Roadkill

Released to tv in April, 2011, and on dvd August 30th, "Roadkill" is yet another creature-on-the-loose flick from Syfy. This time it's a giant bird-of-prey, the mythical Roc, preying upon a bunch of youths touring rural Ireland in an RV, picking 'em off one by one.

With Syfy you never know what you're going to get. For every "Sasquatch Mountain" and "From Within" there's a "Mega Cleavage Vs. Gatorade." With a title like "Roadkill" the prognosis wasn't very good, but "Roadkill" surprised me.

The movie combines elements of several films: "Jeepers Creepers 2 (Special Edition)" (flying creature attacking a bus full of youths) and countless other flying creature flicks like "Carny: Maneater Series" and "Wyvern: Maneater Series," as well as films like "Wrong Turn" and "Dying Breed" (malevolent hicks in remote areas). It also has a subplot about an old gypsy curse, which is reminiscent of "Drag Me to Hell (Unrated Director's Cut)." If you like these types of films "Roadkill" is as good or better.

What makes it "as good or better"? For one, it's filmed on location in mysterious rural areas of Ireland, which sets it apart from most Syfy flicks which are filmed in British Columbia, Romania or Bulgaria. Secondly, it has a likable cast with a good assortment of gorgeous women. Thirdly, the CGI creature is well done, unlike say the cartooney cat in "Sabretooth." Fourthly, the material is taken seriously and never devolves into camp or goofiness. Fifthly, this is just a solidly made Grade-B creature feature. The filmmakers obviously took the time to make a quality product and this is seen in numerous scenes. For instance, the sparrow scene (you'll know what I mean when you see it), as well as the touching reflective sequences in-between bird attacks and the many atmospheric forest/moors images. I also like how the film touches on the human breaking point and insanity, which would certainly be a possibility (or probability) if this occurred in real life.

The first review of "Roadkill" on IMDb absurdly gives the film the absolute lowest rating possible (1/10), not to mention inexplicably gives away the ending (?!). What a moron.

This reviewer refers to the youths as "stereotypical beautiful college kids" but, as far as the dudes go, I don't see any Brad Pitts, and as far as the ladies go, they're pretty hot, as noted above, but not unbelievably so. Also, despite the token minority they seem like a realistic circle of friends.

This reviewer also rags on the film for the huge RV, but this is a pretty big group of youths so the RV HAS to be big enough to accommodate them. Besides, we see huge RVs all over rural areas of North America, why would it be any different in Ireland? It goes without saying, pay this review no mind.

BOTTOM LINE: "Roadkill" is a solid low-budget flying creature flick with a sideplot of ee-vil gypsies and is well worth your time if you're into these types of films. It's at least as good as "Wyvern" and I like it better than "Jeepers Creepers 2."

Part of Syfy's Maneater series, Roadkill (2011) is a monster movie with less than impressive special effects and is also severely lacking in the story department. For whatever reasons, the screenplay tries very hard to have the characters do and say completely stupid things, that make them as unrealistic and unsympathetic as possible.

A group of old friends meet in Ireland, and head out to tour the countryside in a rented bus. Stopping at the Wayside Garage, the group enters a small establishment selling souvenirs. A man named Luca (Ned Dennehy), who resembles a vulture, apparently runs the place. One of the group becomes interested in buying a pendant that Luca is wearing. After Luca swindles them, Chuck (Diarmund Noyes) jerks the pendant from his neck, and the group runs and boards the bus for a fast getaway. Unfortunately with Chuck behind the wheel, the bus hits an old woman, who before dying puts a curse on them.

It doesn't take long for the curse to take effect, as while the bus is stopped, one of the group goes outside, and is pulled into the sky by a Roc, a giant mythical bird. When the bus develops a flat, in a display of solidarity, the chicken-hearted group sends one person out to change the tire alone. Predictably, the Roc strikes again, carrying away its second victim into the sky. Besides facing the threat of the pursing bird, Luca wants his pendant back, and along with his gypsy buddies, is eager to turn the tourists into snacks for the hungry Roc. Things just get worse, as the clueless tourists bungle their way across the countryside, and their bickering and idiotic conversations get more frequent.

Costs probably limits the creature's screen time to a minimum, and what is seen isn't very impressive, as the CG Roc lacks definition, and appears almost translucent at times. Kate (Kacey Barnfield) is the only one of the group that has the guts to fight back, as the males in the group are rather short on both balls and brains. As the one responsible for the curse, Chuck is completely obnoxious, and his limited vocabulary gets tired really fast. Given an appalling script that has them behave like morons, it's difficult for any of the actors to look good.

Like many Sy Fy Channel productions, Roadkill is rubbish. Dedicated fans of the Maneater series, might want to catch it on Sy Fy before spending any coin on this disaster.

Just as the title of my review says, this is one of those fun horror movies that you'll love to watch with a group of friends or even by yourself. It definitely has its good scares and the humor is laced throughout. I loved the ending. Put on the popcorn, turn down the lights, and get ready for a fun ride.