Review of Tusk (2014) by Marcus V — 28 Dec 2014

Having been a fan of Kevin Smith's movies for a long time and a huge fan of several of the podcasts for several years, I was prepared to give at least a 50% rating to anything watchable. However, while listening to the Smodcast episode that the movie was hatched, I had some doubts. Pleasantly surprised at the results wold be an understatement. Well scripted and shot, with a very appropriate music soundtrack, the midnight movie premise of the film was greatly pushed to the background. Yes the "professional" critics called the plot ridiculous and thin, but it was definitely a fun watch.

Stellar performances by veteran Michael Parks and relative unknown Genesis Rodriguez were captivating. Justin Long was suitably unlikeable as Wallace/Tusk. Johnny Depp was over the top (as usual) and perhaps needed fewer lines. Haley Joel Osment was a stiff and nearly invisible character and probably considered excess baggage as the sidekick. A surprisingly delightful cameo appearance by the lovely daughters of Smith and Depp was very enjoyable and provided the only real comedy scene to the film.

If you suspend belief long enough to get into the movie, you will be delightfully shocked. The holy shit, no CG, walrus effect will definitely blow you away!