MOVIE REVIEW
Killers
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Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 1998, 2024 Synapse Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Mike Mendez
Writer(s): Dave Larsen, Mike Mendez
Cast: Dave Larsen, David Gunn, Damian Hoffer, Nanette Bianchi, Renee Cohen, Ellis Moore, Carol Baker
Where To Watch: available October 8, 2024, pre-order here www.synapsefilms.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Venture into the world of KILLERS, where two escaped convicts shatter suburban tranquility. This film takes a bold leap into the murky waters of crime and punishment, embellished with a darkly comic twist that sets it apart. Directed by Mike Mendez, and written by Mendez and Dave Larsen, KILLERS doesn't just narrate; it dares to satirize our grim fascination with the macabre, weaving a cinematic tale that's as visually bold as it is narratively ambitious.

The opening scene sets the tone: a fusion of the classic track "In-a-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly (one of my all-time favorite songs) with a nightmarish flashback that introduces our antagonists in their most sinister light. This audio-visual combination captivates and unnerves, paving the way for a film that's as much about its style as its story. However, Mendez's commitment to aesthetic flair occasionally clouds the narrative, resulting in a disjointed experience where style sometimes stifles substance.

The film’s visual storytelling is a vital part of 1990s cinema, and it is marked by dramatic lighting and an editing style that mimics the improvisational rhythms of jazz. This approach lends a surreal quality to the film, though it often competes with the plot for the audience's attention. This recurrent battle between form and function occasionally obscures the thematic elements Mendez aims to explore, detracting from the film’s potential to deliver a clear and impactful message.

Despite these challenges, the performances, particularly those of Dave Larsen as Odessa James and David Gunn portraying Kyle James, are riveting. They bring a complex mix of allure and danger to their roles as the notorious brothers. Yet, the script doesn’t quite match the depth of their performances, with character development that leaves much to the imagination—both for the leads and the ensemble. Intriguing backstories are teased but not fully fleshed out, suggesting a missed opportunity to deepen the narrative.

As KILLERS approaches its climax, it regains some of its narrative momentum. A twist late in the story reinvigorates the plot, leading to a chaotic and brutal finale. The director’s cut of the film enhances these moments, delivering the raw intensity that fans of the genre might expect and providing a conclusion that, while not entirely redemptive, is undeniably powerful.

One of the film's standout features is its satirical edge, which offers a critique of society's obsession with notorious criminals. While it occasionally achieves the sharp wit it aspires to, these moments could be more varied, leaving the film's satirical potential only partly realized.

For those who appreciate the unconventional, KILLERS offers a unique blend of horror and satire that showcases Mendez's potential as a filmmaker. Its bold thematic elements and distinct style may not make it a cult classic, but they provide enough intrigue to satisfy those drawn to cinematic experiments.

KILLERS is a fascinating, perplexing film that mixes horror with satire to question societal norms and entertainment ethics. Its capacity to engage will vary among viewers, with some drawn to its audacious style and others put off by its uneven narrative. Nonetheless, it remains a memorable film that boldly stitches complex themes into its chilling narrative, ensuring it sparks discussion and debate.

Bonus Materials
Audio commentary with director Mike Mendez and horror scholar Michael Gingold
Original promotional trailers
Liner notes booklet by critic/writer Heather Drain
Alternate Ending
English subtitles for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and hard-of-hearing

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[photo courtesy of SYNAPSE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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