‘Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer’ is the latest flick that’s either trying to revitalise that forgotten schlock 80’s style or simply trying to entertain and help re-introduce that popular style that entertained a generation.
Jack Brooks, played competently by writer/producer/actor Trevor Matthews, is a young man battling with his own inner demons following the brutal murder of his parents and young sister when he was just a lad. Now plumber by trade Jack is struggling through his existence and is constantly filled with anger. He attends therapy sessions and is partaking in some local evening classes but all seems lost for Jack. Until that is his professor unearths a dark ancient black heart in his new lodgings and is subsequently cursed and transformed into an unspeakable monster. Now it’s time for Jack to face his demons and make up for his past.
I was very much looking forward to this one, especially after viewing the pretty impressive trailer. It looked slick and tongue-in-cheek and it looked like it was going to be a lot of fun. And for part it was.
Unfortunately what let’s this picture down the most is a certain lack of story concentration. Some of the movie’s best scenes are in the final third of the movie which would be perfect if the first parts where equal to them. Sadly though the overlong focus on Jack himself and his life and ongoing woes almost felt like they were part of a different movie. It’s imperitive in this cloud of schlock to throw absolutely everything at it. People hand over their dough to see the monsters, to witness the shocks and the gore and laughs.
That being said, it is a fun little flick. It obviously had budgetary restrictions but what they managed to do with the cash is certainly all up there on screen for you to enjoy. The monsters and creatures looked great and have that typical iconic 80’s style about them. I particularly enjoyed Robert Englund’s performance as Professor Crowley.
OVERALL SUMMARY
Although certain elements of the movie seem a tad hit or miss dependent on your expectations it’s still all good fun. The blood and gore come a little late and certain segments seem like they’re borrowing from ‘Slither’ a little – but the acting is decent, it’s comical enough and the creature and make-up effects along with the score do truly entertain.
