Deathgasm - An Epic Orgy of Metal and Gore
"Deathgasm" is not simply the latest horror film to come from New Zealand. It is an amazingly fun film that has a perfect blend of horror and black comedy. Like I stated above, it is an orgy of metal and gore. Easily one of my favorite films I have watched this year. Horror fans should thoroughly enjoy and love the film. But if you so happen to be a fan of heavy metal and horror and also like a strong dose of gore and dark humor thrown in to the mix, then you are in for a hell of a treat.
In "Deathgasm" we meet Brodie (Milo Cawthorne, "Blood Punch"), who due to an unfortunate circumstance concerning his mother, has to live with his very religious uncle Albert (Colin Moy, "Spartacus: War of the Damned"), aunt Mary (Jodie Rimmer) and bullying cousin, David (Nick Hoskins-Smith). Brodie is not exactly welcomed with open arms by his relatives, but he tries to make the best of it. He manages to make a few friends at school who also turn out to be kids that his cousin David likes to torment, which only makes matters worse. The beautiful Medina (Kimberley Crossman, "Shortland Street") catches his eye but a friend is quick to tell him girls like that don't go for guys like them. Oh yeah, she just so happens to be the girlfriend of his cousin.
Brodie visits a local record shop where he meets fellow metal-head, Zakk (James Blake). In short fashion, a band is formed and Zakk proclaims the band shall be called, Deathgasm. Brodie and his new band mate Zakk end up going to a house where they believe an old heavy metal star, Rikki Daggers (Stephen Ure) is hiding out. They sneak in to the house and indeed discover Rikki Daggers, sleeping on a sofa. After an unexpected altercation, they end up with an album that contains some mysterious text that looks like it could be lyrics. The band believes that may have struck gold and found the key to making their band successful. However it is written in Latin, so they'll have to decipher the words. Of course they're able to get it sorted out and begin playing this mysterious music only for it to have an even greater effect than they had hoped or planned. Yes. It sounded fantastic. But it brought some unwanted changes in the people of the town. The dynamic duo of Brodie and Zakk decide to seek out some professional help from Abigail (Kate Elliiott, "30 Days of Night"), after having a horrific encounter with Zakk's father.
So we have all hell breaking loose, literally, with the townspeople being possessed by demons. Can Brodie, Zakk and the rest of the gang save their town and the rest of the world from impending doom? You'll have to watch the film to find out.
"Deathgasm" features top notch acting, some really killer gore effects, great music, an entertaining story, likable characters and plenty of action and humor. It fully fires on all cylinders to great success. The film has it all. From fountains of blood spewing from gaping wounds to battling demons with sex toys, this is one terrific roller coaster of fun. You know those films that are so bad that you sit around with friends and of course some alcohol and have a good time? No alcohol needed here. This is the kind of movie where you and your friends will be saying, what the... one moment and laughing the next at the craziness happening on the screen. Then when it's over, you'll want to talk about how good it was. As I finish writing this review, this is my second time watching the film and I can honestly say I have enjoyed it even more this time around. I can't wait for news of a Blu-ray release and I already know it will get plenty of play time. If you're familiar with Peter Jackson's "Braindead" AKA "Dead Alive" (also from New Zealand) you will probably get a familiar feeling while watching "Deathgasm" in that they both share that same level of unexpected moments of insanity that erupt on the screen. Jason Lei Howden really knocked it out of the park directing and writing his first full length feature film. I look forward to his future projects. Oh and just a heads up, there is a brief post credits scene. "Deathgasm" is 100% pure awesome, that I highly recommend!
RATING: 5 / 5
Be sure to follow the film on Facebook, Twitter and visit the official website for more information on where you can watch the film in select theaters. You can pre-order "Deathgasm" at iTunes or on Amazon using the link below.
