I was originally lead to Some Guy Who Kills People by the involvement of John Landis, who serves as executive producer on the film. A good dark comedy is a cherished find in my collection and for me, the arguable apex of grim humor is his An American Werewolf in London (1981). Unlike some other Horror-Comedy classics that cant help but wink at the camera, at no point does "American" feel like a parody, and for me it makes all the difference in the type of chuckle the film gets from me. So seeing the directors name tied to a low budget film with a title like that, I allowed myself to get a little excited for a sec and loaded it up. I didn't quite get what I wanted but I was surprised by a very solid film with some great performances.
The behind the camera line up(besides Landis) adds surprise to its quality and style. It is directed by Jack Perez whose career highlights include Wild Things 2, Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus and the awesomely shitty TV movie: Monster Island (2004, needs a review on this blog and stars Carmen Electra, its shit, but fuck you, I love it). The script comes from a Ryan A. Levin, who looks like he has mostly stuck to television episodes ranging from the eye blood inducing Scrubs(I hope thats the last time I type that title on this blog) to Lego CGI cartoons. Cast wise the film totes the legendary Karen Black, Barry Bostwick and the underrated Kevin Corrigan in the lead.
The film itself blends its many elements in a manner that thankfully ignores the rules set down for genre lines and the films that combine them. Its strength lays in its contrast. The film defiantly never decides to be a thriller, comedy or life affirming family drama, looking its best at its intersections. The blend of flavors extends to the cast as well. Barry Bostwick's goofy but proficient sheriff instantly became a highlight and has to be his best role since my unreliable memories of Spin City(It was a show with Micheal J. Fox, I was like 9 or something). Black, who does awesome even in shit movies, gives one of her best performances of her last few years as a gruff but loving mother that hints at the more dramatically complex core of the film. The conversations between the two are straight fucking gold. Kevin Corrigan plays the focus character in a much more reserved distant version of his often played slacker type. It works well, and was different from what I thought I was getting from the cover. John Landis DNA is apparent throughout the film though the style is its own.
Some Guy Who Kills People was not the film I thought I was was watching, but as is often the case, it fairs well as something completely different. The film gives you a lot to relate to in fun but real ways from your lifelong revenge fantasies to the pressure and responsibility of interpersonal relationships. I recommend a watch but cant be trusted as I would probably be ok with watching an hour and a half of just Barry Bostwick singing whatever song that was in his police vehicle (great scene).
Director: Jack Perez
Writer: Ryan A. Levin (as Ryan Levin)
R | 1h 37min | 2012
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Review By
RevTerry
