A Review Of An Incomplete Film

Today’s film is another in the long list of post Scream semi ironic horror films. In this one, however, the sides get flipped and hilarity ensues. Today’s film is Tucker and Dale Vs Evil.

Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine play the titular Tucker and Dale, two dopey rednecks living, as such characters would do, in the creepy south. One weekend, a group of college kids hit up the area for a weekend getaway – kids who have seen one too many slasher films, so instantly think that Tucker and Dale are gonna make comment on their real purty mouths. Of course, Dale’s severe inability to talk to the ladies make for the very worst of first impressions. Unfortunately for them, not only is their weekend of fishing, drinking and fun ruined when they end up at the same place as the kids (a creepy cabin that used to be owned by a psycho killer for them, and the nearby woods for the kids), who still think that THEY are backwoods killers; but those kids are the kinds of ADD riddled loons who think nothing of telling each other ghost stories, getting hyped up on the reefer and maiming and/or killing a couple of innocent, if dopey, rednecks whose only crime is being in the wrong place at the wrong time – over and over again. Needless to say, hilarity ensues, especially after one of the college kids ends up in Tucker and Dale’s shack.

Now, I’ve had bad luck with other movies that I have wanted to see based on title alone, but Tucker and Dale Vs Evil was slightly different for me. Because, as mentioned, the film stars Alan Tyduk and Tyler Labine, two guys who are brilliant in everything that I have seen them in (Labine in Reaper, and Tudyk in…well, everything). Both guys are, as always, hella likeable and have just awesome chemistry with each other (heck, it’s almost like two Tom Hanks’). In addition, they get to work with a pretty smart and funny script that has as many laughs and memorable scenes as the original Scream, particularly once the college kids start dying (but to say how would spoil the film, so I won’t).

The copy of the film that I came upon was a workprint, so there are a few CGI bit that haven’t been completed, but what surprised me is how little CGI was used in the film – it looks to be about 99% practical, which makes me smile. And, sure, there are a couple of musical stabs that you may recognise, but they actually fit really well. And, yes, for those observant of hearing, the Wilhelm Scream makes an appearance too.

All in all, I really dug this film.