That’s what I love about horror movies, I keep getting older, and they keep staying the same. Brett Simmons’ “Husk” is one of the newest movies from the ever-growing After Dark Horrorfest series. By no means does the movie deviate from the cookie-cutter formula, and the killer scarecrow could easily be the father of “Trick 'r Treat’s” demonic little prankster, but the movie is still actually quite enjoyable.
“Husk” is the story of five friends driving on a seemingly abandoned country road en route to a happening vacation spot. As they're discussing the complexities of females and what beer is tastier, their car is hit by a barrage of crows and swerves off the road. When they all come to, they find that their friend Johnny (Ben Easter) is missing from the car. Scott (Devon Graye), Brian (Wes Chatham), Chris (CJ Thomason) and Natalie (Tammin Sursok) venture into the neighboring cornfield in search of Johnny, but they aren’t alone. Someone or something is stalking them and isn’t willing to let them leave … alive.
Everything about “Husk” borders on ridiculous. A group of guys and their gal pal come across a deserted farm house while looking for their missing friend. As they try to leave the cornfield they are stalked, pun intended, by a possessed scarecrow. Surprisingly enough, “Husk” works. You may have to shut off the old thinker but it is quite enjoyable.
The scariest part of the movie is its set. This small farmhouse in the middle of the cornfield makes an open area feel small Every time the characters venture out into the corn, they're wrangled back to the house by the killer scarecrow. The house itself is very creepy. The dilapidated walls and faded pictures on the wall give the house a very hollow feeling. The best part of the house is one of its upstairs bedrooms — a completely empty room with only an antique sewing machine in the middle. This room is creepy by itself, but when a fresh scarecrow recruit sits at the machine and fashions its very own sack mask, it only becomes creepier.
Be warned; there are a few minor SPOILERS up ahead.
The acting in the movie is par but that is to be expected, especially in the lower-budget horror movies. Sursok fits the bill of the attractive female and it is actually surprising that she is the second person to bite it. The sole female usually lasts until the last two victims, if not the last, but her death was used to keep Chatham’s character around in an attempt to save her. Oh, the insanity of love. With his Jay Baruchel qualities, Graye is the most likable character and the only one I cheered for to survive in the end.
If you’re looking for something that you don’t have to think about and just want a good jump or two, “Husk” is a fun movie to pass the time.
The special features aren’t as bountiful as one would hope, but there are a few ripe features. The theatrical trailer was well put together, and it was interesting to see some of the storyboard sketches. The making-of was actually entertaining if you’re a fan of the movie. It was cool to see the cast having a lot of fun making the movie.
Film: 3.5 Yaps Features: 2.5 Yaps