Bonejangles, 2017.
Directed by Brett DeJager.
Starring Reggie Bannister, Elissa Dowling, Kelly Misek Jr., Julia Cavanaugh, Devin Toft, Jamie Scott Gordon, Lawrence Wayne Curry, and Hannah Richter.
SYNOPSIS:
While transporting the unstoppable killer Bonejangles to an asylum, a group of police officers encounter a hellish pit stop: a cursed town where the dead rise from their graves. Now the only way to save their lives and the town is to release Bonejangles and fight the curse…with something much worse.
First there was Leatherface, then Michael Myers, then there was Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger, then Jimmy Saville. Now…now, there is Bonejangles. This low budget ode to both the slasher film and the zombie film is a comedy horror which pays homage to horror icons.
In a time where the VOD (Video on demand) Horror market is thoroughly saturated, Bonejangles opts to meld together several familiar elements into something with enough of its own stamp to stand out from the crowd. Edgar Friendly Jnr, known as Bonejangles is the unstoppable serial killer who rampages through a small town. He’s captured and a group of inept officers must transport him to another town where an asylum awaits. The only problem is, this town is being ravaged by a once a year Zombie swarm from a centuries old Witches curse. The only hope for the officers and townsfolk is Bonejangles. One evil released to fight another.
The film sensibly leans heavily on the comedy side, whilst faithfully adhering to the horror conventions. It doesn’t take itself too seriously which some VOD horror films have fallen foul of doing. It’s all well and good if you have the script to back it up, and strong direction, but many horror films these days (even big screen affairs) just don’t. Bonejangles sets its stall out to be enjoyable. A breezy slice of fun with the requisite amounts of gore.
The film isn’t perfect. The gags are hit and miss but the cast are game. Some of the stereotyping (such as ludicrously camp Queen character, almost right out of a 1970’s sitcom) isn’t great. Regardless, the films central characters are likeable. The characters are an odd mix, including one side character, a stereotypical hill-billy who decides to channel Heath Ledger’s Joker. The film looks pretty decent. There’s some nice lighting work, all within pretty standard horror locations.
Writer Keith Melcher and director Brett DeJager revel in the silliness and have a clear appreciation of classic horror icons (the late great George Romero for one). There’s enough enjoyment here to overcome the meagre budget and slight lack of emotional involvement. Bonejangles is no Freddy but his debut outing is more than adequate.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★
Tom Jolliffe
Originally published July 18, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
