MotM July '12: The Devil's Rejects

[CT]

As chosen by

In 1978 Texas, police raid the property of a family of suspected mass murderers. Three of them escape and go on the run and are pursued by a Sheriff out for revenge. As they head toward their destination, a path of depravity and torture is left in their bloody wake.

Please rate & discuss!

[Clathian Salvator]

One of the best horror films of the past few years.

[GL]

A 2 from me. Uninteresting characters, horrid writing that spends far more time homaging the past (and oftentimes films that we're worth it to begin with) than doing something interesting, stunt casting for the mere sake of it and too many creative choices that offer nothing to the film at all. The only thing that saves this one is the motel scene which is pretty disturbing, but beyond that this isn't anything special. Had this been done by anyone else it would've been rightly blasted and hated on, but because of who's behind it, it got a free pass when it didn't really deserve one.

[HNT]

I give it a 4.5. While it isn't perfect, it is a heck of a lot of fun, and it even hints at some really creepy and nasty stuff in a few parts. It has a lot of balls to go as far as it does as a mainstream film that was released to theaters. There are lots of good roles for horror legends too (though less Sherri Moon Zombie would have been a good thing because she's awful, and I really wish that Karen Black was willing to come back after doing House of 1,000 Corpses).

Other than that, for a minute I thought the movie of the month was going to be The Devil Wears Prada, so this gets a few extra points just for not being that lame.

[CK]

I went with 4.5 as well Rob could have had hookers with bigger tits but thats just me. Its raw, dirty, and bloody as hell. I could even tolerate Mrs Zombie in this more that the Halloween movies. I dont hate her as much as HNT does but Id like to see if she could get a speaking role in something RZ isnt attached to. Rejects is one of my go to films if its a rainy boring day and nothing is on, good drinking movie good music and plenty of gore.

[Jen]

I'll give it a 4.5 as well. I think it's a fantastic movie, the writing is actually pretty good, it's bold and brutal, the characters are disturbing, and it's darkly funny at times. I fear that this might be the only truly good movie Zombie has in him though. Everything else, even House of 1,000 Corpses, has shown a lot of potential. But they are mostly messes.

I have to say, Sherri Moon Zombie was one of the main reasons I didn't like House of 1000 Corpses all that much, she was annoying as hell, but she didn't really bother me so much in this one.

[The Walking Dude]

2.5 from me.

It was better than I expected,and better than Corpses,but I had low expectations.The one thing I will give it credit for though is that it managed to have me cheering on 'our heroes' by the end,proving that Zombie does have some talent. I just wish he would ditch the whole white trash thing he has going in his movies.He's fast becoming one note in this respect. I'm intrigued by his upcoming Lords of Salem but fear it will be squandered by this angle yet again.

[FireStar]

I gave this a 5. I love this movie. Its definetly one of my faves of the last decade ofhorror. Ireally hope Zombie can get back to making movies like this one again.

[HNT]

Alright, I'll try to rekindle the discussion here:

Anybody else particularly impressed by the soundtrack to this one? Zombie clearly shows his musical background by selecting some brilliant songs. Setting the climactic shoot out the guitar solo from Freebird seemed like a stroke of genius to me. So over the top, so silly and cheesy, yet somehow emotionally resonant despite the fact that you want to laugh at it.

[Jen]

Oh in my opinion he did a wonderful job with the soundtrack. It was what pulled me in right away, with the opening being set to Midnight Rider. Loved it. Fit the film very well.

[Canetoad]

I need to watch this again. Except for the motel sequences, little else sticks in my mind... which is not a good sign.

[GL]

Same here, Toad. The only thing I liked about it as well.

Come on over to me and Matt's side of the equation. Spread the indifference with us. We got plenty of beer. And hot chicks in bikinis. But mostly beer.

[HNT]

You have hot chicks in bikinis? And you would scare them away with the hotel room scene from this movie rather than show them Eat, Pray, Love or some shit while sweet talking them into getting naked? Bad call, my friend.

[CT]

I've heard "Magic Mike" is a real panty dropper.

[HNT]

Believe it or not, Magic Mike is supposed to be pretty good. I'm sure I'll see it on cable. Jamie dcan get all excited about MAtthew MaCaunaghy and I will parlay the fact that I sat through it into enough good will to make her watch Human Centipede 2 or something.