Director: Kevin Smith
Writer: Kevin Smith (Screenplay)
Starring: Michael Parks, Justin Long, Genesis Rodriguez, Haley Joel Osment, Johnny Depp, Harley Morenstein, Ralph Garman
Plot: When podcaster Wallace Bryton goes missing in the backwoods of Manitoba while interviewing a mysterious seafarer named Howard Howe, his best friend Teddy and girlfriend Allison team with an ex-cop to look for him.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Very Unique Horror
Story: Tusk starts by introducing us to podcasting partners Wallace Bryton (Long) and Teddy Craft (Osment) who travel around for looking for the most interesting stories where Wallace travels while Teddy stays home. On the latest story Wallace finds out the case has taken a turn for the worse and they have no story.
Finding a new story Wallace heads of to meet the mysterious Howard Howe (Parks) who is filled with stories of his adventures at sea. Wallace finds himself drugged by Howard who has the desire to do something very twisted indeed and turn Wallace into a walrus. The only people that can save Wallace are Teddy and girlfriend Ally (Rodriguez) who both question the morale choice Wallace has been making in his life. Are you prepared to see the final outcome of this project that is the question?
Tusk is a horror comedy that I did enjoy for the first two thirds of the story because it all works in a twisted horror story as well works as a comedy. The moment that really took away all the atmosphere created is ruined by the weird Johnny Depp detective that ends up being just like most of his recent characters. This really is one unique horror that will stick with you for a long time after this.
Actor Review
Michael Parks: Howard Howe is the man filled with stories, he comes off as a man of the world with a slightly uncomfortable love for walruses. He welcomes Wallace into his house only to make him the latest victim in his attempts to turn a human into a walrus. Michael is great in this role where he gets to be completely over the top.
Justin Long: Wallace Bryton is one part of a podcasting partnership that does the traveling side of the investigation, he comes off very brash and offensive to whoever he meets including cheating on his girlfriend. On his latest journey he goes to Canada and meets Howard Howe who gives him wild stories only to find out he is the latest victim in wanting to turn him into a walrus. Justin is good in this role where he makes himself unlikely in the good guy role.
Genesis Rodriguez: Ally Leon is the girlfriend of Wallace who doesn’t want him to go on the journey, she is dealing with him being unfaithful and only has Teddy to talk to, when he goes missing the two must travel the Canada to find him. Genesis gives us a solid performance in the supporting role but doesn’t get enough screen time for my liking.
Haley Joel Osment: Teddy Craft is the podcasting partner of Wallace, he doesn’t like to travel so he stays behind on the adventure. When Wallace goes missing he has to put his fear of traveling away to rescue him. Haley is good in this role showing he is continuing to make his comeback.
Support Cast: Tusk has a small supporting cast with Johnny Depp being the main supporting character.
Director Review: Kevin Smith – Kevin gives us his unique touch to the horror comedy which will stick with you.
Comedy: Tusk has good comical moments with how the film is styled.
Horror: Tusk puts us into the body horror film that will leave us shocked.
Settings: Tusk leaves our leading character in a location where he doesn’t have anyone available to help him.
Special Effects: Tusk has good effects to create the walrus.
Suggestion: Tusk is one to try for all horror fans as it will shock in places. (Try It)
Best Part: First look at walrus.
Worst Part: Johnny Depp feels very forced character.
Believability: No
Chances of Tears: No
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: Commentary from podcast Kevin Smith does.
Similar Too: Human Centipede
Oscar Chances: No
Budget: $2.8 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 42 Minutes
Tagline: Let me tell you a story…
Overall: Body shock horror that will stick with you for days.
Rating
