Recent Reviews
Film Review: FEAST
By Dave Dreher

Sep 21, 2006, 21:16

Tuesday night was incredible.  I got to finally see FEAST, the latest Project Greenlight attempt that is finally hitting the big screen this weekend.  I followed the show religiously when it aired and found myself becoming very defensive of Director John Gulager when the show was discussed with friends and family members.  I got so wrapped up in the show that it actually got kind of personal for me.  It had nothing to do with the film itself, no one had seen it.  It had to do with the way the Director Gulager seem to be getting pushed around by a bunch of know it alls that got me all worked up.  So, when Gulager’s work the aforementioned FEAST was finally done I could not wait to see it.  Then the film got wrapped up in “release hell” and it seemed that it might wallow away in limbo for the rest of time.  Things changed rapidly and we find ourselves sitting here on the eve before the film opens for midnight showing across the country.

So, was FEAST worth all this hoopla, worth the wait, worth the arguments with friends and family?  You bet your ass it was.  FEAST opens like a swift kick in the nuts and it don’t let go till the last drop of blood spurts onto the floor.  The film is relentless in both pace and styling.  We meet all the main characters quickly and in a quite humorous fashion.  Once all the players are in place the monster mayhem ensues and what follows is a tour de force of blood, guts and laughs.  And the laughs are important.  Gulager will get you laughing at the ridiculousness of a situation only to pull your attention away for a moment and then cram a maggot infested intestine right into your mouth.  It worked on me several times, going from a belly laugh to an “oh my god, did that just happen”.  As an audience member it really sets you on edge to go from one emotion to another so quickly and that just adds to the enjoyment of the film. 

The cast is strong and for me the stand out performance is by Judah Friedlander as Beer Guy.  This guy is amazing. Known in real life mainly as a comedian he certainly uses his comedic talents to a great extent here.  He also has some of the nastiest stuff in the film happen to him.  It is great.  It was also cool to see Jason Mewes and Henry Rollins along for the ride.  Special mention must go out to Clu Gulager, director John’s dad and whom all of you should remember from his stint in Return of the Living Dead plays the part of Bartender and is flawless in his performance.   The rest of the cast is great as well and deserves mention.  These are all names that you will be hearing much more of in the near future:

Navi Rawat as Heroine

Krista Allen as Tuffy

Balthazar Getty as Bozo

Jenny Wade as Honey Pie

Diane Goldner as Harley Mama

Eileen Ryan as Grandma

Eric Dane as Hero

Josh Zuckerman as Hot Wheels

Duane Whitaker as Boss Man

I really don’t want to speak specifics of the film because it really is one that you need to experience with an audience in a darkened theatre.  The reactions by those around you are almost as much fun as the mayhem on the screen.  And don’t get so wrapped up in the big stuff that you miss some of the cleverly placed little nuance things that the film makers have scattered around for all of us horror fans, little “homage” goodies that true fans will notice quickly and treasure.  This is a film that begs for multiple viewings but if you want to do that you had better be quick about it as the film is only slated to play Friday and Saturday night at midnight in most markets.  Not saying that if fan showing is strong that the run couldn’t be extended but past Saturday there are no guarantees.

John Gulager is a great film maker, FEAST proves this.  He was lucky to get involved with a script by two amazing screenwriters, Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton.  These three people with the help and support of friends, family and the studio have crafted a Halloween treat for us all.  The least we can all do is show up and let them entertain us. 

You won’t believe how this film starts and you won’t want it to end.

Click here to head on over the films official site.

Click here to check out their My Space site where you can find the most up to date listing of theatres showing the midnight screenings.