Synopsis
Justin Urich is a disaffected high school student. He is unable to stomach dissection inbiology class (despite his love of horror movies), and he is perpetually tormented by the martinetgym instructor (Thomas Haden Church). When, in a counselling course, he declares that hewants to be a serial killer, he attracts the attention of goth chick Lisa Loeb. She will help himlearn what he needs to know to become a serial killer, on the condition that she be his firstvictim. Urich’… warm-up attempts at killing (a small dog and a senior citizen) are hilariousfailures. Meanwhile, a real serial killer is wreaking havoc in town.
The only gore on display occurs in Urich’s over-the-top daydreams (the second of which isparticularly funny). Where the film concentrates its energies is on its witty dialogue and neatlysketched characters. Though the film carries on a bit too long after its climax, it is, by and large,an eminently likeable piece, and a solid laugh-generator.
Audio
The 2.0 soundtrack is at its best with the music, which is enveloping and suitablyatmospheric. The dialogue is clear and distortion-free (even with Haden Church’s pricelessrantings). The surround sound effects, however, are minimal.
Video
The good news is that the aspect ratio is 1.85:1 widescreen. The bad news is that it is notanamorphic. On standard televisions, this isn’t a big problem, and the picture is quite acceptable.On widescreen, the picture becomes very grainy, and is subject to pulsing in and out offocus. The colours and blacks are decent, but the loss of definition is a real drawback.
Special Features
Selecting the Lions Gate logo triggers the only extras: trailers for the feature, House of1000 Corpses and Cabin Fever. The menu is basic.
Closing Thoughts
A compact, clever, fast-paced and very funny entry. Check it out, and don’t let the picturediscourage you.
Special Features List
- Trailers
