Tusk (2014)

Tusk

• This film had so much potential. So much. I was really feeling it, and then it completely fell apart. No shade towards Kevin Smith, but come on man. You had it. It was right there. Anyways, let me explain my thoughts. The first two acts of this film are actually really good. There’s a really good build up, with plenty of tension and suspense. You slowly get enveloped by Howard and his eccentric character, and can only imagine what’s to come. I was baffled by the horrible reviews that this has. I was really enjoying it, and it wasn’t bad at all. Then, it comes to an absolute screeching halt and completely sh!ts the bed. I don’t want to blame Johnny Depp, but we’re gonna blame Johnny Depp. His character is quite possibly the most unnecessary character I’ve seen in my entire life, and that is entirely what kills the film. All sense of urgency and horror is completely lost, and the film turns into an SNL skit. I lost nearly all interest in what was happening. I know for a fact I’m not the only person to say this. So yeah, that’s the biggest complaint I have. It was so close to being a great film, except it isn’t. The story itself is good (up until Guy LaPointe), and I’ll never turn down some body horror with practical effects. The visuals are spooky and a bit grimy (up until Guy LaPointe), and the aesthetic and vibe was very unsettling (up until Guy LaPointe). The cast was pretty decent all around (except Johnny Depp), and I’ll always be a fan of Justin Long, no longer who he plays. Michael Parks is really good, too. The biggest highlight is the makeup and walrus suit. Justin Long as a walrus is immediately a top ten most iconic thing in horror, ever. Overall, this film is pretty good, until it becomes very bad, and there’s no getting away from it. I would still recommend it just to say you’ve seen, but stop watching once you see Johnny Depp’s face.