Review of Tusk (2014) by Leo M — 22 Sep 2014

It came... I saw... I nearly vomited. Well not really. Smith's last ten years have been a rocky road as a Director/Filmmaker. He tried to break out of his mold with "Jersey Girl," but that was not much of a success and left him gun-shy to try something new. Then "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" came and failed to click with the general audience, and "Cop Out" was an interesting concept but just failed to hit with me, marijuana-fueled podcasts and a Cher-like string of promises to retire aside. I have to say, He stretches again with "Tusk," and by doing so delivers 70 percent of a powerful body horror movie reminiscent of Cronenberg in the 1970s. If only I had a time machine to take me back to the 90s.

"Tusk" tells the story of a b%^$ made podcaster named Wallace Bryton played by the (Justin Long), who travels to Canada to interview a wheelchair-bound man (Michael Parks) who promises to tell amazing stories about his time at sea. However, Wallace soon realizes he's in a trap when he is drugged and forced to endure horrific surgeries to bring about this man's twisted dream of reuniting him with a walrus that saved him in his youth. Goo goo ka choob?

I had a few problems with the script; the biggest setback for me was that the protagonists was a giant d&^%! Wallace is such an ass that it is almost impossible to feel much sympathy for him.

A likeable protagonist in a horror film is a must, and Wallace simply is not very likeable, so even though he is going through unbelievable trauma, it's hard to sympathize. Imagine Justin Bieber as the hero in a horror movie; see? Those words alone and you already want his head on the platter...

Don't get me wrong, there are definitely redeemable qualities to Tusk, The cinematography has some real zaz to it, which has always been hit or miss in Smith's films. However, here cinematographer James Laxton offers a rich color palate and a fantastic use of light and shadow which gives this horror slashfest a new perception on the the horror genre.

I'm not going to yack your ears off today but Tusk, based on one of Kevin Smith's Smodcasts, smakes a strong case for to reinvent the Smith persona... Unfortunately this might be something you have to smoke pot to first before you can thoroughly enjoy it. Kevin Smith? Don't shoot me, bro.

4.6/10.