CHOP Review

By: Nikos

CHOP Review

CHOP is a perfect example of bold style, and willingness to go over the top, which I hope becomes Trent Haaga film trademark from now on, --it’s the writer/actor’s directorial debut and its been making the horror film festival and underground circuit worldwide. Moreover, Trent is a genuinely nice guy,from what I’ve heard from those who worked with him despite the gritty gore and violence in this film--but isn’t that always the case with true horror fans--the nicer the guy the gorier the taste? Kind of like that Chinese saying --the cuter the animal, the more tasty. The film is feral: bursting with life, violence and emotion to orgiastic levels.

Every obstacle is compelling, and is there to progress the story visually. Within all the shots, every bit of space and production design is utilized to dramatic effect. There are choices that are done with such confidence that I can’t help but admire them.

The car hit and run scene , the crack whore and the flashbacks . So masterful, it should be dissected in film schools everywhere.

Bad guy and good guy is so blurred here, that you can’t help yourself for feeling for the guy being victimized despite the fact that he’s a scumbag and a weasel. The torturer is judge and executioner, and the twist ending revealing his motives make you wish you were him by the end, well not really. None of these characters are likeable in the traditional sense, but who says they have to be?

However, it’s not only thrills and random mutilations that make this film so special. The performances from Will Keenan (aka Billy Bakshi) and the stranger Timothy Muskatell (EASTER BUNNY KILL! KILL!) help ground the story and make it something we care about. As over-the-top as the film gets, these actors manage to always make it credible. It also has a great sense of humor, mostly by Billy Bakshi who’s a name in itself in international Bollywood cinema.

If you ever dreamed of revenge, if you ever really fucked up --and if want to stay up for a real heart thumper, rent CHOP, download CHOP, better yet , own CHOP in every way.

For more on the impending release of Trent Haaga’s directorial debut, CHOP (click my personal Bloody Disgusting link http://chop.golnx.co/I for more about CHOP)