Victor Crowley (2017)

I picked up from the trivia-section that writer/director Adam Green had solemnly planned never to make any further sequels to the "Hatchet" franchise, but that legendary horror directors Wes Craven and George A. Romero both outed themselves as avid fans of the series and encouraged him to make more installments. I don't know if this is truth or just a really good story for Green to tell during interviews or at premieres, especially now that both Craven and Romero passed away before the official release of the film. It's quite possible that the fourth entry simply got produced because another sequel is a guaranteed money-maker. And, quite frankly, I don't really care because personally I'm always willing to watch more "Hatchet" movies. The character of Victor Crowley is the closest thing we've got to a genuine slasher icon since the vanishing of Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees! You have to be a fan of the "Hatchet" series in order to appreciate "Victor Crowley", by the way, since this film is completely over-the-top and slightly obnoxious from all possible viewpoints. The plot is virtually non-existent, all characters are total nitwits (deliberately, I suppose), the gore effects are ridiculously extreme and the humor bounces back and forth between crude, infantile and downright vulgar. Ten years after the infamous Honey Island Massacre, sole survivor Andrew reluctantly accepts an offer to return to the swamp with a TV-crew and shoot a documentary. Their planes crashes and the survivors are violently picked off by local legend Victor Crowley, as he accidentally got resurrected by a YouTube video. Yes, that's exactly how silly the script is. Kane Hodder is having another field day, as Crowley joyously smashes heads, breaks skulls and swings around hatchets. Personally, I would have preferred that Tiffany Shepis' role was slightly more significant and, as I'm a big fan of hers, I really missed Danielle Harris in the cast. As far as I'm concerned, Green can feel free to make another sequel and maybe dedicate it to the memory of Tobe Hooper this time, or something?

Oh, Dear what can the matter be? Victor Crowley is back on my TV!!!Now, I don't have anything against Crowley (Hodder) as horror film monsters go, he's climbing up there. It's actually Green's story and direction which irked me the most about this film.Firstly, the story is pretty much non-existent. Ten years after the first attack, the sole survivor, Andrew (Shen) is doing the rounds pushing his book on how he survived Crowley's attack. This puts him on his ex's TV show Sabrina (Brown). She's over antagonistic and bullies him in the interview. She later cons him into another interview, this time an outside broadcast back in Crowley's swamp. Meanwhile, a film crew accidentally resurrect Crowley and his killing spree starts up once again...The major problem with the writing is the characters, particularly that of Sabrina and her relationship with Andrew. Supposedly they were a loving couple, though there's no evidence of it here. You're not even given a reason for why she treats Andrew so vehemently. This is unrealistic and unbelievable. It's also so obvious that their relationship is there as a comedic element. However, it's more annoying than funny. To be truthful, though labelled as a comedy there are very little laughs in the film. Not once did I smile at a joke, let alone laugh. Had this been played as a straight horror then it would be a stronger film. Another thing is Green relies on characters to add humour, such as Dillon (Sheridan). The trouble is we've seen this type of character so many times so you need to add something new to make it funny. There's nothing new in any of the characters. Though I have to say that Sheridan does put his heart and soul into his portrayal of the character, which was nice to see as other actors are less enthusiastic.This could come down to direction as Brown, who plays Sabrina, is too shouty and angry. This needed to be toned down a little. As it stands, the handling of the character is part of the reason she comes off so badly. Then there's the scene at the shed. This is meant to be funny, but it's telegraphed too early so you know what's coming and you're waiting for it to happen. So when it does eventually come the comedy has been rendered unfunny. This is the case with a lot of the sight gags. As for the direction of the rest of the film, it's standard and dull, especially the scenes within the plane, of which there are too many.In fact, the only saving grace to the whole film is Victor Crawley himself and his slaughters. The special effects team have my respect, these are gloriously nasty wet-work. I was just sad to see the turbine kill effect was shot at a sideways angle so there was little viscera. Shame they missed out on the chance for a nasty and grisly ending. If they could have pulled it off it would have gone down in history.This is not the best in the Hatchet franchise and I'd not recommend it to anyone except those steadfast horror fans who have watched the previous three flicks.

I absolutely adore slasher franchises. I wish they still made Friday the 13th and Elm Street movies every year like they did in the 1980s but nooooooo. It was a long wait for Hatchet 4 (aka "Victor Crowley") but I'm glad the franchise is back. I hope there's a part 5 soon. Next year would be awesome but I'm not holding my breath. Anyway, I love Kane Hodder in the title role and the rest of the cast is clearly having a blast. The tone of this movie is infectious and fun. I smiled ear to ear the entire time. There are a couple of kills that should make any highlight reel of best slasher deaths. I love the characters and dialog. The plot and pacing are perfect. What's not to like?!I know the reviews here are mixed. So what? Look at the reviews and star ratings for almost ANY classic slasher from the 80s and you see the same thing. All the classic Friday the 13th or Elm Street movies score around 5 or 6 stars and have only 50% positive reviews. Nothing new. It's indicative of nothing except what horror fans have always known: We are not in the mainstream. Again, so what? To those who love the Hatchet movies (and we are many) this movie is a welcomed return. May there be many more!

Instead of copying 30 years of spoof b b grade horrors Adam Green captures all the essence of an excellent horror with delicate comedic touches. He combines the two genres without weaking the script, instead every line, every scene is masterfully planned.Adam Green isn't out for horrifying scare, which is refreshing as he almost revolutionises his own genre. His actor selection, and scence progression never leave a dull moment or confusion. Dave Sheridan steals the show and his perforamce is worthy of all little momemts you may miss. In fact Green aloows every actor/actress to express and explore a personality unusual in horrror but still maintain the horror factor in the creative newly created Hatchett character victor crowley. iIt is a pity and this is my only spoiler so don't read if you plan eatch still that these great characters except two all die and therefore cannot be reprised in the next episodes of Hatchett. No one knows how Green, the director and writer plans to continue the series but maybe by reinventing the scanrios is part of its charms.Don't except big scares but excellent film making in a new twist on the horror theme. Dave Sheridan's character will be sorely missed but two important characters do survive. 9/10 Keeep going Adam Green and ignore any bad reviews you construct a masterful art that crosses genres.