My Bloody Banjo (2015) User Reviews

Don't beat on the brat ... or else

[mungflesh · 5/10 · 2 September 2015]

Banjo is a tale of an unremarkable guy called Peltzer who is bullied by his office boss and whom with his sexy, asset-laden partner is also cheating. Following an unfortunate and rather painful incident, Peltzer's already downbeat situation takes a final plummeting nose dive, leading to an imaginary friend called Ronnie to appear before him; who begins to take the reins, pushing Peltzer's life into vengeful bloody mayhem.

Banjo reminded me a lot of the 2013 psychological horror/drama "Dementamania", although Peltzer comes across as more of a victim and loser than Ed Arkham. Quite unlike Dementamania however, Banjo has a fun feel to it, whereas the former is a fairly clinical affair.

Banjo is hardly a tour-de-force of modern horror/exploitation cinema but it is a cool demonstration of what a genre-loving director can achieve. I'm a fan of the Troma-style genre of movies which has helped influence aspects of Banjo and, from the outset, does have its fair share of crazy, crude moments which put it in that league. Yet I felt too many scenes and too many moments of dialogue were, whilst all in context, unnecessarily prolonged and lacking the quick-fire MTV sensibility which I would have expected in this sub genre of movie.

The other main issue with the movie is, for me, the character Ronnie. He got on my nerves after a while. Some moments, Ronnie was clown-like, then at others a devil on the shoulder or playground teaser. This might have been intentional but I struggled to securely identify with him and as a result didn't really see him as the overwhelming catalyst he should have been for the latter stages of the movie.

These points aside, Banjo does have some remarkable, if eye-watering moments and a solid performance from lead actor James Hamer-Morton, who really helps tie the movie together. There is one scene in particular which is likely to get people talking and I, for one, have never winced so badly during a movie. Not ever - and that's after a lifelong diet of horror!

Whilst Banjo does have its flaws, the movie is clearly made on a low budget and I applaud the director and crew for an achievement which is clearly going to be an inspiration to other future film-makers. The special effects are surprisingly good and put a lot of bigger productions to shame and the acting throughout was not half as wooden or Troma-esque as I was expecting. Overall, it flows well and is a competent piece of film making.

So did I like it then? Well I definitely feel like watching it again to make up my mind, because it was not the kind of watch that leaves you yearning for the finish, which I suppose means that I did.

At least next time I'll know the cue for when to close my eyes and cover my ears.

Fatalism in all its horrific glory

[newcreaturefeature · 6/10 · 24 February 2020]

Peltzer is a defeated man. That's his lot in life and it guides his every decision. Many a good horror movie has a weak-link character whose role is to make the irrational decisions necessary to forward the plot: Harry Cooper in Return of the Living Dead, Miguel Ferrer in Deep Star Six. Now imagine the lead character in a story being such a man. That's the strong point of this movie. It leaves the viewer squirming in their seat, helpless as we ever could be. There's no use shouting at the screen, no point cursing the character; he's going to do what he has to do and you can only enjoy the train wreck. As typical per a Troma-style movie, you have unrelenting bullies who utterly humiliate the most vulnerable characters. People you want to die the most horrible deaths imaginable, but I don't want to spoil that. Cool points go to the writer for dropping Henenlotter's name on one of the facilities.

Snap

[kosmasp · 6/10 · 14 October 2023]

No pun intended - and I do hope this does not happen to anyone ... although apparently it can happen. And it did happen (based on a true story - don't be afraid of that moniker!) to the director ... as he is happy to admit and tell us in the commentary to the movie. Liam is a sweet guy and a cool Dude, so I may be biased a bit. But he cherishes bad reviews too. He knows what he did here - and he really embraces it. Blood, violence and all included (no nudity though, except male - which ... sticks out).

If like me you have no clue what a bloody banjo is (not a musical instrument .. well I reckon you can use it to produce music ...) .. you are in for a treat! No sensitive soul should be watching this, but I think I made that clear. Low budget Filmmaking and insanity at its best (or worse, depending on how you view it). There are quite a few Banjos placed all over the movie - and I am certain you may be able to find even more Easter eggs if you look for them.

