Revenge Tour seems like a splendid ode to Theatre of Blood. To those unaware, Theatre of Blood features Vincent Price. He plays a Shakespearean actor that critics have thrashed for years. Dame Diana Rigg is his daughter. The two enact very bloody, camp deaths for the insults. It is a comedy horror film that I adore.
The Story
Someone is killing film judges in the world of independent cinema. Three victims so far and perhaps more on the way. There are three “victims” missing. The suspect? Bryon Jones. He is almost a cottage industry filmmaker. Writing, directing, producing, a regular Robert Rodriguez in the making. Apparently, the judges in question have repeatedly snubbed him.
the cast
Vince Hobart Smith is Detective Briggs. Smith plays the part with a comfortable ease. He feels like a dyed in the wool homicide cop who has seen pretty much everything. (Smith also looks maddenly familiar. Despite searching my old favourite IMDb, I found nothing I’d seen him in.) Smith nails this one 100 percent.
Hasan Hamad is the new kid. The Rookie. He applies just enough eager to please energy to this one. The only real complaint would be, for this reviewer, is that he needs to be a tad louder.
As Themselves
Beth Metcalf, shows she can play this game with ease. Looking like she really feels uncomfortable with the “interrogation.”
Theo White knocks this one right out of the park. Part horrified/ part intrigued, the actor exudes an interesting aura here. White is a personal favourite. Thus far he has failed to disappoint.
Jessica Lorraine is the only one who reacts with something approaching outrage. She manages to evoke a sort of disgusted air at this insult to her dignity. (Rather interestingly, it is the crime scene pictures she objects to. Not the murders themselves.)
Jason Wray is the most disturbing of the lot. He actually seems to be jazzed about the entire thing. Crime scene photos included.
The Victims/Hostages
The three “judges” are just brilliant in this “sting in the tale” moment. Kudos to all three: #nosmallparts
What works
Jones paints himself into the film as a suspect. This allows several actors, who play themselves, to interact with the two detectives. This all blends beautifully. Revenge Tour manages to work on so many levels.
The “ode” aka homage (?) to the 1973 film is very, very good. It has just enough wry humour to ever so slightly tickle the funny bone. * The “signs” placed on the victims is brilliant. This act can also be seen as wink to Seven, without the “What’s in the box moment.”*
The FX is impressive and well done. The first victims crime scene photo is horrendous. The murder weapon, a useful carpenter’s tool, becomes terrifying. Metcalf, doing double duty here, and Morgan Riegler have done themselves proud on this horrific makeup.
Jones has, once again, proven he has mastered the short film medium. In just under 10 minutes he brings the story to a head. Cinematographer Benjamin McClain makes every frame pop. Editor Daryl Peach fits everything together wonderfully.
The Verdict
Mike’s Film Talk gives Revenge Tour a full 5 stars. This was a wonderful treat and Jones holds the record with two 5 star shorts in two days. I expect that this industrious filmmaker is ready to move on to a feature length endeavour.
Revenge Tour is on its festival run at the moment. Keep an eye out for this one. The people who brought you Creatures of Habit have released another winner.
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