Oh what coulda been. But then again, final acts in the serial killer horror genre rarely deliver on any promises made. Most just get messy.
And yes, "Random Acts of Violence" gets messy. Not for the weak of heart, this slasher builds on the premise of a copy cat killer aping the debauchery of a gruesome comic book. The author (and friends) gets caught up in the mayhem, which poses the age old question of life imitating art, except there is another art thrown in to suggest a loop.
Best known for his comedic Hollywood turns, Jay Baruchel writes, directs and co-stars in what is obviously a labour of love pet project. From the flippant opening that creates an illusion of comfort, to the harsh transition to the horrific - don't go in there - gore sequences, the set up and execution is classic shock.
Instead of challenged teenagers doing stupid things, our group of victims (sorry) not only react accordingly, but also try and dissect the situation, and the consequences of their actions. But then, well, things go off the rails.
Baruchel is clearly a studious fan of the genre, but like many before him, gets carried away, and cannot properly wrap his story in a satisfying manner. Maybe next time.
And yes, "Random Acts of Violence" gets messy. Not for the weak of heart, this slasher builds on the premise of a copy cat killer aping the debauchery of a gruesome comic book. The author (and friends) gets caught up in the mayhem, which poses the age old question of life imitating art, except there is another art thrown in to suggest a loop.
Best known for his comedic Hollywood turns, Jay Baruchel writes, directs and co-stars in what is obviously a labour of love pet project. From the flippant opening that creates an illusion of comfort, to the harsh transition to the horrific - don't go in there - gore sequences, the set up and execution is classic shock.
Instead of challenged teenagers doing stupid things, our group of victims (sorry) not only react accordingly, but also try and dissect the situation, and the consequences of their actions. But then, well, things go off the rails.
Baruchel is clearly a studious fan of the genre, but like many before him, gets carried away, and cannot properly wrap his story in a satisfying manner. Maybe next time.
- hipCRANK