Scorching the Retinas – Mayhem

Mayhem (2017)

Writer – Matias Caruso

Directed by Joe Lynch

Runtime – 88 minutes

Ava Pictures

Circle of Confusion

Royal Viking Entertainment

What can I possibly say about this film, which hasn’t been scribbled before? Honestly, probably not much. Therefore, I’ll add my two cents, and give Mayhem the ‘Cult treatment’ as it were, and hope that I have at least spurned someone to either re-watch this, or view it for the first time as I just have.

The best in the franchise? You be the judge

One would have high hopes given all the blurbs on the films cover. But let’s not forget the fact that the director of this also had more than merely a hand in one of the finest “stalk n slash” hillbilly features currently on the market. I’m referring to, naturally, Wrong Turn part two. As well as featuring Henry Rollins it also showcases eye-opening scenes of inventive, unflinching, grisliness guaranteed to send grandma into a coronary. Suffice it to say it’s the flagship of the franchise and one of my favorites. But I hear the whispers, what about Mayhem, isn’t this what this installment is supposed to be about?

Trailer courtesy of New Buzz Trailer

Accept my apologies. I was merely setting the scene. With my expectations for the film set, I plunged in. It doesn’t take long to realize this is the ideal film for today’s (currently mid-October 2020) predicament. More on that a little later.

Mayhe’es monochromatuic carnage

Following an opening scene rife with monochrome violence and lust the palette is somewhat tainted. Just where does this fit in? I guess I should pay more attention to the spoken narrative. As it happens the arena in which this takes place is a large city but more specifically a gargantuan office block (thinking of Gremlins 2 yet?) As well as providing the narrative Derek Cho (played by The Walking Dead’s Steven Yeun) is an employee of the firm which resides in said construct.

He details his position and the strange way in which his excitement has transitioned to regret and disdain, within the first six months, and his frustrations of ultimately being nothing more than a cog in Towers and Smythe Consulting, a giant cash gobbling rabid machine.

Is this a normal day in the office or a “Warriors” cosplay event?

Enter the spark which sets the plot within a stick of dynamite primed to explode. In this instance the spark is a virus (nope, not Covid) and much like that seen in 28 Days Later it transforms its host into a creature devoid of decency. To put it another way...”…Basic human dignity takes a sick leave”. The ID7 Virus is immediately noticeable in those infected, much like Pink Eye the symptoms are obvious. Avoid the “Red eyers”. An official with the CDC explains the risks; “An infected individual would make a Coke addict look normal in comparison”.

The always stunning Samara Weaving

Derek has many duties in his position the least of which is explaining to Samara Weaving there’s no hope of retaining her current residence. He tries, there is a modicum of decency within him even though he is a corporate type, but to no avail. Furious, she leaves the office.

The film continues, and it becomes blindingly obvious something is amiss. No one is allowed to leave. The building has been placed under quarantine and is surrounded. Clever ‘snippets’ have already offered the viewer the reasonings as to why. ID7 runs rampant, employees are rubbing their eyes at an alarming rate and abrupt incidences of violence are spreading out of control. Derek has found himself at the end of a fist, but it gets worse.

Am I now destined to be a Walmart greeter?

He’s recently been laid off, upper management are tying him to a fiasco which is about to blow up in their faces. So, he’s unemployed, stuck in the building with those who deem it his fault (someone needs to be the fall guy, right) and he’s infected. One thing leads to another, he finds that his path intersects that of a familiar face and that he has minimal openings in order to be heard in a ‘getting his job back’ tribunal. For wont of spoiling the film (more than the films cover already has) I’ll leave my blow by blow here.

Mayhem; the film’s main stars and director

Mayhem is many things, but not least of all amazing entertainment. Before I continue, I’d like to state that Mr. Lynch has done it again. The bar was set high going in and I’m glad to announce it’s been vaulted over. Mayhem boasts numerous, immeasurable, standout scenes. The narration is doused in an emotion which most will be able to sympathize with, in short, the divide between worker ants and the upper echelon of a large corporations ruling elite. As well the everyday ‘grin and bear it’ grind.

