Review by CJ

Director:
Eli Craig

Starring:
Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk, Katrina Bowden, Jesse Moss, Brandon Jay McLaren, Christie Laing, Chelan Simmons, Travis Nelson, Alex Arsenault

Other notable appearances:
Philip Granger

Running time:
89 minutes

Watch this if you liked:
Cabin in the Woods, Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland

Through a series of unfortunate events, well-meaning hillbillies Tucker (Tudyk) and Dale (Labine) are mistaken for murderers by a group of college students. When the college students decide to turn the tables, Tucker and Dale find themselves fighting for their lives.

Tucker & Dale vs. Evil is a hilariously twisted take on the horror genre’s “cabin in the woods” branch.  The story — which is like The Evil Dead meets Abbott and Costello — could have gone either way, but it works because it neither takes itself too seriously or tries too hard to be funny.

While Tucker & Dale vs. Evil isn’t a parody like the Scary Movie films, it does have fun little moments that feel like homages to classic horror films. Though it’s worth noting this is primarily a comedy film and there isn’t a lot of scares or gore. Squeamish viewers should come prepared for some blood splatter and impaling, but overall the blood and carnage aren’t the main focus.

Overall, I loved the reversed take Tucker & Dale vs. Evil gives on a theme that has been done many times in the past. The cast don’t overact but still seem to have fun with their respective roles. If you love silly comedy films and don’t mind a bit of blood, then Tucker & Dale vs. Evil is worth a look.

Rating:

“You are a good looking man. More or less.”