Gutterballs is a true ode to "oldschool" slasher films, while wallowing in totally over-the-top vulgarity of today's more extreme cinema. Gutterballs is a cross between a Friday the 13th film and a Troma movie, set in a bowling alley under attack from a killer wearing a bowling ball bag as a mask.
Using various bowling-themed implements of doom, the psychopath makes very short work of two competing teams - determined to make a name for themselves in the strange underground late night bowling circuit their town apparently hosts. Added to this awkward hilarity is that this film seems to exist in a parallel universe where cell phones and ultra-modern arcade games exist in what appears to be the year 1986.
The characters are a motley crew of weirdo 80s stereotypes, ranging from the token nerd, jock, and multiple sluts... to the lesser-used transvestite, rapist, and hair rocker wannabe. Needless to say, the results are far from average, and purposely far from what one would expect from a mainstream film. The movie features some of the goriest deaths ever captured on film, ample male and female nudity, and implements actual hardcore sex into an unforgettable death scene. Director Ryan Nicholson has dropped every ounce of sleaze into this feature, but primarily keeps things fun.
Where the film falters is in going too overboard on a few choice scenes. I love nudity and gore as much as the next slasher fan, but as the 80's taught us, these films work best when you're having fun - not when you're squirming in your seat. Certain scenes in Gutterballs are so gruesome (and long), that they end up becoming uncomfortable. A nearly four minute rape scene highlights the overly-excessive moments that feel out of place in this fun film, but Gutterballs' totally unavoidable MPAA cuts may actually benefit some of these moments by streamlining their content.
But aside from that one piece of constructive criticism, the film is an undeniable blast. The main characters are vulgar, over-the-top, and prime cannon fodder for the masked "BBK" (Bowling Bag Killer); the effects are wonderfully gruesome; and the 80s hits throughout the film will leave you scratching your head as to how director Nicholson scored the rights to so many classic tunes. The cast is attractive - and very easy to watch sans clothes. The bowling alley used in the film is perfect, and its black and neon contrast is an assault on the senses (and good taste!).
If you can find a way to nab this film in its original, uncut glory - make sure you score a copy as soon as possible. As this fine film showcases, Canadaian slashers are alive and well... and if this is the start of a bloody comeback from the Great White North, I welcome it with open arms.
Gorehounds, slasher fiends, and skin aficionados... This is one to seek out. Gutterballs rocks.
8/10
Using various bowling-themed implements of doom, the psychopath makes very short work of two competing teams - determined to make a name for themselves in the strange underground late night bowling circuit their town apparently hosts. Added to this awkward hilarity is that this film seems to exist in a parallel universe where cell phones and ultra-modern arcade games exist in what appears to be the year 1986.
The characters are a motley crew of weirdo 80s stereotypes, ranging from the token nerd, jock, and multiple sluts... to the lesser-used transvestite, rapist, and hair rocker wannabe. Needless to say, the results are far from average, and purposely far from what one would expect from a mainstream film. The movie features some of the goriest deaths ever captured on film, ample male and female nudity, and implements actual hardcore sex into an unforgettable death scene. Director Ryan Nicholson has dropped every ounce of sleaze into this feature, but primarily keeps things fun.
Where the film falters is in going too overboard on a few choice scenes. I love nudity and gore as much as the next slasher fan, but as the 80's taught us, these films work best when you're having fun - not when you're squirming in your seat. Certain scenes in Gutterballs are so gruesome (and long), that they end up becoming uncomfortable. A nearly four minute rape scene highlights the overly-excessive moments that feel out of place in this fun film, but Gutterballs' totally unavoidable MPAA cuts may actually benefit some of these moments by streamlining their content.
But aside from that one piece of constructive criticism, the film is an undeniable blast. The main characters are vulgar, over-the-top, and prime cannon fodder for the masked "BBK" (Bowling Bag Killer); the effects are wonderfully gruesome; and the 80s hits throughout the film will leave you scratching your head as to how director Nicholson scored the rights to so many classic tunes. The cast is attractive - and very easy to watch sans clothes. The bowling alley used in the film is perfect, and its black and neon contrast is an assault on the senses (and good taste!).
If you can find a way to nab this film in its original, uncut glory - make sure you score a copy as soon as possible. As this fine film showcases, Canadaian slashers are alive and well... and if this is the start of a bloody comeback from the Great White North, I welcome it with open arms.
Gorehounds, slasher fiends, and skin aficionados... This is one to seek out. Gutterballs rocks.
8/10