Rating: 9/10
Runtime 89 minutes
This film is an absolute delight, and I had the pleasure of watching it without any prior knowledge or expectations. It was an uproariously funny surprise. If you're planning to watch it, I urge you to stop reading this review now and simply enjoy the film.
To reiterate, in the name of everything wholesome and good, if you haven't seen this film yet, stop reading this review, avoid watching trailers, and just dive into the movie immediately. The element of surprise greatly enhances the viewing experience.
"Tucker and Dale vs Evil" is a dark comedy featuring two misunderstood country bumpkins who are wrongly assumed to be murderous maniacs by a group of teenagers camping in the nearby woods.
The film provides an unexpectedly humorous twist on the typical slasher thriller.
It challenges and overturns almost every convention of every horror film you've ever seen.
It subverts everything about every horror movie you have ever watched. Well, almost everything.
"So, what do we do? Do we call the police?"
".....'Call the police'?"
"Yeah."
"Tell em' what?"
"Tell them what happened!"
"That's a good idea, Dale! 'Oh, hidey-ho, officer! We've had a doozy of a day! There we were, minding our business, just doing some chores around the house when kids started killing themselves all over my property'!"
"Well, that's what happened, Tucker!"
"You would have to be a MORON to think that, Dale! It doesn't matter what happened, what matters is what looks like what happened, and what looks like what happened is pretty nasty!"
An interesting tidbit for observant viewers: pay close attention to the film's "villain" - with each appearance, his shirt collar is slightly more popped. A subtle detail, but it's there.
There aren't many black comedies that make you laugh out loud, but "Tucker and Dale vs Evil" is certainly one of them.
Rating: 9/10
Runtime: 89 minutes
First Reviewed: 2013-06-22
Last Updated: 2024-09-29
- You are under the age of 17, as it has a R rating for bloody horror violence, language and brief nudity.
- You are easily frightened or disturbed by graphic violence.
- You are not a fan of dark humor or horror comedies.
- You are uncomfortable with themes of prejudice or misunderstandings.
- You prefer traditional horror movies with clear cut villains, as this movie subverts typical horror tropes.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:What's the deal with "Tucker and Dale vs Evil?"I mean, it's a horror-comedy where the real horror is misunderstanding and prejudice. These guys are just trying to enjoy their vacation in the woods, and a bunch of college kids keep falling into their wood chipper!
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
"What We Do in the Shadows" is another horror-comedy film, directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, known for their unique brand of humor. Following the life of vampires cohabitating in modern-day New Zealand, the movie delivers both laughs and unexpected sweetness.
Shaun of the Dead (2004):
If you enjoyed the humor and horror mix of "Tucker and Dale vs Evil," you will appreciate "Shaun of the Dead". Directed by Edgar Wright, the film stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in a hilarious zombie apocalypse scenario. The clever writing and comedic timing make for an enjoyable watch.
Zombieland (2009):
Similarly blending comedy with a touch of gore, "Zombieland" is a fantastic post-apocalyptic comedy that features Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin. It's a road trip movie with an unusual twist and a fair amount of laughs.
Hot Fuzz (2007):
Coming from the same creators of "Shaun of the Dead," "Hot Fuzz" skillfully blends action, crime, and comedy together. The movie is a great example of a British action-comedy with top performances from well-versed actors like Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.
The Cabin in the Woods (2012):
While "The Cabin in the Woods" starts as a so-called typical horror movie about a group of friends vacationing in a remote cabin, it quickly devolves into something hysterically unexpected. Directed by Drew Goddard and written by Joss Whedon, it’s like a darker, more intricate version of "Tucker and Dale vs Evil".
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