Characters are top notch and the writing superb. The film is gloriously scattered with types whom incite instant loathing and others who’re always out to help their fellow ‘inmates’ no matter the intricate finagling required.  Steven and Samara’s exchanges are diabolical, devilish and delicious (what I would give to be spat upon by her. Steven is a lucky chap indeed!) And the situations within the feature filmed in such a way that every detail and nuance is captured wonderfully. Did I mention there’s plentiful blood and brutality? Plenty of both to sate those desires in fact.

for those not paying attention this is one of the earliest Anthrax albums; Fistful of Metal

The soundtrack is also worthy of note.

Fantastic synth portions of the soundtrack add to the build of many scenes, a nod to Carpenter-esque realms and the inclusion of metal is a nice touch. Hearing Samara (Weaving) say Motorhead, D.R.I and (early) Anthrax will carve a smile upon many fans faces, I’m sure.

Classic comedy arrives in many incidences but must notably in the guise of a psychologist on speaker phone wanting to speak to Derek who’s under “…a bit of stress” as two office factions prepare to face off (note by this point Derek has a bounty on his head as the upper management have come to the realization he wants a meeting). Other comedic elements come in the form of the films use of corporation lingo. Sentences I’m sure those who wear a tie to work have become frustratingly tiresome of.

And…this image about says it all for both films

In conclusion, as I could waffle on about this masterpiece of genre celluloid for some time, Mayhem is the “Crank” of Horror movies (albeit doused in molasses dark humor). Its vibe is adrenaline and its passion palpable. Seriously who hasn’t wished to wield a hammer or nail gun in the Office. Some have commented this is much like “…a cross between Office Space and The Purge” (4:3). I’d agree on both points, although the stapler is replaced by a mug, there’s zero masks (replace them with the office business facade), and statements coming from the Govt (stating its ok to commit crimes including homicide) on display. Although a precedence has already been set in which acts of violence taking place whilst under the virus’s control are null and void.

Poop! Is this all my fault?

Fun fact; this “precedence” was introduced by none other than Derek Cho a fact which many might find ironic, perhaps it’s karma? Who knows for sure? One thing which is irrefutable is that Mayhem is a not to be missed blast! Another Joe Lynch milestone to add to the collection. I’m clearing the shelves in anticipation of what he has in store in the near future.

Absolute genius, props also go out to the writer responsible (Matias Caruso) without whom this wouldn’t have seen the light of day.

10

Cult

Scorching the Retinas – Tackling the Wrong Turn Franchise. Wrong Turn 2; Dead End

Scorching the Retinas – Tackling the Wrong Turn Franchise

Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (2007)

Writers – Turi Meyer, Alfredo Septien, Alan B McElroy
Director – Joe Lynch
Runtime – 97 minutes
20th Century Fox, Summit Entertainment, Constantin Film Production

Sure, why not start in the middle rather than at the beginning? Well, I did and here I am. Cult is away again, probably sleeping already. He’s on vacation and he’s stuck with his young un’ at home, and let me tell you, she’s a spirited one. If she ain’t singing “Let it Go” or “Into the Unknown” she’s storming around like a Princess, with an attitude to fit. But getting back on track; I’ve got the reins now with snippets of that Slayer Comp still ragin’ through my ears.
So what say we get started.

(trailer courtesy of Movie Clips Classic Trailers)

“Wrong Turn 2” was made back in 2007 and it doesn’t take long to realize this. Cell phones are flip things, and earpieces are akin to those unsightly slabs of metal worn on “Star Trek” (the early series with good old Shat not the newer ones).

Breast or Thigh? …It doesn’t matter!

Anyhows,  this chick, in the opening scene, is belligerent, screaming at her agent about one thing or another then she plows this poor chap down.  and wouldn’t you know it the poor bugga’ scratched up her Stang. Now rather than being somewhat pissed, who wouldn’t he scratched up the Stang’, she’s unsure, hysterical. However, this doesn’t last long. Some logger type looking chap makes his way outta the woods and cuts her in Twain. Downwards (“Terrifier” style), not across and this movie is off to a great start with perhaps one of the finest kill scenes to open up a movie ever. And my popcorn has suddenly found itself with extra butter (or a liquid which looks strangely close).

