Gun Town. 2009. Reviewed by Brian Kirst
Perhaps best viewed in a theater setting with a bunch of slightly inebriated and raucous horror fans, Gun Town, is definitely ambitious and while it has its moments, its inconsistencies (including saran wrap deaths of varying lengths)and silly moments (whether intentional or not)are definitely crowd specific wonders.
In his favor, though, director\writer\stuntman Lee Vervoort does create a vivid back story worthy of horror’s 1980s’ heyday and as opposed to having his handful of teenage characters simply get lost on their post graduation road trip, he has them purposely decide to chart a course with no destination – a nice touch. Of course, the jaunting teens happen upon an abandoned western town attraction with a deadly past and soon they are fighting for their lives.
Virtually blood free with only one obviously fake effects piece, Gun Town still manages some nice surprises (a body popping up in a trunk, at one point) and definitely benefits from Vervoort’s enthusiasm. Unfortunately, what could have been a truly fun film despite its problems, is undone by a cast that is, for the most part, fairly awful. The female leads never seem to be less than awkward and the only fear that legitimately seems to enter their eyes is when Vervoort makes them run around a bit. – Exercise?!? D-u-d-e!!!
Still, Tim Emery adds some peculiarity as a final act ‘sheriff’, Morgan Graham (although far too young for her role) adds some sassy menace as the faceless villain’s mate and Weston Brann as the ‘handsome-asshole’ teen, Kevin, truly has some presence and a seeming future as a popular actor.
