A Horror Film for the Rock Generation

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Retaliators
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Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director(s): Samuel Gonzalez Jr., Michael Lombardi, Bridget Smith
Writer(s): Darren Geare, Jeff Allen Geare
Cast: Michael Lombardi, Marc Menchaca, Joseph Gatt, Jacoby Shaddix, Tommy Lee, Ivan Moody, Zoltan Bathory, Chris Kael, Jaya, Spencer Charnas, Amanda Lyberg, Matt Brandyberry, Danny Case, Lance Dowdle, Matt Madiro, Cory Marks, Dan Murphy Miles Franco
Where To Watch: September 14, 2022 (Worldwide theatrical)

This wasn’t perfect, it’s not the next generation of horror films, but it was a total “blast.” A twisted and insane mix of Rob Zombie’s HOUSE OF 1,000 CORPSES meets Dee Snider’s (yes, I know he wasn’t the director) STRANGELAND with a twist of EVIL DEAD and maybe a pinch of JOHN WICK. It’s crazy and ludicrous, but most of all, it’s fun. This is one of those films where you need to know what you’re getting into and let yourself enjoy the ride.

I not only had the honor of screening this film, but I also got to check out the soundtrack. Every once in a while, there’s a film that you just know that the soundtrack will be as important as the film itself. This was one of those cases, and I was so right! Not only is this film packed with cameos from a ton of incredible rock musicians, but many of those same artists also gave the film life through its soundtrack. Papa Roach, Eva Under Fire, Asking Alexandria, Tommy Lee, Bad Wolves, Hollywood Undead, and more contribute to a modern rock collab album that sets the bar for what pure rock can be.

The film itself is not for the squeamish, there is plenty of blood, gore, and violence throughout the film. I think it was important that all three of the film’s directors Samuel Gonzalez Jr., Michael Lombardi (and star,) and Bridget Smith were able to have their vision put to film the way they wanted.

A lot of credit goes to Better Noise Music/Films and what they were able to put together. An authentic, heartfelt experience from start to finish, maybe not a perfect film, but I would be hard-pressed to find anyone who likes rock music and horror films that won’t appreciate what this film is.

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