Looking forward to the next gem - eating miss campbell ... and the pun already in the title ... have to think of another one for my summary line! Anyway, there is a Directors cut and if you are into low budget horror movies that are quite insane, but look really good (no pun intended), I can recommend this highly ... this is not Citizen Kane, it never said it is, you get exactly what you pay for ...

A sick little Troma tribute

[Leofwine_draca · 2/10 · 15 June 2017]

MY BLOODY BANJO is a trashy, gruesome little tribute to Troma, made in the UK but managing to slip a Lloyd Kaufman cameo in there just for the sake of it. The best thing I can say about this is that it's better than the films made by Chris Seaver, such as FILTHY MCNASTY, but only just. The story is about a bored office worker whose abusive girlfriend drives him over the edge and into some very dark places. THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE's Laurence R. Harvey plays an abused co-worker and there's a stand-out gore scene on a toilet of all places, which will have any male viewer wincing in empathy with the main character's plight. The rest is dumb, trashy, and lowbrow.

Bloody Awful

[sal_paradise-70304 · 1/10 · 12 February 2017]

My Bloody Banjo- my bloody nightmare! Managed to get through 30 minutes and it's 30 minutes of my life I will never get back. I'd start with the plot, but I don't think there was one. Instead we are treated with a nostalgic trip back to the days of A Level media. Digi cams in hand thinking we are the next Tarantino. It's all well and good when school is paying for the time and equipment. But to think someone put pen to paper, frames to film, to spend valuable time and money on this is beyond any form of comprehension. In the human centipede two, Laurence pleasures himself with sandpaper, and quite frankly that would be more pleasurable than watching this bird turd again. I can hand on heart say I would rather snap my own banjo and the acting would be superior. Real tears, real blood. Not the bullied at school wet your pants give me your dinner money that Laurence portrays here. Avoid! Go to bed with a partner of your choosing, try not to snap your banjo and have fun. Life is too short!

Wrong but right

[B1895475432 · 7/10 · 28 July 2020]

Really enjoyed this movie, all kinds of wrong in a really good way. Really funny with solid performances, loved the random cameos.

Without a doubt one of the best indie films of the last ten years, a real piece of art. Loads of blood and gore and sick things said and done, a true tribute to the 80's from someone (Liam the director) who clearly knows what he is doing.

Terrible

[GC2021 · 1/10 · 28 January 2021]

One of the worst films I've ever seen. The Director was incompetent, The cast couldn't act. Finally watched it because the director constantly talks about it online (it's his only film) hopefully it'll be his last. Don't waste your time in this 'edge lord' nonsense.

Plucking brilliant!

[michaeljohndown · 9/10 · 2 September 2015]

I saw Banjo at it's world premier at Frightfest and I have to say what a blast! After a slowish start the pace really picks up and the film gets more entertaining as it progresses as we are taken on a trip into sexual depravity, slapstick humour and mindless gore. The director is clearly one to watch as for a first feature he has taken on the unenviable task of balancing horror and humour and for the most-part succeeded. The casting and some of the acting is also first-rate and the use of the College Jock/Nerd dynamic is particularly effective. An awesome debut from what is clearly a dedicated and very talented independent UK director.

Who needs friends.

[ahorrod · 7/10 · 13 September 2015]

This film is a unique tale of romance in a office. You know man meets woman, then his friend turns up one day.

I do like this kind of British horror film. It made me laugh, it made me look away in parts and it did not take itself to seriously . The effects, sounds and sets are good some of the cinematography was not as good the comedy did make up for that.

You can see some nods to other film styles but you kind of expect that in this kind of film. I would of liked to know some of the who's and whys to move the story along. As this is the directors first feature film all I can say is well done please carry on.

Pure Crap!

[digitalzomby · 1/10 · 9 April 2023]

I am not going to review the plot of this stinker. If you want to find out what it is about, you can find that out easy enough. I am just going to give my thought on this movie.

This movie sucks and I will never watch it again. All the characters are so unlikable and so mean that its really hard to watch because of how rediculous everyone is. There is no relief from the onslaught of yelling and meaness. There is no entertainment value in this even by one iota.

