I was a bit duped by many of the positive comments for this film, finding it instead to be quite laughable. Not because of the story, but the execution.
This is the story of a young mysterious man who one day arrives in this desolate town in the middle of nowhere. The kind where teenagers fear to roam in horror movies because of all of the wackos kind of isolation. But, while everyone thinks he mistakenly got off the bus through town, this guy came with a purpose: to avenge the men who brutally murdered his hippie parents when he was a kid. The guys don't know who he is or what he's there for, but they're about to find out.
Of course, the young man doesn't come without his share of trouble, namely from a creepy town sheriff and his hoodlum (but idiot) sons who have a bit of fun terrorizing the residents and keeping everyone on a sort of lock-down (because when you're the law, who's going to challenge you?). Luckily, the young man befriends a young woman and her cool "metal god" teenage brother, the only people that seem willing to help him out (as much as they can).
The story is pretty decent, but the whole thing just comes off as laughable. While there are some decent action sequences (mostly street and bar fighting between "The Kid" (Howell) and the Sheriff's instigator sons), there are some major detractors for me. First, C. Thomas Howell looks like he's almost ready to bust out laughing every time we see him. His character is supposed to be pretty serious throughout the whole film, and so monotoned as well (he might've smiled once the entire time). I couldn't help but wonder how many outtakes there were for each scene, spoiled by agonizing laughter on Howell's part. (I would've if I were him). The second is some very lame dialog, especially in this ten minute exchange between Howell and Trigger (who plays the young woman that helps him out). Third, is the ridiculous reason for revenge that was never fully developed -- a bunch of rednecks just up and decide to kill a hippie family (warning that they don't want some hippie commune developing in town) who looked to be out in the middle of nowhere. Seems like a pretty flimsy reason (or at least, not a well developed one) for the kind of murder the proceeds.
But, in spite of all that, there was one thing that made me stick with the film from beginning to end -- Brian Austin Green as the funky little teenage brother who also helps Howell. The self-proclaimed "metal god" with a great sense of humor who adds some much needed comic relief (look at the part where he introduces his band) to a rather mundane atmosphere. He was excellent! So all in all, I'd say it's probably worth trying out. The faults don't entirely outweigh the good. You might even find yourself another follower of the cult classic.
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