I don't know how this one slipped by, because it would have to be one of the better cheesy slashers of 80s. Quite a cult item, which obviously takes influence from Tobe Hooper's genre setter 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre', with its eccentrically dark humorous streak making it so endearingly warped like that found in 'Motel Hell' and Hooper's sequel 'The Texas chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)'. What a nice combination. Now what really works in its favour, is there's an actual plot hanging off the meat hook than just focusing on a bunch of rowdy teens (which this film does have) being pointlessly slaughtered (and it does happen). Hell the format isn't anything original, but manages to feel slightly fresh with it rancid slasher conventions and keeps things moving with always something amusing happening. What is a little disappointing though, with a title like that is the lack of gore, as the most sickening (or yummy) scene can be found in the opening shots (take a lesson in the trade) of pigs going through the gruelling slaughterhouse procedures. Nice fresh cuts. I found the whole experience more so goofy than anything else. Buddy (the obese, snorting and meat-clever donning killer) seems to be played for laughs. He sure knows how to cut someone up, and leave a mark. The script has its basic quips, but it sure loved to use pigs as it main talking point. It can get pun-overload. Death scenes are well done, with one or two creative efforts. The final set-up you see coming, but how it actually finishes only shocks with a depressingly ominous, but sudden conclusion. Director Rick Roessler (his one and only film) does a modest job, elevating some suspense, sticking in with energy, creating few moments of atmosphere and well-placed jarring sound effects. He knows how to keep it busy (or is it the quick-laced editing), as there's something to gain your interest. Standard humour to grisly violence and an odd reference here or there. Having two eccentrically odd killers couldn't do it any harm either. Don Barrett was a treat as the old coot Les Bacon and Joe Barton dominates as his fat, mentally challenged son Buddy who expresses himself through pig noises. Like you do. The rest of the cast are acceptable with a solid Sherry Leigh and William Houck. Jeff Wright and Donna Stevens have enjoyable roles too. Oh and I almost forgot. What's the deal with the majority of 80s horror films plugging some crappy band ('Vantage Point' get there foot in) and the soundtrack is a whole lot of noise. Random and at times strange cues.
Review of Slaughterhouse
