GHOULISH GIFTS: Adam Green presents ‘Hatchet: The Complete Collection’
Image courtesy of Dark Sky Films / Provided by Sapkar PR with permission.
The four-film Hatchet franchise from writer-director Adam Green placed a terrifying monster in the hearts of horror fans. The genre was itching for another villain that could ascend the ghoulish ladder and touch the brilliance of Freddy, Jason and Michael. Hatchet doesn’t achieve the same level of murderous marvelousness as his spooky comrades, but as a modern entry in the slasher realm, the quartet of films definitely leaves a lasting impression.
A new steelbook Blu-ray collection, under the banner “Adam Green presents” and released by Dark Sky Films, features Hatchet, Hatchet II, Hatchet III and Victor Crowley, plus a fifth disc of bonus material. Now fans can relive the rampage of Victor Crowley, a swamp resident who doesn’t like anyone coming near his deep-in-the-bayou abode.
The 2006 original movie follows the character of Ben (Joel David Moore) as he books a nighttime ghost tour on the Louisiana bayou. He brings along his friend Marcus (Deon Richmond), even though Marcus would rather stay on Bourbon Street and enjoy the alcohol-infused frivolity. Of course, this being a slasher flick, the tour doesn’t go as planned. One by one the passengers on the boat fall victim to Victor Crowley, who is given a backstory thanks to a prelude starring Robert England (Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street).
There’s not much depth to the mythology of Hatchet, but each sequel adds to the mystique and background of this scary, violent man who calls the land of gators home.
Genre fans should be on the lookout for some well-known faces (or at least intricate makeup on well-known faces). For starters, Kane Hodder — Jason Voorhees himself — appears as Victor Crowley. Tony Todd (Candyman) also turns up as a proprietor of a voodoo shop in the French Quarter. It’s always good seeing Richard Riehle and Joel Murray. Later entries (not all of them directed by Green) feature everyone from Danielle Harris to Tom Holland to Derek Mears.
Hatchet is not for everyone. The acting is solid, but the secondary storylines can be cheesy. The creature effects of Victor Crowley are excellent, and the kill scenes are exquisitely bloody. The setting of the movie is a huge plus, with Green taking full advantage of the bayou scenery. Also, part one’s earlier scenes in the French Quarter are appreciated and nicely staged, setting up the story and sending Ben and Marcus into the swamp.
For Hatchet fans — and there are many of them amongst the horror family — this new steelbook collection is a must purchase this Halloween season.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
