Cult discovers something a little 'different' and surprisingly tender
Cult's Thoughts...
I discovered the intriguing synopsis to this film whilst perusing recent foreign releases on IMDb (Ahh the lengths I go to keep the site and my scribblin partner Feind happy *For the record Cult does a piss poor job of this. Feind is rarely happy in Cult’s defense though.). Admittedly the phrase 'dysfunctional criminals' and the word 'cannibals' found within this film's description niggled (*I’m assuming this is some Brit slang term that Feind has no clue about and will forgive my partner for using it if only to save red ink. HA!) only to poke incessantly at my curiosity, making me immediately ponder upon its genre, style and content. These aren't, usually, two words that co-exist on any movie's back cover print, unless you regularly enjoy a niche genre of European cinema from many moons ago, when censorship laws and directors were a tad more relaxed, 70s cinema, to quote from a popular fast food chain's advertisement, Gotta love it!
Fresh Meat (hereafter FM) starts by introducing Rina (Nicole Kawana) in her only acting role as of this scribbling, a late teen who attends an all girls school. In the film's opening five minutes in an all too brief shower scene (IMO if this scene ran the entire length of the movie it still would've been too short *Unlike Cult, Feind is a very cultured individual and is a bit offended!) we are made fully aware of her interests and carnal appetites. Other early scenes introduce us to the dysfunctional element, a grouping of three individuals who are joined later by another, I won't ruin how the union develops but suffice it to say within several scenes depicting hilarity, ineptitude and bloodshed we are introduced to the fourth. Early on in the movie I was reminded briefly of another film, Smokin' Aces (one I very much enjoyed *A Feind favorite also), both include nefarious types who are laughably unqualified in their chosen professions, and both have a certain Over The Top (at times cartoonish) vibe.
Cult's Cos Play! HAHAHAHA There's also a strong Femme Fatale lead in each, Gigi (Kate Elliot, 30 Days of Night, and a Mighty Morphin Power Rangers regular, I had to look that up, no honestly, I did! *Total BS Cult talks incessantly about the MMPR!) plays the excellent example of one here, regularly setting examples and setting the pace for her idiotic and inexperienced criminal counterparts to follow.
The two parties meet shortly after Rina returns home to be reunited with her family. Any fan of popular foreign cinema will have no troubles in recognizing him, Hemi Crane (Temuera Morrison of Once Were Warriors fame, admittedly for me it was his face rather than his name that 'clicked') is an author and professor of historical studies. A great choice for another strong lead character in a movie that sports a cast of relative unknowns. Hemi's wife is published and hosts her own cooking program, there are several disagreements throughout the film due in part to the fact that both parents want to be referred to as 'the' author/writer, the stacked boxes in the garage would attest to the fact that only one gets regularly published with any type of circulation.
The two parties meet shortly after Rina returns home to be reunited with her family. Any fan of popular foreign cinema will have no troubles in recognizing him, Hemi Crane (Temuera Morrison of Once Were Warriors fame, admittedly for me it was his face rather than his name that 'clicked') is an author and professor of historical studies. A great choice for another strong lead character in a movie that sports a cast of relative unknowns. Hemi's wife is published and hosts her own cooking program, there are several disagreements throughout the film due in part to the fact that both parents want to be referred to as 'the' author/writer, the stacked boxes in the garage would attest to the fact that only one gets regularly published with any type of circulation.
Upon returning home Rina discovers that her parents have changed their lifestyle dramatically. While attempting to try to come to terms with something that is wholly unfathomable in this day and age and not at all deemed acceptable unless you live in Papua New Guinea where cannibalism is still believed to be practiced and also thought to be the leading cause of Parkinson's Disease. Scientists believe this to be the origin behind the 'Mad Cow' epidemic, but I digress.
Rina's inner turmoil is rudely interrupted as an uninvited vehicle containing Gigi (and cohorts) crashes into, and nearly through, the garage. The remainder of the movie includes several unforgettable scenes. As Rina still attempts to understand her parent's decision she is faced with another, an easier one understandably given her recent 'leanings' and experiences.
Be careful young grasshopper, keep the spoilers to a minimum.
In the scenario that takes place there are a number of interesting interactions. For example, Hemi explains the reasoning behind his embracing of a new religion and even takes time to explain that (his) Maori roots come from Taiwanese origins (it's all in my new book he states) if only to gain trust from his captor (who may or may not be Taiwanese) but it's an interesting narrative nevertheless. It strangely reminded me of Dennis Hopper in True Romance informing Christopher Walken of the origins of his Sicilian roots (*Just an aside Feind believes this is the best scene in cinematic history hands down so watch it below. True Romance was written by Quentin Tarrantino so now you have to!), much to his growing annoyance and chagrin.
