When the latest crop of unsuspecting Northerners fail to show up for the annual Guts N Glory Jamboree, the maniacal residents of Pleasant Valley take their cannibalistic carnival on the road in the hunt for fresh meat. Passing through Iowa, they encounter spoiled heiresses Rome and Tina Sheraton and the cast and crew of their Road Rascals reality show.
With their insatiable appetites well and truly whetted, the maniacs are soon in hot pursuit of their latest victims. A blood splattered, entrails ridden game of cat and mouse ensues, and the maniacs prove themselves more than ratings killers as they hack and gorge themselves through the spoiled sisters and their motley camera crew.
If youre even halfway familiar with the first movie, youll know what to expect from this blood splattered sequel. Field of Screams unashamedly unleashes barrelfuls of toilet bowl humour, buckets of guts and gleefully outlandish performances at break neck speed. For the first 20 minutes or so, this is all entertaining enough; but by about the third disembowelment the appeal begins to wane.
The main problem with Field of Screams is that theres nothing to really anchor the film. Admittedly, were dealing with an unapologetic gory romp, and thats fine and dandy, but the script is crying out for a well rounded lead to offset the bonkers brood and their murderous antics. Instead, were dealt a thinly drawn rabble of pretty young things, with a Paris and Nicole parody at the centre. The performances are shaky at best, and none of the jokes really pop.
Fortunately, the returning talent turn in the more enjoyable moments of the movie. Lin Shaye returns as maniacal matriarch and proves enjoyable throughout, while horror movie stalwart Bill Moseley steps into the shoes left vacant by Robert Englund and takes the reigns of Mayor Buckman. If only the film boasted the same big and bonkers personalities throughout; Field of Screams could have been an enjoyable enough ride.
Overall Verdict: If youre looking for a brainless 90 minutes of bloody violence and cheap laughs; Field of Screams may just fit the bill. But, even within this cheap and nasty franchise; this subpar sequel still leaves plenty to be desired.
Special Features:
Shock N Roll Slide Show
Behind the Screams
Commentary
Trailer
Reviewer: David Steele