Often times a concept can have such power behind it that budget becomes a secondary concern (the first Saw film is a prime example). However, Maurice Devereauxs’ film Slashers falls short of its potential.
I remember renting this film back in 2002 from a small mom and pop video store on concept alone. I read the synopsis and was blown away. I had to check this one out. Fangoria had given it a few nods as well so I snatched it up and popped it in my gigantic Sony DVD player.
The concept is basically The Running Man with more of a horror element and less muscles involved. I’m actually inclined to think that perhaps if this film did have a Richard Dawson “Damian Killian” style character, that this film would have been leaps and bounds better. Three slasher-style villains named Chainsaw Charlie, Preacher Man, and Doctor Ripper are the main attraction. They are to hunt and kill a group of people, live and televised on Japan’s number one reality show, “Slashers!” The winner gets a million dollars and is set free. If that concept doesn’t intrigue you, something is wrong with you!
I just wish this film would have had more care put into it. The acting is less than what you would expect from a Troma film and never really manages to pull you into the story, however fun it may be. This film could have really been a force to be reckoned with; instead, it just falls flat. In my honest opinion, it’s worth a watch just to see all of the potential that it could have had. Perhaps someone will come along and dare I say (gulp) remake this film one day and give it the love and attention it deserves.
This film is just… well… find out for yourselves. I give this film 1 Japanese cheerleader out of 5.
That’s an awesome concept for a movie! Some of these japanese movies are deliciously weird, like Stacy / Attack Of The Schoolgirl Zombies. As a matter of fact I liked the trailer so much that I want to watch this as soon as possible, if I can find it somewhere this will be the next movie to watch