a potentially duff idea (disgruntled plumber finds outlet for his anger issues by kicking monster butt) is elevated by the funniest character acting of the entire FrightFest 2008.
Comment
09/01/08
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Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer (2008)
65 %
Reviews Counted: 20 Fresh: 13 Rotten:7 Average Rating: 6.1/10
Synopsis: After witnessing the brutal murder of his family, Jack Brooks is left with an unquenchable fury that he is constantly fighting to control. Now working as a local plumber and struggling in a relationship with his girlfriend Eve, Jack's life has become a downward spiral. One night, Jack... [More]
Genre: Comedies
Starring: Trevor Matthews, Robert Englund, Rachel Skarsten
Reviews
1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer harks back to the drive-in classics of yesteryear with unapologetic nostalgia and undisguised affection.
08/19/08
Top Critic
Matthews is supposed to be the star here, but it's Englund's hilarious, over-the-top performance that keeps Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer... from becoming another forgettable exercise in horror.
08/15/08
A polite tip of the hat to Evil Dead and all things Buffy, this horror/comedy is lacking proper oomph in both categories, resulting in a movie of commendable purpose, but lackluster realization.
08/14/08
This low-budget horror comedy arrives via a lively trailer and a witty print ad, yet the film itself never quite takes off.
08/14/08
JACK BROOKS: MONSTER SLAYER develops a cinematic language for comedy and horror. The film shows that all these elements coming together can be a rich and brilliant source of material.
08/12/08
For about an hour of running time nothing much actually happens . . .
08/12/08
This old-school throwback to '80s era horror movies takes pride in the teen screams extracted by its goo-spurting, tentacled monster and his newly minted henchmen as they attack an unfortunate group of young college students.
08/12/08
...believe the hype for Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer; this is a fun, monster-filled movie that knows exactly what it wants to be and I hope only the first of many movies in what could easily be a really kickass franchise.
08/10/08
For artistic representation, Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer gets a near-perfect score, less so for its restrained sense of fun.
08/10/08
MONSTER SLAYER is only the birth of Jack Brooks and I pray we'll see another dozen of these films in the future... You want laughs, action, blood, guts, slime, creatures and a kick-ass anti-hero? You'll find it all in JACK BROOKS: MONSTER SLAYER.
08/04/08
Miraculously fusing the scary and ridiculous, 'Freddy Kreuger' Englund steals this show, whether steamed up from that bad plumbing, dealing with complications of male pregnancy, or weirdly delighting as the reluctant glutton just eating your heart out.
08/03/08
As refreshing as it is to see an entire 'genre' film without a single CG effect -- because they obviously couldn't afford one -- Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer doesn't bring much to the monster party to justify itself.
07/25/08
Despite a game performance by Trevor Matthews in the lead, not much in this alleged comic/horror flick really succeeds as either funny or scary.
07/25/08
With a Buffy-like title and a poster that recalls Bruce Campbell at his buffest, Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer should have horror fans eager for a little low-budget monster mash chomping at the bit. They won't be disappointed.
07/25/08
A damn good horror comedy with great performances, a fun if traditional story, and some brutal gore and grue...
07/17/08
The path to Jack's calling is a slow one, even for a fan base used to extended setups.
06/21/08
'Jack Brooks' is the best horror comedy since 'Shaun of the Dead.' It's funny, sick, well-acted and surprisingly character driven. And it's ultimately Englund's performance that pulls the film out of better-than-average territory into the realm of horror
06/16/08
Hardly the re-invention of the genre wheel, but that's fine by me. It's just a whole bunch of sick, sly, silly fun.
01/28/08
1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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Amazing movie.
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