The main character has to be the stupidest person I have ever seen in a movie. It's pure crap. I for one will never watch another L. Regan film again...

The best indie horror to come out of Britian!

[littleredcassette · 10/10 · 2 January 2021]

What happens when you throw Drop Dead Fred and a morbidly sadistic version of The Office into a blender? You get My Bloody Banjo!

Written and directed by British indie filmmaker and Troma alumni Liam Regan. My Bloody Banjo tells the hilarious yet tragic story of a disgruntled office worker, Peltzer Arbuckle (James Hamer-Morton). Poor Peltzer goes his daily life being bullied by his office peers, malicious boss Sawyer (Vigo Trigo), and dominative overbearing girlfriend Deetz (Dani Thompson). After experiencing a grotesque sexual accident brought on by Deetz, Peltzer decides to summon is imaginary childhood friend Ronnie (Damian Morter) via Ouija board to exact revenge and unleashes hell upon his foes.

Banjo doesn't hold back on pushing boundaries and touching upon controversial topics. Which is one of the key elements that makes it such a unique experience along with the over the top gore scenes and slapsticky comedic brilliance. The actors portraying the characters all gave stellar performances and could tell they had tons of fun!

If you're a hardcore Troma nerd, 80's horror and exploitation affictionato like Regan you'll notice many easter eggs and references to films of Frank Henonlotter, Llyod Kaurfman, and Micheal Herz. Even a cameo by Mr. Kaufman himself!

The fact it's micro-budgeted is purely breathtaking given how astounding the production value is. The make-up effects, cinematography, and sound design are top notch and really took me by surprise!

In summary, if you love Troma films and have a sickening sense of humor, you're in for quite the ride. I can't recommend this film enough and eagerly awaiting Regan's future projects!

13/10

Indie as it should be

[mynameisspeedcore · 7/10 · 24 April 2023]

Review of the directors cut:

I don't know who I feel more sorry for, Peltzer or his d1ck! I loved the comically over-the-top caricatures of office bullies and various other d1ckheads. As soon as Ronnies summoned, the giggles come thick and fast, his sense of humor is offensive and grotesque and I love it! The directors cut certainly has alot more dialogue than id usually care for but its all worth it to watch Peltzer exact his revenge against his tormentors in the end. Shout outs to Vito Trigo for capturing my old managers in a gloriously over exaggerated nutshell! His scene where he encourages Lawrence Hardy (yes, THAT GUY) to kill themselves was unexpectedly dark but you couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. The gore is exactly what i would have expected from a Troma movie, cartoonish splatter and silly practical effects abound and i couldnt be happier to see it! The bathroom scene made my friend look away and almost made me turn away, almost. I couldn't help be reminded of the bathroom scene in "i spit on your grave", while not the same, it's similarly wince-inducing. Im pleased to say that the movie doesn't end with a fizzle, so lets just say "High school massacres are so...1999" and leave it at that. Highly entertaining. Who says you need millions to make a movie and entertain people?!

This is indie cinema as it should be and I cant wait to see what else Liam sh1ts out of his head-anus. EMC here we come!

Love this flick!

[hirofujii · 7/10 · 13 April 2016]

Banjo's cool poster strongly got my attention when I had read someone's review from freightfest UK last year. I had learned Laurence R. Harvey and Vito Trigo are casted in it back then. Both are my favorite actors. I thought I should check it once released.

My biggest question was.. what's Banjo? Why is it called Banjo in the first place? I know banjo is one of the musical instruments. But what's all about this film? I've been wondering about it. I had to wait until I could see it.

I admit that I couldn't get the meaning of Banjo in my first watching. I was a bit confused. I mumbled like, "Yeah, it's a fun flick but I still don't get it. Why Banjo? hmm... the director seems like a big fan of 80s. There should be the hidden meaning which should be cool. I need to find out. Okay. Let's watch it again!"

I am a good English learner who always try hard! After seeing it twice and learned what "banjo string" is, OHHHH! I finally figured! Everything totally makes sense to me! Hahahahahaha! Liam is crazy! Someone once said, "Knowledge is power". It's very true. Knowledge makes your life fun.

