Written by: Ryan Dailey
If Tales From the Crypt and This is Spinal Tap shared one night of passion in the bed of Sam Raimi, Studio 666 would be the result of this union. This film is everything a schlock horror film should be. The chemistry on-screen between The Foo Fighters is so on-point that one would gladly watch a solo film starring any of the surviving members.
Dave Grohl came up with the story idea and Jeff Buhler with Rebecca Hughes fleshing it out into a 106 minute script. Clearly this trio knows their stuff, as eagle-eyed audience members will catch references to Dawn of the Dead, The Exorcist and countless others. Not only does the famous John Carpenter co-write the opening theme, but appears as a sound engineer in film as well.
The premise is a simple one, The Foo Fighters are experiencing a bit of creative constipation, so the group decides that a change of scenery would help them in creating their tenth studio album. Unbeknownst to the band, the house in Encino that calls to Grohl was the scene of countless murders in the 1990’s, as a previous band dabbled in the occult to make their album. Grohl becomes a man obsessed, destined for his band to finish the song and bring the demons to our world.
The script is not tight and the dialog is not anything that will put Billy Wilder to shame, but it does not have to. This film is unapologetically gory and meant to be a good time. Aside from the great on screen performances the band turns in Studio 666 also puts out terrific practical gore effects and stellar kills.
It is no secret that smaller budget, independent films are where my heart lies. Films like this are shining examples as to why. When creative minds are allowed to do what they envision, the world benefits by gaining these great cinematic works that will live on well past the shelf life of the cookie cutter fodder coming out of Hollywood these days.
If I am ever fortunate enough to meet Grohl and the gang in person, I would be more than grateful to give them a “Pearl Jam high five.” Those who have seen the movie would agree.
Studio 666 is available on DVD, Blu-Ray and digital.