Horror Film Review: Hatchet
Director Adam Green's Hatchet: Reinvention, or Corny Homage?
Freddy Kruger, Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, The Candyman, and Victor Crowley. The recent release of Adam Green's smash horror movie, Hatchet, has a lot of people calling comparison to these famous killers. While the last name may be relatively unknown as of know, Hatchet hoists Crowley up into the ranks of slasher flick legends.
Old School Horror
The movie, even being billed as 'Old School American Horror', makes a great case for the revitalization of the slasher films popularity . The current movie market is overrun by porn-esq exploitation films and crummy knock offs. But, while some will argue that Hatchet is itself a knock off of Friday the 13th (especially for the inclusion of Kane Hodder as Crowley), you must keep in mind the nature of the beast.
The overall affects of cinema are pretty new, but trends are always repeating. Having said that, the viewer must keep in mind that Green wishes to take a stab at the slasher genre.
If you look at the essential, most basic structure of the film, you can see a very repetitive plot outline emerge. The slasher film is never to keen about one protagonist character. This is mainly because the genre turns its focus on to the killer, making him the anti-hero. Basically, the bad guy is the person you know will return for the sequel, he is the good guy. So, Green exploits this feature by creating a unique character in the mold of greatness.
Maximum Carnage
From here, it is a matter of taking a group of people and finding a way to have them stranded in the killer's territory. This allows for maximum carnage and limited escape. Because the focal characters are doomed from the beginning, not much emphasis is put on expanding the depth of their personalities. However, we do see the inclusion of the background surrounding Crowley. This inevitably strengthens the movie, but reduces the chances for a sequel, as many of the questions surrounding motif are already answered.
While the film does make a great case to be included in the slasher flick hall of fame, it also offers a great case against itself. Although the writing and direction are solid, the characters dialogue is a little forced and corny. Overall, the story is very predictable and not satisfying. The kill scenes carry the film but the subtle undertones that scream homage are a little distracting. Even having Robert Englund and Tony Todd with small speaking parts seem to push the envelope a little too much.
Overall, the film is very becoming of the slasher genre. The deaths are original, which takes a little away from arguments about homage and repetition. But the basic premise storyline and the 'surprise' ending will just push supporters away. The film will bring continuous debates among fans.
One thing is certain, however, that with the list of horror legends being of limited company, Crowley will have to make several more appearances to solidify himself. But take solace in is the lack of any influential horror movie villains in recent years (Jigsaw does not count, he doesn't kill anyone). So, Hatchet has made a pretty big impact on the horror world and should at least be around for continued debate.
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