Post by Mr.HoRrOr on Feb 6, 2011 16:03:20 GMT -5
Plot:Five friends on a weekend trip, become stranded in isolated farmland when crows attack their SUV. They soon realize that the cornfields are inhabited by reanimated human scarecrows who reproduce by killing and force their undead victims to join their ranks.
Cast:
Tammin Sursok
CJ Thomason
Devon Graye
Wes Chatham
My Thoughts:A killer scarecrow movie that's not just a "strawman".
Review:Killer scarecrow movies are an abundance in the horror genre. Not many have turned out well though. There were a few in the 90's, which sort of facilitated the killer-scarecrow-slasher movie craze. But it lasted for a very short while. Then, came films like "Scarecrow Gone Wild" and it's sequel. Films that most people (including myself) would like to forget ever happened. "Husk" however, from director Brett Simmons...takes part killer scarecrow slasher, and blends it with part ghost tale, and then throws in a little thriller element or two for good measure.
The film follows a group of teens who are on a weekend trip, when they end up stranded in the heart of a creepy cornfield after crows attack their vehicle. Soon, not being able to get help for their car becomes the least of their worries as once they go into the cornfield...they come under attack from a group of scarecrows with a penchant for slashing their victims to death. But the worst part is...they use their dead and murdered to grow their ranks.
"Husk" operates sort of like a zombie tale as well. Like in a zombie movie...where the bitten become zombies, in "Husk"...the dead become a new soldier in the killer-scarecrow army. But the movie also has it's cliche moments. Like the cornfield. The reason the teens end up in there is because someone stupidly goes in, and ends up getting taken by the scarecrows. Then that person has to be found and rescued, which leads to more of the teens being taken. Pretty soon, it all breaks down, and as the teens numbers dwindle...they have to find shelter away from their nimble enemies.
Shelter which they find at a creepy old house way at the opposite end of the cornfield. The house itself is the key to the movie though, and holds many secrets about the mystery behind the scarecrows. As in why they're moving on their own. Why they're so fast, their weapons of attack, and also ties into the farms past. A past which has spawned these evil killers. The picture is quite well written, something you can't say about many After Dark Films. But this movie has a script that works well within it's budget. And at the same time...take the story to all sorts of cool places.
But it doesn't overstep it's boundaries, or try and do more than it knows it can. It comes with a tight, fluid, and smart and clever story. And plays it out over a 90 minute period. No fancy tricks, or trying to open up new story avenues that it doesn't have time to explore. It really sticks to it's guns, and what it wants to bring to the table. And it's one of those rare movies that really seems to know what it is, and what it wants to do. There's no confusion here, and you feel as you watch...that the writer really had this idea well-shaped before putting it to paper. All of this makes for a much more entertaining, fluid, and easy-to-enjoy film.
"Husk" also brings the strong slasher elements to the table. Lots of blood and attack sequences litter the movie. Most of whch take place within the creepy cornfield. And the films ominous tone grows throughout, as the teens go from stranded, to stranded with missing friends, to stranded with missing friends, and severe injuries. As the scarecrows attack whenever they get the chance to, and make sure to get in a good scar or two before any of the teens are rescued by their friends. Thus...the movie by act 3, kind of breaks down into a "matter of time" scenario. Where you examine the situation these kids are in.
And the obstacles they'll have to overcome to get out of it alive. And in their current conditions by act 3, you feel it's just a matter of time before the scarecrows put them all down. As for the scarecrows, there is a big twist to them. But it's not a dreadful twist. It's definitely a smart twist which I think horror fans will like and appreciate. All is not what it seems with these fast-moving farm-dwelling foes...but the twist puts the icing on the cake of what is a great slasher film. And that's really the thing I was concerned about with "Husk".
Should the twist turn out to be the stray match that burns down the entire house that is this movie. But if anything...it enhanced the films script and storytelling. "Husk" has some diverse characters as well. The group of teens range from a nerdy type guy, who isn't too much of a nerd. To the leader of the group, who is a blend of brave, stubborn, and at times not-too-bright. Then there's his girlfriend...who is attractive but doesn't look like the stereotypical GAP ad teenager. And then there's the normal-looking guy, who is torn at times between saving his own but, and backing what's left of his friends in their quest to escape.
Even if at times...their planning and strategy is lacking common sense. Thhis character butts-heads often with the leader of the teens, due to both having somewhat opposite views on the situation they're in. An interesting character dynamic to watch play out over time. "Husk" though saves it's best for last, with an ending that sets up two scenarios that the viewer can rattle around in his or her brain after it's all said and done. Overall, "Husk" is definitely one of the gems of After Dark Originals five theatrical releases. It's a scarecrow movie that delivers a creepy story, some above-one-dimensional characters, and an overall highly entertaining viewing experience.
Positives:More than one-dimensional characters, cool villains with a nice and dark backstory in the scarecrows, decent kills, lots of blood, entertaining chase sequences, and a terrific ending.
Negatives:The lead guys stubborness can be annoying at times.
Overall:Three and a half stars out of four.