Labine and Tudyk as the bumbling, S.O.L heart of gold hillbillies who are just on the wrong end of circumstance. Good performances from the group of college kids do a really good job of hitting all the horror movie stereotypes. A great script makes it possible for some really funny character interactions that are really enjoyable. Preaches a message of self acceptance and the downfalls of judgmental nature.

One thing that horror and comedy films have in common is their dependence on timing, and it is a major strength here. It takes enough time setting itself up without dragging, and once the action starts it remains in control throughout. In addition to its overall pacing, its timing as far as line delivery is right on, often dragging out silences and playing on its own socially awkward nature.

It does deliver on the gore factor also. Some really nice and creative kills and effects can be found here. The wood-chipper scene stands out in my mind, but there are several. It really starts to echo some of the films it parodies in this way, with some obvious homages to 'Friday the 13th', 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' and 'Evil Dead'.

A few flaws would include a bit of an overdrawn final act. It isn't overly distracting, but it feels like it runs on a few minutes longer than it had to. A couple of slight plot holes, but in a film like this you have to suspend your disbelief to an extent so I can't fault it too much for that. Other than those few minor gripes, I can't think of any other detractions worth mentioning.

In a genre blend between horror and comedy, this is as top notch a film as you're likely to find. Despite its graphic violence, it is somehow totally non offensive, and I think plenty of people besides horror fans would find it plenty funny and entertaining.