review: 2001 MANIACS

Lionsgate  //  Buy from Amazon.com A remake of Herschell Gordon Lewis's 1960s gory classic, TWO THOUSAND MANIACS! (which was inspired by, of all things, BRIGADOON), 2001 MANIACS follows a group of Northern college kids lured into the Southern town of Pleasant Valley to take part in the "Guts and Glory Jubilee," a celebration of the glory days of Dixie. Soon enough, they realize that the "guts" might turn out to be their own, as the crazed Southerners, led by Mayor Buckman (Robert Englund), have planned festivities that involve killing and consuming the Yankee kids. A mix of 1960s splatterfest and 1980s sex-romp, 2001 MANIACS has enough macabre absurdity to offend almost everyone-and delight horror fans everywhere. A remake of a classic film (which I have not, admittedly, seen), this film was brought to life by none other than Eli Roth (he of "Cabin Fever" and "Hostel"). Roth's influence on the film is apparent, as this one is much closer in tone to the light-hearted "Cabin Fever" as opposed to the grimier "Hostel". Throw in Robert Englund as the leader of these Confederate ne'er-do-wells and you get a film that delights on many levesl: gore, guts, skin and yuks. "2001 Maniacs" is truly a film for the new, younger generation, as it blends in horror (well, gore) with comedy & sex to create an end result that keeps your eyes firmly focused on the screen, regardles of which of those characteristics you're most interested in. Light-hearted, with goofy scenes and unbelievable gorey ones, this is a fun film that is a solid's night entertainment... just don't eat anything juicy right before... (you have been warned!) Video The film is presented in a 1.78:1 (16x9) anamorphic widescreen transfer and looks fantastic - beautifully shot, with very sharp imagery, crisp detail, and nary a flaw to be seen! Audio The Dolby 5.1 surround mix is also top-notch - clear, booming and immersive. Banjo picking never sounded so good! Extras 2 commentaries: director & Robert Englund; director, producer, writer "Inside the Asylum" 6-part making-of documentary deleted scenes/outtakes/bloopers audition reel Closing Thoughts Campy, schlocky fun + some solid & entertaining extras = a great film for gorehounds looking for some yuks with their guts! :: This review originally appeared on CalgaryMovies.com ::