PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I am beyond honored and feel so lucky that I was able to screen Rock Paper Dead, the legendary director Tom Holland’s latest film before it even comes out in 2018. Holland has given me nightmares since I was a kid with films such as Child’s Play and Fright Night. Would Holland create more nightmare’s for me as an adult with a script by the talented writers Victor Miller (Friday the 13th 1980) and Kerry Fleming (For Her 2017)? Or is Rock Paper Dead a game that you just can’t win? Let’s discuss.
Official Synopsis of Rock Paper Dead:
Rock Paper Dead is the story of serial killer Peter “the Doll Maker” Harris. Peter returns to his ancestral family home after being released from the state hospital for the criminally insane after ten years – a “cured” man. Once inside the old house, anguished memories from a tortured childhood and ghostly visitations from his past victims shake Peter’s resolve. It isn’t until lovely young Ashley enters his life that Peter makes a fateful decision, a decision that will rekindle old desires that always ended in murder.
What Works:
One of the things that drew me into Rock Paper Dead so much was the fact that it’s not your A-Typical slasher. It has psychological elements that will fuck with your brain for days. This is a film that will make you feel the worst kind of uncomfortable and I don’t say that lightly. I swear, you will be cringing in your seat (totally intentional!). It has a pretty awesome twist that I am still trying to render. In my opinion, that is what makes a great film. This is the kind of movie that delivers those jaw dropping moments and doesn’t let up for the entire run-time. It’s creepy, bloody, and mind-blowing. The first scene sets the stage and will you have you hooked. With Kerry Fleming and Victor Miller’s screenplay, along with Tom Holland’s direction, this film takes the creepy doll sub-genre to a whole new level… not to mention the spooky mask that I’m sure will become a classic Halloween costume for years to come.
Rock Paper Dead also has an all star cast! When I say all star, I mean ALL STAR! Micheal Madsen (Reservoir Dogs), John Dugan (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1974), Ari Lehman (Friday The 13th 1980), Maureen McCormick The Brady Bunch TV series), Tatum O’Neal (The Bad News Bears 1976), Najarra Townsend (Contracted), Luke Macfarlane (Brothers and Sisters TV series) and Jennifer Titus (Zoombies). If that casting doesn’t make you want to watch it on your own, I’m not sure what will. They all deliver awesome crazy amazing performances. If you thought John Dugan’s portrayal as Grandpa in Texas Chainsaw Massacre was sadistic, you can see him take it to a whole new level with Uncle Charles. Bravo!
What Doesn’t Work:
As I stated before, Rock Paper Dead will make you feel uncomfortable. This is an emotionally charged film. One scene in particular might make some viewers completely uneasy. However, this is what many horror lovers are looking for in their horror, and I believe that those people will enjoy the film. I really don’t have anything negative to say about Rock Paper Dead, but I wanted to send a warning that this film is so many dimensions of messed up, so sensitive audiences, beware!
Final Thoughts:
Rock Paper Dead is a fantastic film that will make you question what is real and what is not. This film is absolutely, 100% franchise material. Instead of playing Rock Paper Scissors, watch Rock Paper Dead when it comes out in 2018. It’s a nasty good time.
