Cute Little Buggers (UK) – 2017
Writers – Garry Charles, Andy Davie, Kristopher Dayne
Director – Tony Jopia
Runtime – 108 minutes
And it’s that time again. Cult is away and I’ve a battery-operated device (probably not the one you have in mind, you dirty bastid), a large screen and an unobstructed run of the treat’s cabinet. Feel free to drop whatever mundane task you’re currently embroiled within and join me as I shift into an unnaturally comfortable position and prepare to set the eyes upon today’s depraved cinematic choice;
Cute Little Buggers.
Rather than depict an invasion from hungry aliens, or creatures’ intent on harvesting humans as part of “the newest taste sensation to sweep the galaxy” (there I added that which Cult was sure to) the creators of this film chose instead to showcase a pair of scientist’s intent on locating the perfect lifeform (it just so happens to be on earth in this case) to keep their race from extinction. In my mentioning of the creature in question being a rabbit I’m not dropping any spoilers; they’re plastered all over the box art. But before even the Cute Little Bugger makes an appearance in all its CGI rendered Disney brilliance, we meet the dysfunctional duo whose task it is to repopulate.
Theirs is an odd relationship; friends perhaps (more likely) co-workers. Brian and Ernest appear to be shock troopers (whatever that is?) decked out as they are in helmets and uniform. Their dialogue suggests something more relaxed, dark humor cavorts with gutter sensibilities to give the film an immediately “light” tone.
But let’s get back to the bunny (“Run away, run away”). Peaceful little Deddington (apparently near Bath, not far from where Cult was raised) is nestled in between a myriad of rolling hills and farmland and miles from any immediately recognizable cities. Home to several unsavory types including a geriatric “get offa my grass” type with a thing for urine, a member of a local crime syndicate and a piss poor example of a local constabulary (small scale British law enforcement outfit for those who might be confused) it’s a fantastic example of a sleepy village with plenty going on (much like as witnessed within the utterly amazing Hot Fuzz) beneath the “that’s a place I’d love to visit” veneer.
But it gets more exciting still. As well killer bunnies (aka penetration units) there’s also an individual who’s recently returned to his childhood haunting grounds. *Insert drama, rekindled romance, and rolling in the hay nekkidness here.
As the film rolls out it explores the plethora of characters on offer; the jilted lover, the father figure hated for that one moment of indiscretion, a crime scene unit who have successfully managed to embrace gallows humor as a way of life and a constable who doesn’t even slightly attempt to hide her S&M penchants.
Did I mention this has all the makings of a successful B movie? It unashamedly offers its audience breasts aplenty, blood, gore and brawn. However, it doesn’t end there. The humor is an added bonus, especially for those (like myself) who wallow in occasional silliness.
Caroline Munro (vixen extraordinaire likely previously seen in numerous 70’s horror affairs including the likes of James Bond, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Vampires and the sort) stars as a fortune teller who really doesn’t wish to divulge Barry’s (her customers) future.
And wouldn’t you know it, Barry does not heed her advice. He heads to the woods in search of… Well, I’m not gonna ruin it. Suffice it to say he finds his “treasure” but it ends up costing him an arm (and quite possibly a leg, though the viewer doesn’t get to see that bit).
“So, tell me again what did this?”
…”Rabbits!”
And the silliness commences.
The film continues and picks up sufficient speed to leave an impression. Bunnies run amok to leave their assorted little paw prints upon rivers of crimson (how’s that for a Death Metal track title?)
Surprises continue to appear in many forms, the locals gather to find strength in numbers and display their multi-faceted hidden attributes (usually in the form of an unburdening of stashed, illegal, historical and unusual weaponry). Influence rears its head in many forms and tips a myriad of fabric lined head coverings to numerous cult features (in numerous ways be it within the soundtrack, dialogue or gore set pieces) including (but not limited to) Bad Taste, Brain Dead (Cult is going to lose his shit), Black Sheep, Undead, Critters, Ghoulies, Gremlins and the more obvious choices; Jake West’s Evil Aliens and the slightly aged Night of the Lepus although this certainly puts an undoubtedly dizzying spin on the vintage classic only to drown it in grue, satire and then smother it in bountiful, bouncing, beautiful, boobies (arguably the most important ingredient in any low budget gem which doesn’t rely solely on gore and comedy).
Obviously, there are elements here to turn off those who demand viewing material of the classiest order, and most probably a little more CGI than most are likely to be able to handle. But have no fear. For those of us who deliriously wallow in the low budget arena boasting shit-eating grins this delivers all one could possibly ask for, with the added bonus of accents, small villages filled to the rafters with babes, and oodles of culturally specific humor (“Scousers”, “Northerners” and Posh bastards find inclusion among other, slightly lesser-known outside of Britain, examples) and other factors i won’t divulge lest I ruin an otherwise enjoyable viewing experience.
The films ‘saving all element’, and the cherry on the proverbial cake, arrives in the unlikeliest of forms (which I don’t believe have been utilized before now). As one of the Scientist Alien guys states …” we must stop him…He’s built a weapon of mass Pisstruction!” That’s enough of the spoilers, my horrific grammar and that which continues to pour from my sore malformed digits; inane attempts to preach upon that which has caused me more of a face ache than has been suffered in many a moon.
Forget the words of the legendary British comedic troupe (whose talents arrived many years too early, if truth be told) within much the same situation, when faced with a similar “Cute Lite Bugger”. Give this a watch and prepare to reevaluate the running order of your favorite low budget (have that said that enough, yet?) celluloid affairs.
I simply cannot scribble the praise which this feature deserves, though I have tried!
Onwards to discovering more of Tony Jopia’s work and, naturally, the output of those whose eye-popping attributes shine throughout this stunning example of decidedly non-Hollywood cinema.
B
Cute Little Buggers is available in the US on Tubi TV, Prime Video and on DVD (via Uncorkd Entertainment and High Octane Films) and has recently found redistribution (with an assortment of delicious extras) upon Blu Ray (as seen here) within the UK via Warped Releasing.
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