Strangeland (1998) Movie Review
Written By: JEH
Edited By: Grave Reviews Staff
Film Information
Director: John Pieplow
Producers: Larry Meistrich, David L. Bushell, Dee Snider
Writers: Dee Snider
Date Released: October 2, 1998
Cast:
Dee Snider as Carlton Hendricks/Captain Howdy
Linda Cardellini as Genevieve Gage
Kevin Gage as Detective Mike Gage
Elizabeth Peña as Toni Gage
Brett Harrelson as Detective Steve Christianson
Robert Englund as Jackson Roth
Amal Rhoe as Tiana Moore
Amy Smart as Angela Stravelli
Rating = 2.5/5 Graves
***May contain some spoilers***
Synopsis
Best friends Genevieve (Linda Cardellini) and Tiana (Amal Rhoe) encounter an online predator in a teen chat room. When the predator, Captain Howdy (Dee Snider), invites them for a party, the two end up missing. Hours later, Tiana’s body is found, leading Genevieve’s father, Detective Mike Gage (Kevin Gage), to a possible suspect: a body modification enthusiast. When Captain Howdy finds out that the police discovered his methods, he taunts the police into a chase. However, with his daughter’s life in danger, Detective Gage must proceed with caution.
Gore Factor
Slasher fans always look forward to violence, gore, and creative deaths. So, you might find yourself feeling underwhelmed while watching Strangeland (1998). While the concept of body horror using piercings and body modification might sound interesting, the movie fails to highlight it properly.
However, if you are the type who gets uncomfortable with spiky things entering the skin, the gore might heavily affect you. But if your preference for gore is bloody and messy, you won’t have to worry much.
The Grave Review
Strangeland (1998) was written by the former frontman for the metal band Twisted Sister, Dee Snider. He also gave life to the main antagonist of the movie, Captain Howdy, despite his lack of experience in the acting department. This is impressive because his debut film does not suck. However, it is not one of the greatest.
Let’s start with what makes the movie good: the concept. Creating an interesting killer is vital when writing a new slasher movie. So, it’s great that Snider’s Captain Howdy brings something new to the table. A body modification enthusiast with questionable beliefs is a familiar idea. However, the movie shifts into a thought-provoking storyline exploring what might have gone wrong with Captain Howdy.
Unfortunately, Snider and the director fail to flesh out the interesting parts of Strangeland (1998). Even the supposed violent sadistic scenes feel lacking. The idea and elements are present, but maybe the team did not know how to give everything the much-needed oomph.
Should you see this movie? Despite its flaws, Strangeland (1998) is a movie that should be seen by slasher fans. It is fun, exciting, and memorable. So, make sure to add it to your movie watch list.
Because of the foregoing reasons, Grave Reviews gives Strangeland (1998) two and a half graves out of five graves.
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