DVD Review: THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE (2010)

 

------Review by contributing writer Scott Baker------
     

 

THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE

Written & Directed by:  Dustin Mills

Distributed by:  MVD Entertainment Group
  

  

There are few movies nowadays that can truly boast about being original. But I gotta tell you: THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE is definitely one that can claim it. This film, while not the best I’ve seen this year, is probably the most unique.

 

If you are not familiar with THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE, here is the plot synopsis courtesy of MVD:

 

A group of teens are challenged to spend a night in the Wagner mansion on the edge of town. Little do they know the owner (Dr. Wolfgang Wagner) has concocted a monstrosity in the basement and plans to make the hapless teens the creature's first big meal. This is The Puppet Monster Massacre, a wild and raucous love letter to the monster films of the glorious 1980's! Heads will roll and felt will fly in this visually rich splatter-fest. Thrill as an army of over 400 soldiers is helpless against a monstrous menace, Chill as a man collapses from the aroma of a thousand bunny farts, Shriek as puppets make sweet monkey love in a spooky graveyard! This is the low budget film you have been waiting for!

 

First off: this movie is A LOT of fun. I don’t care who you are or what genre you normally watch, THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE will put a smile on your face regardless. It is witty and wildly entertaining, a felt-filled fright-fest of fun!

 

Yes, folks, this is a puppet horror movie. There are no live-action scenes, no human actors, but lots of scares and gore. Yup, that’s right: gore. Heck, there’s even a couple of scenes of puppet nudity. If that’s your thing, then your in for a treat.

 

I have to hand it to the production crew: the blood and gore in this flick is superb. There’s plenty of it, too. But, I have to admit...it’s hard to take it seriously whenever the image preceding the gore is a puppet. Still, you have to admire filmmakers who are willing to slaughter puppets in the name of entertainment!

 

The story works well for this film, and could actually work well in a live-action movie: Dr. Wagner is an ex-Nazi who has created a monster to wreak havoc upon his enemies. Which leaves the quirky (and unknowing) hero to save the day...even if he is scared lintless. The film clocks in at 70 minutes, which means the plot moves quickly.

 

Even so, I would dare to venture that 70 minutes might be a tad too long for this type of film. The novelty of the puppetry wanes after the first 45 minutes or so. THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE could have easily been just as good by running for 50 minutes instead.

 

Still, you can’t help but like this film. I really it overall and am recommending it to anyone that enjoys over-the-top fun.   The DVD is available now from MVD Entertainment group.

 
   
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer (**Warning** trailer contains foul language and puppet nudity)
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD