When it was announced that the Foo Fighters made a comedy horror movie in lockdown, it didn’t feel much of a surprise to those of us who grew up watching the band make quirky music videos or Devilish cameos in a Tenacious D movie. But a music video this is not – so the question everyone had was the most obvious one: can the loved rock band command the screen for 106 minutes?
I won’t keep you waiting for the answer – I’m happy to say, that if you’re a fan of the band, you’ll enjoy the hell out of this movie, which sees the group attempt to make their tenth record in a haunted house in Encino; something that calls back to experiences the band had making their actual tenth record, Medicine at Midnight.
Dave Grohl once again channels his inner devil for the role, proving his on screen persona is just as engaging and charismatic as his on stage one. The rest of the group are each given moments to shine, though no one would pretend they all have great acting chops. But director BJ McDonnell (known in part for his work with Slayer) does a great job of working around it – keeping things light, making sure everyone (including the audience) is having fun, while still endeavouring to make an genuinely good comedy horror film – a tightrope he walks well.
Supporting the iconic band – who just announced a one off show in Geelong (next week!!) – are joined a string of guest players, including Jeff Garlin as the money hungry record executive, Will Forte the delivery fanboy, and Lionel Ritchie as… Lionel Ritchie. They help buoy the cache of the film while adding an element of often hilarious surprises as they go, not unlike Tenacious D did with their Pick of Destiny.
The film’s gross out violence comes out swinging from its first scene, which does well to prepare you for what’s to come. The special effects were a lot of fun – and there’s references to more horror classics than you can count. While the band may not take themselves seriously, they – and the filmmakers – take the genre seriously. And it counts. In fact, it’s actually a pretty damn good horror film in its own right.
While the film’s denouement was more dragged out than it needed to be, it’s hard to point much criticism at a concept that never took itself seriously. Director BJ McDonnell does a solid job working around the varied acting talents of the band, and the editing and horror motifs are employed effectively (as are the effects).
But at the end of the day, Studio 666 works because the concept of a real life rock band making a horror movie while in Covid lockdown sells itself – and it’s a joy to witness.
Hail satan.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Studio 666 is in select cinemas now for a limited one week run. For more details head to studio666movie.com.au
