Hatchet

release year: 2007
genre: horror
viewing setting: home DVD, 6/22/08

synopsis: An assorted group of sightseers venture a little too deeply into a Louisiana swamp, and run afoul of a hulking maniac.

impressions: In my opinion, this was not the great new horror classic that it was made out to be. Sure, it was entertaining, and bloody at times, but the bottom line is that you can only make so many movies about big, strong, impervious-to-damage killers. Regardless, there's plenty of humor, some creative killings, and a lot of guest-stars (like Robert Englund, Kane Hodder, and Tony Todd, all of whom had starring roles in other horror movie franchises.)

something this movie has that no other movie has: A woman's jaw being forcibly ripped off.

acting: Joel Moore is Ben, who isn't content with the normal Mardi Gras attractions and drags his friend into the cold, dark swamp in search of thrills. Tamara Feldman is MaryBeth, one of the few boat passengers to keep her cool. Kane Hodder is Victor Crowley, who stalks the deep swamp and kills anyone he finds.

final word: Decent, but no classic.

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