#56 -- Hatchet (2006)

Director: Adam Green
Rating: 5 / 5

Hatchet claims that it is "old school American horror," and I think every horror fan on the planet would have to agree. Those of us who grew up on Jason and Michael, and realize that horror just isn't what it used to be, should be very glad that we now have something modern that can remind us of those movies we loved as children. I know I am.

Victor Crowley, insanely deformed from birth, was killed during a fire many years ago. As his father was chopping at the door, trying to get his son out, he accidentally sliced Victor's face with a hatchet, giving him the nickname "hatchet-face." But now, Victor's spirit is stuck living the night he was killed, roaming the swamp in search of his father. This is no good for the citizens of New Orleans. The swamp has been cut off limits and made illegal to visit. But some people can't stay away, and some others provide illegal swamp tours. Most of the people on the tour we see are just kids looking for a good time, but not Mary Beth. Mary Beth is searching for her father and brother, who disappeared in the swamp days before. Needless to say, the tour doesn't end well for most of them.

You could say that this is just another "killer in the woods" movie; nothing special. But I think it is the story behind Victor Crowley that makes Hatchet special. I might not speak for everyone else, but I can feel for him. His story is sad, and I feel bad for the poor guy. Not only was he tormented all throughout his childhood, he was killed by his own father. Since his father died years after Victor's death, he is no where around; but Victor apparently doesn't know that. All he wants is his daddy back, and you can hear him in the swamp calling after him. 

The cast is wonderful. It includes Kane Hodder as Victor Crowley, Robert Englund as Mary Beth's father, Tony Todd as Reverend Zombie, and Deon Richmond as Marcus (the comic relief). The characters work well together, whether they've got good relationships, hate each other, or are complete strangers meeting for the first time. They are believable, and most are able to relate to. Victor is a vicious killer, and the kills show it. Hatchet is pretty damn gory, and it will please any gore whore. This movie is reminiscent of the slasher flicks I grew up on. The tagline reads: "Victor Crowley is the next icon of horror," and I would have to agree. Most, by now, know that there is a second film, and I see more in the future. Indeed, Victor Crowley is the next big thing.