Banjo became my favorite film. It is one of the 80s homage kind of film but definitely it's not only that. In some part, it's very Tromatic. In some part, it has the comedic feeling of Dunder Mifflin. I woudn't be surprised if Dwight Schrute shows up on the screen and starts to make conversation with those fun actors.

Yes, those actors did amazing job. I wish Laurence could have had more time to play. How could he act like that? I thought Kate (his lovely girl friend) can't see it without crying because the guy he's acting is so miserable. I thought she might not like it. How could she keep watching her boyfriend being bullied awfully like that? I said what I felt to my buddy Daiju just after seeing it. He hasn't seen the film but replied me like, "Here's my guess. She would laugh a lot if Laurence is chuckling next to her when they watch it together." I hope he's right.

And Vito! I became a fan of him since I watched Scicene Team. His acting is always funny. Very strong and funny. All other actors are vividly playing their roles.

I once heard that all crazy people are calm and peace in their mind. Peltzer Arbuckle's case seems different. He is forced to deal with tons of mess in his life - job, romance and the troublesome imaginary friend Ronnie. Things are getting complicated/upside down. His mind goes insane. Is Ronnie a savior for Peltzer? Or devil? Or just a friend? I can't tell. But anyway, on the ending, Peltzer became happy - completely calm and peace. So I'd say it's a happy ending.

great tongue in cheek cult classic

[crone76 · 8/10 · 2 September 2015]

Liam has really grown into a wonderful well established artist / director. A true fan of the horror genre who has taken all the aspects of the antihero and thrown them in a blender. Comedy, gore, controversy and a visual style that sticks to your brain long after viewing. Genius trash vision. In depth subject mater lightheartedly shoved down our throats to make us realise that nothing is that bad in life. guilty taboo glitter coated in a fresh warped pleasure. It is what it is. like the cenobites once said. Demon to some..Angel to others. Pretty much sums up Liam and Banjo. to the subculture of cult horror Regan is an Angel.

Sickening Filth!

[MetalBlade666 · 7/10 · 2 May 2023]

Disgusting! Offensive! Subversive! Obscene!

And that's just the trailer reel at the beginning of the blu ray!

Director Liam Regan's debut feature fares no better, with scenes of depravity thrown around indiscriminately, leaving the viewer's face covered in a gloopy wet mess. If you're a bit squeamish about genital mutilation, sperm gags and gallons of blood, then this is probably not for you. However, if like me, you consider Troma to be entertainment in it's purest form and hold films like Terror Firmer in the highest esteem, then you will find that My Bloody Banjo is perfectly decent!

Recommended.

Rude, crude and often rather lewd - and that's why I loved it!

[noir guy · 9/10 · 2 September 2015]

Liam Regan's debut film - which screened to a highly appreciative audience at Frightfest 2015 - is a love letter to Troma and the early films of Frank Henenlotter. A low-budget exercise in adoration that often plumbs the depths of bad taste to amusing effect, it's an energetic and gleeful tale that also often reveals a surprising sense of self-discipline and maturity for a first effort. This is clearly a filmmaker whose love for the genre and his film shines through and should hopefully be the start of a promising career. Oh, and if you don't know what the title refers to - or what the film is about - I'm not going to tell you; apart from the fact that the film is about a worm that turns. And what happens to one particular 'worm' made me cross my legs - and may have the same effect on many other male viewers! British exploitation cinema is clearly alive and well and, for that, many thanks Liam Regan!

Sick twisted funny original!!

[gavin_smith-57360 · 7/10 · 13 December 2022]

Banjo is a good fun movie that manages to be twisted original sad funny and creepy sometimes all at once and thats not easy!

With some great easter eggs to horror movies past and some truly outthere moments and a potential new british horror villian in Ronnie the story film comes across occasionally like drop dead fred meets the office on Acid the performances are all very game and the tone of the movie is pretty unique

What with this and liam regans next movie Eating mrs campbell (which is funny and fab! !) makes him a talent to watch and thank the cinema heavens films like this can get made!

