Psychotik Review: Mr. Hush

Alright this has been a long time coming, and I’m so happy to be able to finally review this film. As some of you may know who have been with us from the get go…or those of you that like to browse my back catalogue of articles…know about Mr. Hush. I feel so bad that I have sat on this review for so long. I know a few people who have been dying for my thoughts on it (Literally I have been to two funerals over this so far and can’t do it anymore…lol) Seriously though, this has been a long journey and I can’t wait for the next one David Madison set’s me on. Without beating around the bush…and no more around the tush…Allow me to present…

Psychotik Review: Mr. Hush

Behold his greatness!

Allow me to start this off my saying I’m generally not a fan of Independent Films. Most experiences I’ve had in the past were very bad. Not to say that their haven’t been times that I’ve been amazed. Also in saying this though, I’d like to add I’ve come to know what to expect from these movies. Hush stands head and shoulders above others. Let’s not start out with the rating though…I want you all to sweat! The film is about  Holland Price (Brad Loree), an average enough guy with a perfect family. This all changes one Halloween night when a priest shows up at his door. According to him, he was taking some children trick or treating when his vehicle caught a flat. He just needed to use the phone. Seems legit? WRONG! I a single instance all goes wrong and thus begins Hollands nightmare. Flash 10 years in the future and Holland has become a drifter that suffers from nightmares of the night his wife was murdered and his daughter disappeared. He still searches for her, clinging to the thought she is still out there. It’s when he stops to settle down a bit…he finds the nightmare…has found him once again.

Before I dive into pro’s and con’s, let me start off with saying this is an independent film, and as such there are some things you have to take into consideration. Independent films are very low budget most of the times. So picking at bad visual effects, shaky camera, and other small details…you can’t really do that fairly. These are present in most if not all independent films. They can’t all have Rick Baker, Tom Savini, or film in an IMAX camera. So if your watching this movie, don’t rate it yourself comparing it to a multimillion dollar flick. At this point you are being unfair. You have to appreciate it for what it is. A throwback to the old horror movies of the 80’s. Something that was done wonderfully. Now that that’s out of the way…Pro’s and Con’s (I’m going to reverse the two so we end on a positive note!)

Cons

Really there isn’t much bad I have to say about Hush. The main problems I found was with transitions and character development. Some of the transitions between dream sequences and flashes forward in time are left unclear. It takes you a minuet to gather your thoughts and realize you aren’t really lost. A couple of times it happened and I was like “Whoa, Did I miss something?”

As far as character development goes, you learn a nice bit about most of the characters. Definitely enough to keep the movie moving. I just wish there was more. Some of the relationships that are formed are unclear because you don’t know how much time has lapsed. This con is almost a good thing, because that means the film had characters worth wanting to know more about it.

Pros

Ah, a lot of these to be had. But I’m only going to gush over a few. I enjoyed the casting, the story, the ending (the ending is going to have spoilers…but don’t worry I’ll warn you…this is number 1) The casting in this movie is very interesting. This is the first speaking main role for Brad Loree who usually is just a stunt man. I do hope this isn’t his last lead role as he did very well. The antagonistic role is played with a chilling sadistic nature by Edward X. Young. The man plays a villain like no other. He can go from purely calm in demeanor to psycho in seconds.  Stephen Geoffreys is like the perfect lackey and very much so a nod to his roles from the 80’s (Fright Night, 976-EVIL). Steve Dash will make you smile from ear to ear as will director Thomas Churchill. Neither one has much screen time, but boy the time they are on screen…you won’t forget them. Watch out for Spoilers ahead….

Story was another thing I enjoyed. It is cut from the same cloth has most horror from the 80’s, but in an original pattern. it’s refreshing to see a call back to when horror was really different. It wasn’t afraid to have comedy. It wasn’t afraid to be a little campy. The dialogue in this movie will chill you in some areas and in others make you have a real gut wrenching laugh (Listen for “You Smelly Fuck!”…your going to lose it and not get it back!! lol) A + for freshness….Spoiler Alert coming up ….now!!!

***SPOILER ALERT***

Who is this Edward Cullen you speak of?

The ending is really worth mentioning as a pro. You don’t see it coming. Obviously you get their is something off about Mr. Hush. A sort of supernatural quality. What you don’t expect is him turning into a grey shark tooth fanged vampire. You also don’t expect one of the most hilarious vampire staking since Paul Rubens in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Huey Lewis and the News isn’t a bad addition either. I like the twist ending the most. You sort of see it, but it’s not at the front of your mind for sure. Age old vampire grudge over Hollands grandfather killing Hush’s mate? it’s very refreshing not seeing regurgitated ideas.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, I give David Lee Madison’s  Mr. Hush 4 out of 5 Top Hats. If you’re a fan of independent film, or just wanting to see a good fresh horror flick pick it up! It’s available at Blockbuster and through Netflix by mail. I really can’t wait to see further projects from David Madison. Hats off sir…Hats off! That will be all for today Darlings! Stay tuned for more madness!

Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,

Malice Psychotik

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