The World of Horror

“Reeker” - Reviewed by Pinheadspenpal

I’ve seen this film twice now and I have to admit both times I’ve enjoyed it. The film opens with a family driving down the road happily playing I-spy when the car hits a deer….and from there you’re gripped (or I was anyway).

The movie follows a group of friends aptly named Cookie, Nelson, Jack (blind kid) and Gretchen as they make their way to a rave in the desert. Upon hearing the roads are closed they decide to stop at a motel but find it abandoned. Figuring it’s better to stay there overnight they set up camp and what ensues is a fight for survival against a mysterious killer who is made apparent by the odour it emits.

Although it’s no masterpiece, the movie holds enough intrigue and scary moments to keep you watching. It was a new take on a slasher film with enough gore and amusing deaths to keep any horror lover occupied for 90 minutes.

The characters are fine, no one too annoying (although it’s a matter of opinion) my favourite being Trip. He starts off the film by stealing all a drug dealer’s pills (why not, what’s the worse that could happen right?) but quickly becomes the character you’re rooting for (again, a matter of opinion!). Not really sure why it was necessary for Jack to be blind (all the better to smell you with my dear, I suppose) although the funniest scene involves him falling off the roof of the RV so it’s worth watching just for that!

As for Reeker, well you can imagine the stench of evil what with the wavy stink lines they show whenever he’s around. I thought the hooded figure of Reeker was creepy and would definitely scare the crap out of you if you woke up to find him standing at the end of the bed (but I suppose anyone would scare you if they were just standing there – but you get my point, he’s scary guys, he’s scary).

If you think it’s a crap film as you’re watching it (don’t know why you would) the ending is definitely the redeeming factor. You may see it coming, you might not, either way it is good and I recommend this film to anyone who wants to watch a good old fashioned slasher film. Enjoy! And also if you thought life couldn’t get any better, there’s a Reeker 2 (although have yet to see it!)

 Running time: 90 mins
Starring: Eric Mabius, Arielle Kebbel, Scott Whyte, Devon Gummersall