This is one of those movies I have no excuse for having not seen until now. The realization hit me as I was watching it that I have been calling myself a horror movie fan this whole time and the fact I haven't seen this film makes that statement a bit laughable. But now that I have, all is good and balanced and my self proclamations of being a "horror movie super fan" can stay unquestioned for a while longer.
Michael Rooker (Slither, Repo:The Genetic Opera) plays the namesake role in this film to an awkward sense of perfection. I say that because he doesn't quite feel like a true serial killer in that, at times, he's not as creepy as you would expect and, at times, is actually quite charismatic. Not the overblown unbelievable Dexter style of lovability, but just kind of sweet and kind hearted......almost. A good portion of him seeming to be not so bad of a guy can be attributed to him being cast directly alongside Tom Towles (Devils Rejects, Night of the Living Dead -'90) who in his role as "Otis" (such a cliche name for a sicko) plays arguably one of the most morally twisted and disgusting individuals to grace the screen, ever. there really only one other main character in the whole film, that of Otis's sister who comes to live with them out of a need to escape her abusive ex.......not a great decision.
The story is rather random, which lends the film an extra element of creepiness in that you never know when Henry and his cohort are going to do something sinister. Very abrupt, brutal, unflinching and disturbing are the kill scenes in which nothing is taboo. Rape, torture, murder, borderline necrophilia all find a home in this script. Tastefulness was definitely not on the docket of things they were trying to achieve while making of this film, and it shows.
The gore factor in this film is subtle for the most part, relying heavily on acting and the intensity of situations to create the horrifying ambiance, but it is here, and, extremely well done for its time. There are some very intimate and grisly scenes in this one.
If you're a fan of films that involve highly random killings such as The Devils Rejects or Natural Born Killers, then this will be a good flick for you to check out, but to everyone else I would say this, definitely give it a watch, but be warned, it goes to some dark and morally questionable places. That being said though, I highly recommend this film.
tastelessness 8.5/10
gore 6/10
must-see-ness 9/10
