Tusk is a horror comedy directed by Kevin Smith and starring Justin Long and Michael Park. It was released in 2014.
The plot of this film centers around a podcaster named Wally who travels to Canada to interview someone for his show. Once Wally arrives he learns his subject has killed their self. Wally does not want to return home empty handed so when he is given the opportunity to interview an elderly man who supposedly has many exciting life stories to share he takes it. Unfortunately for this very unlucky podcaster the old man has lured him to his home for sinister reasons. I cannot elaborate any further or I will be venturing into spoiler territory.
Tusk is probably the most bizarre horror film I have ever seen (It may be tied with The Human Centipede). The film started off by familiarizing you with the main character, Wally, and his best friend Teddy played by a now rather plump but still cute Hayley Joel Osment. Wally has become a huge douchebag since the success of his podcast and his girlfriend just wants him to return to the likable nerd he once was. Wally being an annoying douche keeps the viewer from feeling much sympathy for him later on in the film.
Once Wally enters the old man’s home and begins interviewing him things turn creepy quickly. The creepy factor ends once the setting changes. I am not sure how I feel about this. I know Kevin Smith wanted there to be horror and comedy in this film but to me it was not able to do both at once. When the tone changed — it was for the rest of the film. I longed for the creepy to come back.
That said there is still plenty of good stuff in this mixed bag including a cameo by Johnny Depp. Smith and Depp’s daughters played the convenience store clerks and an ending so bizarre you will shake your head and laugh.
Overall, I enjoyed this movie. It has seemed to be a love it or hate it with not many viewers falling in the middle. The things that I didn’t care for were to some extent cancelled out by the sheer insanity that this film is. I loved the concept. There were parts of the film that I loved. I just did not love the execution of all of it. I would have preferred all creepy with comedy sprinkled in rather than change of tone for whole segments of it. If you are into bizarre, creepy, funny horror with an original plot check out Tusk. I guarantee you will not be bored and you may even love it. One final note: What would you do if you found yourself in Wally’s situation? Could you get yourself out of it before it was too late? If you have seen the film I’d love for you to share your thoughts in the comments.
LITTLE MISS HORROR NERD’S RATING: 3 1/2 out of 5
