Amadio
Well, a 'comedy horror' film really can go one of two ways; either down the pan, or just sit on the edge of the pan. Surprisingly, I found myself laughing, and then laughing some more. Shot in mockumentary style, BM follows the travails of director and crew in the shooting of yet another horror film by a failed director. The acting is tight, the shots well put together, and the laughs keep coming. For what it is, it's pretty good. if it weren't a spoof, it would be cringeworthy, as a spoof, it is well made, and funny!
poe426
It's funny, when you stop and think about it: fright film fans tend to a deep and abiding affection toward those who scare the daylights out of them. THE Texas CHAINSAW MASSACRE may give us nightmares, but who among us (the Faithful) didn't feel a very real twinge of love for Gunnar Hansen in BRUTAL MASSACRE- or for Ken Foree, forever and ever the resolute hero of the original DAWN OF THE DEAD? His cameo in the remake made me want to stand up and cheer (as did Tom Savini's cameo); I kid you not. And Brian Halloran and... Well, you get my drift (if not, just stand downwind...). These are some of the Heroes of Horror. To see this many of them gathered together in a single movie is almost unheard of (at least to this degree, to my knowledge). If only the writer(s) had been up to such a monumental task. Maybe someone else, somewhere along the line, will try again. As long as it's not another half-hearted effort (like BROTHERHOOD OF BLOOD, for instance).
Leon Scheppink
When I read about this movie, I had a feeling I would want to see it. Reading a few negative reviews on this site made me wary, but then again, it never stopped me before.After watching the movie twice, I can safely say I have no idea where the negative reviews came from. Of course, tastes differ, but this really is an underestimated movie.We meet director Harry Penderecki (David Naughton), who's struggling to keep alive in the movie industry. After some time of absence, he wants to come back with a major horror movie hit. Of course, things do not go as planned. The bad karma Harry is convinced plagued him throughout his career seems to ruin his last real chance of making a major horror hit.This movie gives the audience a humoristic view on the set of a B-slasher movie. The acting is good enough, the story is pretty simple, but therein lies part of the strength of the movie. The (often subtle) humour is great, although you have to be a fan of that. Of course, this isn't an all out 'falling of the seat' laughter movie (which I usually do not enjoy) but it has some superb moments.With a well picked out cast, including Gerry Bednob (known from the 40 year old virgin) as the hilarious camera man Hanu Vindepesh.Seriously, give the movie a chance, you'll like it.
B-GradeFan
I really wanted to like this movie and watched all the way through thinking it had to get better. Don't get me wrong, it's not the worst flick ever but it never lives up to it's potential. The premise is good, the cast is great (I was especially pumped to witness the return of David Naughton) and, God love 'em, you can tell everyone tried their best. It just falls short over and over again. "Brutal Massacre" should serve as a constant reminder to filmmakers that only Christopher Guest can do Christopher Guest movies and, despite the fact he makes it look easy, you should probably just forget trying to do the same. Naughton and Brian O'Halloran are fantastic in this and they should be seen more often...they are the reason this gets 4 stars from me. If you're going to have the "Spinal Tap" of horror I suspect you might want the guy who made "Spinal Tap" to helm it...just thinking out loud there.
