Night of the Tommyknockers (2022)


REVIEWER RATING: 
8/10

DIRECTOR:

CAST:


Are you a fan of Western horror films?
Me either. However, there is something so charming and low key about Night of the Tommyknockers that made me almost support the grim, night dwelling creatures (the Tommyknockers) and considered adopting one as a home guard dog…or just for taxidermy display only.

But I digress…

Maybe they are in search of something other than human flesh? Maybe they’ve been wronged in their past life and revenge is a requirement? Or maybe they just despise human life and want to take down all mortals with the compulsion of a feeding frenzied zombie pack? Hmmm…the mystery begins!

Just like any good Western movie, we start with the “Dirk Gang” (lead by reclusive gunslinger Grieco as Dirk) who makes a killing (pun intended) in a small dirt town through a brutal bank robbery. They shortly head off to regroup, rejoice and rethink their next act of debauchery over a campfire under the blue stars of…wherever they stopped for the night. And as they almost decide to “retire” their criminal ways, one firecracker in the gang (Betsy) pitches the ultimate last score, which no one can refuse.

With promises of wealth and ultimate freedom to enjoy their “hard earned riches”, the Dirk Gang enters what appears to be a defunct ghost town, where locals are now huddled in the local pub to wait out the Tommyknockers’ raid. Immediately, the gang joins forces with the town’s Marshal (amazing performance by Sizemore!) to ensure not only the safety of the area, but more importantly…where is their last score and how can they make it out alive with the loot?

While a bounty hunter tracks Dirk and his comrades, and the brothel upstairs from the tavern is in full swing, the unsettling beasts are attacking the businesses with indiscriminating viciousness. But what else did you expect from a typical cowboy movie, drenched in blood-soaked body parts, hmm? A few brave souls escape the stricken bar with limited weapons and their wits in order to save the day. But…from which gang or terror?

It is frenzied, fantastic fun and make no mistake: Greed is deadly. (Sorry Gordon Gecko!)

OVERALL: 
A card game, a bank robbery, some gunfighting and heinous creatures craving blood – thus is the check list for Night of the Tommyknockers and it delivers full throttle. Watching Grieco as introverted evil once again, is nothing short of exquisiteness. He continues to convey the lack of remorse, emotion and empathy needed to construct Dirk into the cold-hearted outlaw that I embraced instantly. Partnered alongside the ever humorous and fearless Lucky (LaSardo) is the perfect match made in felony hell. Although some of the acting felt a bit forced, it was clearly stolen by the magnetic force of the well-casted leads. And anyone who knows me, understands that my love for Richard Grieco holds no bounds. Even in a baha for 90 minutes while avoiding a horrific death by disembowelment - I wanted more!


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