Whoopsy Daisy

[nogodnomasters · 8/10 · 22 September 2017]

Peltzer Arbuckle (James Hamer-Morton) is viciously bullied by his work mates and his shrewish girl friend (Dani Thompson) who is also sleeping with his boss (Vito Trigo). After Peltzer has an accident where "I think something snapped" his evil imaginary childhood friend Ronnie (Damian Morter) appears in order to avenge Peltzer and to let the audience know Botox is bad.

Lloyd Kaufman has a cameo as a doctor, which should clue you in to the nature of the film. It is like a British Troma production with only a fraction of the gore, which is not to say it doesn't have gore. This is a "not for everyone" cult-like production. More humor than horror.

Guide: F-word, sex. No nudity.

The Wait Was Worth It

[persistent-fury · 9/10 · 12 February 2017]

Picture the scene. 2015 and the very first Horror Convention in the UK, a group of people fill a room with guests to premiere their Trailer for Banjo.

Loosely based on real life events; I shall let you think about that, Liam Regan talked us through his ideas that came to be one of the most original nods to the Troma Universe mixed with pure British Grit that makes our movies so fantastic.

The best way to explain this film?

It's Drop Dead Fred on Acid.

Enjoy

Great indie horror. Awesome cast and concept.

[singhlall · 8/10 · 17 January 2021]

Do check this undiscovered and under the radar gem. I won't give too much away but strong performances from a fabulous cast including scream queen Dani Thomson. Inspired by the Troma type movies in the USA but with a British Twist.

If you have worked in an office or call centre you should appreciate this.

[briandivision · 10/10 · 3 June 2017]

Life's problems don't always provide us with an answer: "Hello Ronnie!"

I found My Bloody Banjo funny in all the right places (and some wrong! Haha.) And felt it drew from shows that focus on flippant humour; whilst putting a dark slant on everything.

Some might have found the example antagonists extreme, but I feel characters like Stiles (Yuppie..? Bateman?) are definitely among us.

That Bl**dy Banjo Film by Liam Regan.

[john-shelton-2 · 8/10 · 6 May 2023]

Legendary. Not for the faint of heart, either. Liam Regan put together a great Director's Cut of My Bloody Banjo onto Blu-Ray. It's fun, campy and gory as you might imagine. I loved the performances and the cast. The in-film referances were fun too, "Oh, What a Rush!".

The making of features with the History of MBB making it or not even making it onto the BIG Festival Screens. Good Stuff! Nicely shot on Red Camera.

Dani Thompson was a treat and there is a bit of cruelty towards the main actors and smaller rolls. Will REVENGE from the leading cast player provail? Watch My Bloody Banjo. Fun!!!

Excellent horror

[dave-05139 · 10/10 · 16 March 2019]

Punched me in the guts. Gives the viewer little room to wiggle. Defo worth a watch.

The Cult of Ronnie

[troma_freek · 8/10 · 25 April 2019]

My Bloody Banjo is the debut feature film by Liam Regan. A funny, gory, messy horror comedy gem that is slowly gaining recognition as a modern cult classic. Peltzer, a young office clerk and eternal loser seeks revenge on his co-workers and the bullies that have turned his life to a living nightmare, he can't do it though without the help and influence of his deranged imaginary best friend Ronnie. There's a lot of pitch black humour and over the top gore. Laurence R. Harvey from Human Centipede fame and Lloyd Kaufman both appear in minor roles as well.

Laim Regan's "Bloody" Banjo!

[johnny-motley · 8/10 · 8 May 2016]

Banjo is a feature length twisted comedy feature from Liam Regan. It was originally a short film and has now gained a cult following in the last 18 months of festival showings running 82 minutes.

What made me laugh about Banjo is that it was based on a personal experience by Regan which plays as a running joke.

The lead charter is named after Billy in Gremlins (1984) surname with other in jokes to boot.

I felt that I got the references to Regan's film and that was an enjoyable thing to see. Ronnie (The Imaginary Friend) was kinda based on Funny Man (1994) and has hints of Drop Dead Fred (1991).

People I saw the film with, also praised the sound and music to Banjo. I have to agree with them credit due to all that worked on the film!

Watch out, you might even see Liam Regan's mentor and hero, Lloyd Kaufman in there as a Cameo. It must have been a child-hood dream for Regan.

Like I said, the whole film is twisted and should appeal to a cult horror crowd.