Be careful young grasshopper, keep the spoilers to a minimum.
In the scenario that takes place there are a number of interesting interactions. For example, Hemi explains the reasoning behind his embracing of a new religion and even takes time to explain that (his) Maori roots come from Taiwanese origins (it's all in my new book he states) if only to gain trust from his captor (who may or may not be Taiwanese) but it's an interesting narrative nevertheless. It strangely reminded me of Dennis Hopper in True Romance informing Christopher Walken of the origins of his Sicilian roots (*Just an aside Feind believes this is the best scene in cinematic history hands down so watch it below. True Romance was written by Quentin Tarrantino so now you have to!), much to his growing annoyance and chagrin.
Another of the bumbling foursome recognizes, and becomes fixated with, the family’s matriarch. Scenes of hilarity ensue as she abuses and uses to her advantage the familiarity that he believes has arisen between them. One scene among a myriad of others, most of which upon mentioning may spoil the storyline, worthy of a mention is one in which an “invited” dinner guest is intimately introduced to the driving habits of one of the inept hostage takers.
The final scene, IMO and only because of the way it was shot, was a mite predictable (especially if you've seen as many a genre film as I have). However with that being said it still managed to produce a smirk on this Scribblers mug. The movie concludes on a different note than I originally thought it might though doesn't at all detract from its overall unique brilliance.
Hopefully I haven't spoiled anything, as I had no wishes to. *It’s ruined, it’s all ruined! No point in watching now!! –fade to the sound of Feind weeping
The final scene, IMO and only because of the way it was shot, was a mite predictable (especially if you've seen as many a genre film as I have). However with that being said it still managed to produce a smirk on this Scribblers mug. The movie concludes on a different note than I originally thought it might though doesn't at all detract from its overall unique brilliance.
Hopefully I haven't spoiled anything, as I had no wishes to. *It’s ruined, it’s all ruined! No point in watching now!! –fade to the sound of Feind weeping
I went into this movie blind (*deaf and extremely dumb as well! – Feind), I avoided reading any distracting reviews with my knowledge resulting only from a brief description that caught my attention. Admittedly I enjoyed every minute of FM never once did I check my mobile device for the time (it passed that 'test' with flying colors Feind!) or anything else that might serve to distract me. *Funny I checked my watch 10x during this review already! - Feind
Recommended for fans of comedic horror, or even fans of comedy films in general, this film will not disappoint (*Nope just your writing. HAHAHA), it has dark humor by the bucketful and boasts several scenes of impressive physical, rather than CGI, effects which although aren't too in your face are still very effective. *Pssst those are called “practical effects” Cult. - Feind
Recommended for fans of comedic horror, or even fans of comedy films in general, this film will not disappoint (*Nope just your writing. HAHAHA), it has dark humor by the bucketful and boasts several scenes of impressive physical, rather than CGI, effects which although aren't too in your face are still very effective. *Pssst those are called “practical effects” Cult. - Feind
I must mention that before viewing this I noted the director's name, it seemed like one I may have heard of before. After a viewing I delved further into my suspicions (the name 'Danny Mulheran') and discovered in fact that I had good cause to think I recognized it.
Danny has a few interesting credits on IMDb, immediatley my eyes focused in on one in particular, Meet the Feebles (1989). Danny co-wrote the movie and, this is news even to this Jackson fanboy, donned a costume, not just any costume but that of the main character herself, Heidi the Hippo. These two facts hint at the reason why FM is at times absurd, a tad zany and altogether, IMO, utterly enjoyable as the aforementioned movie, MtF.
Danny has a few interesting credits on IMDb, immediatley my eyes focused in on one in particular, Meet the Feebles (1989). Danny co-wrote the movie and, this is news even to this Jackson fanboy, donned a costume, not just any costume but that of the main character herself, Heidi the Hippo. These two facts hint at the reason why FM is at times absurd, a tad zany and altogether, IMO, utterly enjoyable as the aforementioned movie, MtF.
It is a blast, far from anything even slightly resembling normal (a rat and a cockroach produce deviant fetish pornos in the basement, a warthog and a walrus hash out a drug deal while farting around on the golf course). It is definitely a visceral treat, not one to be missed (if you can find it). Of course I'm a little bias due in part to the fact that this movie hails from my favorite director's homeland but it still needs to be said that this movie pleasantly surprised me by delivering everything I wanted and nothing I didn't.
Therefore I, Cult, deem this...
THE SHIT!!!
THE SHIT!!!
A little fun then you can get the hell on with your day!
So what do you think Scribbler Fans? Let us know in the comments section below.
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