Bloodsucking Bastards (Blu-ray)
Anthony Arrigo
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Starring Fran Kranz, Emma Fitzpatrick, Pedro Pascal
Directed by Brian James O’Connell
Distributed by Scream Factory
This should go without saying, but clearly some filmmakers just aren’t getting the message: If you are going to make a horror/comedy, be sure that at least one of those elements is absofuckinglutely airtight. Period. There is no room for error here. When the horror is half-assed and the comedy is half-assed, you wind up with a total ass of a movie.
The latest example that failed to abide by this message is Bloodsucking Bastards (2015), yet another dreary vamp tale that desperately wants to be horror’s answer to Office Space (1999). Employing baseline office humor and standard rate scare attempts, the film is wholly devoid of any real laughs, and there isn’t a single moment of true horror to be seen. Well, unless you count the horror of having to sit through it, I suppose.
Evan (Fran Kranz) is one of several bored office workers going through the motions and doing just enough not to get fired from a mundane sales job. The majority of his co-workers are of the “douche-y bro” variety, except, that is, for Amanda (Emma Fitzpatrick), a girl with whom he shares a tenuous relationship. There’s a new sales manager on the floor named Max (Pedro Pascal), and he has set forth some aggressive new sales goals that employees are expected to meet. Late one night, one of the more annoying employees is killed while using the bathroom, setting into motion a series of bloody murders with each new victim joining the vampire ranks. Evan, along with a few of his work chums, jumps through a number of well-worn hoops before arriving at a conclusion that is hardly surprising. Roll credits.
Am I being too hard on this movie? Doubtful. I had many of the same issues with Gravy (2015), another wannabe horror/comedy that failed in both columns. There has to be some audience out there that finds humor in this jocular writing, but it sure as shit isn’t me. Here, we’ve got a hapless unlikely hero, his sort-of friends with their endless stream of sarcasm despite the severity of any situation, a girlfriend he needs to win back over… it’s like Edgar Wright-lite without any of the style or bravado. The only way this movie could’ve been triter would be if they used zombies in place of vampires, though both are so overused at this point that any solid entries in their respective subgenres are outliers; exceptions to the rule. There wasn’t a single moment during Bloodsucking Bastards where the film felt like it was working. It’s all been-there, seen-that and, so, my suggestion would be you do not see it.
The film’s 2.35:1 1080p image looks reasonably good, though some of the color grading gives the film an ugly appearance. This may have been intentional so as to give the office a less-than-pleasant aesthetic. Regardless, there is no grain to be seen (since this was shot digitally), detail is rather strong and black levels appear stable. Contrast could be stronger, though it’s hardly a major issue. There is a nice sense of depth to the image, too.
An English DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround sound track carries the audio here, delivering a track featuring nicely separated effects and a surprisingly robust bass response. The opening credits feature an absolutely awful annoying pop song which, thankfully, never pops up again. There is also an English DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo track included. Subtitles are available in English.
The audio commentary is with “Dr. God”, which sounds like an awfully egotistic moniker until you learn it’s the name of a comedy troupe featuring director Brian James O’Connell, producer/actor Justin Ware, writer/actor Sean Cowhig, actor Neil W. Garguilo and actor David F. Park.
A reel of outtakes, a “Bloodsucking Bastards: On Set” EPK, and the film’s trailer are the included extras.
There are also four easter eggs (which are very evident) featuring some random clips related to the film.
Special Features:
- Audio commentary with Dr. God comedy troupe including director Brian James O’Connell, producer/actor Justin Ware, writer/actor Sean Cowhig, actor Neil W. Garguilo and actor David F. Park
- Behind the scenes (Bloodsucking Bastards on set)
- Gag reel
- Trailer
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Bloodsucking Bastards
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Special Features
Categorized:Reviews
