Gutterballs
Directed by Ryan Nicholson
Plotdigger Films

The classic slasher films of the 80's had a few key elements that made them what they were and why they are still talked about today. One would be excessive gore and the second would be an interesting or unusual location. Amusement parks, warehouses and shopping malls have all been used and now you can add bowling alley to that list. The latest film from Ryan Nicholson is a throwback to 80's slasher films with some of the best gore I have seen that didn't come from the hands of Tom Savini.

A rivalry between two bowling teams turns ugly and escalates into violence. One group is made up of clean cut but sexist guys while the other is made up of a group of what you could call social misfits, outcasts if you will. After a fight leaves the leader of the, for lack of a better word, jocks with a bloody and beaten face and a broken foot and a member of the other team dazed from a beer bottle to the head, the janitor at the bowling alley breaks up the fight and tells the teams they can make up the game the next night after hours. Both teams seemingly leave the alley, but when a girl from the misfit side forgets her purse she minds more than her purse when she goes back inside. This is a part of the film that seems to draw a lot of controversy. The character, Lisa, is gang raped and it is quite harsh. In all fairness to the director, the scene makes sense and is necessary. It isn't a pretty scene but honestly this isn't as harsh as the rape scene from I Spit on Your Grave, a bit longer maybe but it doesn't leave you with that need a shower sense of filth from keeping your eyes open during the scene.

The rape is essentially what sets up the rest of the movie. During the makeup game the next night, members of each team start to die. The movie leaves the killers identity fairly well concealed and while it isn't an entirely complicated plot, it certainly has an 80's charm to it. Hatchet came fairly close to having a classic slasher vibe but Gutterballs nailed it right on the head making this a film that should sit next to The Burning or Maniac proudly.

Now onto the part of the review you've been waiting for, the gore! The gore is of the highest caliber and will have you fans of splatter saying fuck yea! The gore is extremely bloody and features excellent use of prosthetics and fake heads. There is absolutely no CGI to be found here and it makes a huge difference. Bowling pins are used in a variety of clever ways and even a ball waxing machine gets in on the gory action! If you are looking for a bloodbath, you've found it!

While I dont think it is ever stated, I would assume that the movie is meant to take place in the 80's, especially if you look at the fashion and the music used. Speaking of music, this has a fantastic soundtrack of mostly all Canadian classic rock from the likes of Trooper, Chilliwack, BTO, Honeymoon Suite and a few others. It definitely gives the movie a unique feel and come on, when was the last time or any time you have heard April Wine in a slasher film?

With directors like Ryan Nicholson making films I have faith in the future of horror. Gutterballs invokes the same feelings as the first time you saw Maniac or The Burning. You have that visceral impact that on set gore can only provide! It is an excessive, sleazy and surprisingly fun film. If you have even a passing interest in the slasher genre, this is a treat. If you have a gigantic VHS collection and smile when someone mentions Tom Savini or KNB, this movie was made for you. Enjoy.

Order Gutterballs here!