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Hobo with a Shotgun
R2 - United Kingdom - Momentum Pictures Review written by and copyright: Neil Bray (3rd August 2011). |
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The Film
 “Sometimes, on the street, a broom just ain’t gonna fucking cut it. That’s when you’ve got to get a shotgun!” In this film, never a truer word was spoken. If I’m honest, until Death Proof and Planet Terror came along in 2007 I’d never even heard of Grindhouse; and if I want to be even more honest, I didn’t think I’d missed much. But, I’m always open to a new film experience so I went into Hobo with a Shotgun with an open mind. I probably would have watched it at some point anyway, as I love Rutger Hauer; but I’m glad I’ve seen it now instead of later. Have you ever watched a film and known with everything that’s decent and good inside of you that you shouldn’t enjoy it? Well, watch Hobo, and you will. This film is an uber-violent, depraved piece of film that pushes boundaries to the limits and does so with more blood than the majority of horror movies ever made. Hauer plays the eponymous Hobo with absolutely no restraint; completely embodying the character and bringing him to life at a level I’m not sure another actor could have achieved. Pushed to the limits by the violence and crime when he arrives in Hope City he is finally pushed to take the law into his own hands, and, like the bears he loves, goes on a bloody rampage. Everyone from child-molesting santas, to child-prostitute-running pimps fall under the smoking barrels of his shotgun; and with every blood-soaked blast of that gun a ray of hope begins to shine. Maybe, finally, the scum can be washed off the streets, and people can stop living in fear. Whether you support this sort of vigilante justice, or whether you just like films that are loud and violent, there is a lot to enjoy here; and a lot to be wary of. Anyone with a weak stomach should stay far away, because the makers don’t pull any punches with the violence. Likewise, anyone easily offended should steer clear – most notably from a scene involving one character taking a flame-thrower to a school bus full of children while the first few bars of Disco Inferno play on a boombox (‘Burn, Baby, Burn’). Hauer delivers his lines with an intensity that occasionally belies the over-the-top antics going on around him; but it is this very larger-than-life style that makes the film border on masterpiece territory. Whether delivering lines such as “I’m gonna sleep in your bloody carcasses tonight” or in tender scenes with prostitute Abby (Molly Dunsworth), Hauer brings an honesty to the role that makes him totally believable and a joy to watch. Then there’s movie newcomer Molly Dunsworth who makes Julia Roberts’ tart-with-a-heart look like a serial killer. Every scene she has with Hauer infuses the film with some much-needed tenderness and hope; especially when they decide to run away and start a lawn-mowing company. It is these scenes that make later scenes involving Abby that much harder to watch. I will admit that the film isn’t particularly strong on plot; but, having said that, I think a lot of viewers will empathise with the Hobo and see in themselves that desire to finally break free from the chains of society and wreak vengeance on all the lawless people who surround our everyday lives. Ok, so maybe taking a shotgun to them is a little extreme, but you’ve got to start somewhere; and going on the journey with Rutger Hauer’s Hobo is a lot of fun. There are going to be a huge amount of people who are going to hate this film, and many of those are going to think it should be erased from existence; I am so thankful that I am not one of them. I will say this though: even the horror-lover in me finds that after the level of violence in Hobo with a Shotgun I’m really in the mood for a slice of romantic comedy.
Video
The anamorphic 2.35:1 picture looks amazing on this film; to the point where I’m not sure if the blu-ray release could be that much of an improvement. The visual style of the film is a feast for the senses with its over-saturated, almost surreal look. Amazing colours and inky blacks make for a really impressive picture and a huge surprise for a DVD release.
Audio
The only non-commentary track available is in Dolby Digital 5.1. I was a little disappointed not to see a DTS track...until I started to watch the film. This is a floor-shaking, pulse-pounding soundtrack with masses of audio special effects and music utilising all available speakers. An absolute joy to listen to.
Extras
Start-up Trailers: Eyeborgs (2.01) Insidious (0.49) Troll Hunter (1.11) Commentary with Jason Eisener (Director) and Rutger Hauer – Full of anecdotes and behind-the-scenes information this commentary track finds both participants showing a great amount of love and enthusiasm for the project. I hate commentaries, but I found these two guys very interesting to listen to. It won’t change my mind about commentaries, but it wasn’t too far off. Commentary with Jason Eisener (Director), John Davies (Writer), Rob Cotterill (Producer) and David Blunt (Original Grindhouse Trailer Hobo) – Another great chat-track where everyone is given enough talk-time without too much talking over each other. A certain amount of overlap with the other commentary is inevitable, but there is enough new information here to make it worth a listen. More Blood, More Heart: The Making of Hobo with a Shotgun (45.20) – A great behind-the-scenes piece that is almost as entertaining as the movie itself. With interviews with all the major cast and crew, the enthusiasm for the film really comes across from everyone. The creative talent demonstrated by these young first-time movie-makers puts many more established filmmakers to shame. The piece covers everything from the original Grindhouse trailer and its internet phenomenon to the final days of filming. Alternate Ending (0.34) – a great idea, but I’m glad they didn’t use it in the film as it has less of an impact. Deleted Scenes (6.00) – A montage of scenes set to a thumping synthesizer music track. A great way to showcase the stuff from the cutting-room floor. Feature Trailer (1.24)
Overall
Violent, depraved and a huge amount of fun, this should definitely be on the watch-list of anyone who enjoyed Grindhouse or who simply loves violent film. A revelation.
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