Tusk (2014) Review!!

Synopsis – When podcaster Wallace Bryton goes missing in the backwoods of Manitoba while interviewing a mysterious seafarer named Howard Howe, his best friend Teddy and girlfriend Allison team with an ex-cop to look for him.

My Take – Kevin Smith has used a mixture of comedy & horror & created something which anyone would never have seen before – one hell of a weird but fun movie! I’m a fan of Kevin Smith, even though his Redstate was not that likeable, his Clerks I & II will always be in the list of movies I cherish. With this film he has proved he is a master of his craft. The story follows quirky mean-spirited pod caster Wallace Brighton (Justin Long) journeys to Canada to interview a weird and wacky person, but instead gets kidnapped, tormented and tortured by a man (Michael Parks) who wants to turn him into a Walrus, he credits with saving his life during WW2. While his hot girl friend (Genesis Rodriguez) & his co pod caster (Haley Joel Osment) come to Canada in search of him with the help of wacko ex cop (Johnny Depp). This movie reminded me of beloved B-Horror films, but with tremendously better acting. I cannot see how anyone can step into this film and take it one hundred percent seriously. I don’t think it was ever meant to be taken seriously, which is the true beauty of this film. Kevin Smith does an excellent job at keeping you on your toes and you never know whats going to be around the corner. The film has you questioning what is going to happen next on every turn.

The screen writing and direction shows how he is not afraid to go out of his comfort zone and deliver an off the wall movie. It’s not for everyone but its a movie that you must understand Kevin Smith and his personality to truly enjoy this film. The movie grabs your attention at the beginning. The middle gives you a back ground and tells the plot. The end gives you a tear jerker and makes you appreciate the brilliance of Kevin and his writing. The goal of a good horror is to transport the viewer into the movie and make them live what’s happening knowing the decisions of the characters are the same ones we would make if we were in the same situations. And no cheats like most horror movies fall back on. This truly is a feast for the senses and long after it’s over you’ll be dwelling on what you just witnessed. This movie is full of horrifying and cringe-inducing visuals that will also leave you laughing. The film is a brilliant mash-up of horror and comedy that will only leave you wanting more (which is good, as Kevin Smith’s “Canada Trilogy” is just getting started). The creepiest and disturbing movie ever. The transformation is horrific. Oscar worthy performances all around, especially Justin Long. His blood, sweat, and tears shined bright in this movie. Michael Parks gives a performance that is both hilarious and incredibly creepy and unsettling. Even though Justin Long’s character deserves what’s coming to him, you can’t help but feel bad (and laugh) as he screams and cries like a walrus or is forced to eat a raw fish. Michael Parks did one of the best renditions of a psychopath I have ever seen. He was creepily silly and the passion he expressed for his human-walrus was believable.

Johnny Depp isn’t one of my all time favorite actors, but he is used to nailing the weird roles he is offered! This time is no different & really was almost unrecognizable due to how different his character was in previous films. Haley Joel Osment looks weird after so many years & literally has nothing much to do. Genesis Rodriguez is an actress to watch out for! She is stunning & displays a variety of emotions with awe. On the whole Tusk is hilarious, disturbing, twisted, emotional, terrifying and shocking all in one and Justin Long and Michael Parks were terrific. This is a great movie that has been added to Kevin Smiths repertoire. Give it a watch horror fans!