Alex is a freelance writer, retail worker, short film maker, an avid lover of The Arts and always willing to explore.
Published December 3rd 2012
Prepare To Be Offended
Astron-6's Father's Day, has proudly brought Troma back to its loyal b-grade roots, with a surprisingly fresh perspective from this new generation of hardcore horror dwellers.
The tale of Father's Day follows a vigilante group, as they seek revenge on murderer and father rapist Chris Fuchman AKA The Father's Day Killer. Join the hunt for this mythical monster with Ahab, a mentally scarred one eyed tough guy; Chelsea, his trick turning sister; a passionate preacher, known as Father John Sullivan; and Twink, a volatile streetwalker.
Father's Day is an incredibly humorous and deranged escapade that works on an array of different levels, however its main strength is easily that of its king hit full of nostalgia. This film features a special appeal for those who were around with the "Video Nasties" and Grindhouse scene; as well as for the many kids who rebelled in their youth; staying up till 1am on a sugar high, whilst desperately craving the latest low budget sleaze flick.
Differentiating itself from the likes of sloppy modern exploitation films, such as Nude Nuns With Big Guns, and Zombie Strippers; Father's Day is one of the few of its kind that has done the job right. The Astron-6 team (Adam Brooks, Jeremy Gillespie, Matt Kennedy, Conor Sweeney, and Steven Kostanski) are not just cashing in on this retro exploitation trend, they are breathing it as we speak. Amongst Father's Day's many exuberant traits; is its colourful 80's style soundtrack, an eccentric array of masterful characters, and a deliciously indulgent flood of outright malevolence.
Indeed the only real weaknesses noticeable in Father's Day, is it's occasionally hard to hear dialogue and infrequently dodgy camera work. However considering its mere $10,000 dollar budget, and that most of its tawdry aspects act as a deliberate dedication to the genre; they are features which are easily forgiveable.
Is this the best film to emerge from the crazed depths of Troma? Not quite, but it certainly comes close. With guts, man rape, and maple syrup galore, who could ask for anything more?
8.5/10
OFLC (Office of Film and Literature Classification) rating:
Despite the recent ban in Australia, Astron-6's Father's Day brings our horror junkies nothing worse then they've already seen before. Aside from multiple rape scenes, which are often seen amongst the R18 category; the only other footage that could possibly "offend against the standards of morality" is that of genital mutilation. This seemingly controversial depiction is partially why The Human Centipede 2 was banned after its appeal, however its very comical portrayal in Father's Day is incredibly fake in comparison.
Other films that feature explicit genital mutilation include; Horny House Of Horror, Antichrist and In The Realm Of Senses, all of which are just as disturbing, and have all been cleared uncut, under the current R18 classification. Whether it be something I may of missed, or if the OFLC are simply flexing their muscles; Father's Day, as disturbing as it may be, does not deserve to be refused classification. Seeing as this film has become a "cult hit" across the world, and has not brought on a frenzy of penis chomping butt rapers, I think we're in the clear.
You can purchase 4 Disc Limited Edition BLURAY at Amazon and Troma. You can also purchase the DVD at Amazon.