End scene. Enter Mr. Black Flag, Henry (motherfkn’) Rollins, and an introduction to a reality game show of sorts with six contestants (five now, or seven. All depending on how one looks at it) and a theme centered around the Apocalypse (at this point we should all be taking notes and making time to rewatch the “Mad Max” franchise). Naturally, all of the contestants are young, nubile, hot to trot and bursting with enthusiasm.
A quick look behind the scenes shows the competition heating up and a producer wearing a “Battle Royal” shirt which is rather fitting (if you haven’t seen it, drop whatcha’ doing and prepare to forget Hollywood’s take on it; which is often referred to as “The Hunger Games” franchise).

Peek a boo!

The games begin, the rules are explained and it’s clear from the get-go who’s present for the money and who for the prestige of competing. Mr. Rollins does a great job of emulating the drill Sergeant from “The Frighteners” and “Full Metal Jacket” (R. Lee Ermey) and there’s another stand out scene in the books. But it ain’t all fun and games. There’s something uninvited in the woods which wants to join in but with rules of it’s own choosing.

“Holy shit, the whole family’s deformed” about describes the way the remainder of the movie goes. Powered by “The Hills Have Eyes” and general Slasher movie mayhem on bathsalts the kills come fast and furious, unflinching, just like Daddy likes them and uncompromising to boot. Seriously folks, this has more guts in its first half than most reputable Cult Cannibal flicks and a shotgun which would put many cannons to shame.

BOOM!

The pace here is remarkable, fluid and feverish throughout, enough to spike anyone’s adrenaline and the characters varied enough to bring forth opinions ranging from instant I don’t care if you perish hatred to I wish you’re the one who survives to repopulate the world adoration. The acting isn’t horrid enough to deter from the story, which is somewhat minimal, but it matters not when the screen is drenched in this much grue.
The finale looms, there’s enough blood and body parts scattered to give Dahmer a boner and the cast is significantly smaller in size, but more widespread,(that’s a pun), than when the movie commenced. But the action remains slick and sticky (nope, this isn’t another filling every available orifice extravaganza flick) two teams face off and…
Well that’s where I’m going to leave my blow-by-blow (enough of the double entendres already) commentary.

This is strange. I can see my spleen.

To cut this short, for it’s about my bedtime, Joe Lynch has far surpassed himself here. A homage to a wide swath of slasher flicks doused with a generous dollop of dark humor and enough glorious FX to sate the most depraved of penchants I’m pleased to state that this brings to the table more crimson goodies than any “Friday the 13th” flick and an overall viewing experience I would somewhat liken to (one of Cults favorites) “Dead Alive”.

“Wrong Turn 2” is frenetic, unflinching, graphic, splattered with antagonists which appear immortal (though most certainly don’t live like it) and dotted with characters one wants to root for. The effects are abundant, grisly and executed with attention to detail (that explosion. Wow!) The directing is top notch, again huge props to the mind behind one of the sickest segments within “Chillerama”, and there’s seriously not a complaint here. Boobs, blood, guts, an inbred fellow who looks like he was plucked from a John Hughes film, tons of pitch humor and a final scene which puts Tobe Hoopers “The Mangler” to shame. This is my kind of film. Did I mention Henry Rollins is in this? I did, well shit I’ll say it again, cus’ he deserves another mention. Go get em’ Rambo (whoops!)
Do whatever you have to be able to set the eyes upon this. I much prefer this over any of the “Friday the 13th” films. Don’t @ me, I don’t care. I don’t have any allegiances, I like whatever puts a stoopid grin on my face. And now I’ve said my part. I’m out!
Shit. I Nearly forgot, Cult likes ‘ratings’ now. If it needs one, fuk, I guess a 9.5 will suffice.

Here’s hoping I get the chance to lay words on the others in the franchise. If they’re anything like this I’m happy to oblige. Naturally I’ve plucked the wrong image from the internet to show the others in the series. This one shows the regular (British) versions, I’ll be diving into the uncut versions whenever I can find them, and the time, and access to Cult’s keyboard in order that I can diarrhea my thoughts all lover his site. Until then.

B