Staring out at me from the shelves last week was this tale of rock band
slash who have to make a very unexpected and unpleasant stay on lead
singer Mac’s family farm for a funeral.
Now, I know it sounds pathetic, but the Old Macdonald aspect is quite well handled, especially in the films creepy prologue where we hear the
familiar children’s rhyme played via a scary little music box, as young
Mac witnesses a terrifying event.
The main action kicks off in traditional post ‘Scream’ style with a young couple headed to a Halloween party in the countryside, brutally attacked
by the film’s villanous scarecrow. But it has to be said, the lighting,
editing and unusual choice of score make it a visual pleasure and
highlight.
The band soon end up at the farm and we are treated to the usual blend of pranks, chills and bloody spills as the cast are stalked and slashed.
The locations do add a lot to the production and it appears, you do get
bang for your buck in South Africa (where this was filmed) as the
production values appear to be very high, despite the low budget.
The cast including Steve Railsback are all very good but I must say the
inclusion of a stereotypical black character was most unwelcome, but
thankfully (and I promise i’m only helping you enjoy it more) he doesn’t
outstay his welcome!
OVERALL SUMMARY
What should have been just a routine DTV cheap slasher rip-off ends up
being pleasantly enjoyable.