Gutterballs (2007)

Studio: Plotdigger Films

DVD Release Date: April 29, 2008

Directed By: Ryan Nicholson

Cast: Alastair Gamble, Mihola Terzic, Dan Ellis

Brutal As Hell Rating: 3 ½ out of 5 stars

Review By: Marc Patterson

In a spin on the 80’s slasher film formula, Gutterballs follows the story of a couple of rivaling bowling squads that rent out a local alley for some late night after hours bowling.  The shit talking between the squads turns physical rather quickly and once broken up and kicked out of the bowling alley the teens take off.  However, slutty Lisa from the mod squad forgot her purse and heads back inside where she is accosted by the preppy rival team who has hung out in waiting.  In a shocking turn she is viciously gang raped in a scene you won’t soon forget.  The following evening revenge is exacted as the teens are hacked, slashed, deep throated in manners and methods that will shock, awe, and repulse.  But is it true revenge?  Who exactly is the killer?  Sure, Lisa would make an ideal revenge seeker, but a few twists and turns abound keeping you guessing as to whom the true killer is this dementedly evil gore-fest. 

The classic 80’s slasher formula is pushed to the extremes in this film from writer/director Ryan Nicholson.  Gutterballs is fucking brutal, and bloody as all hell.  Gore hounds are guaranteed to find themselves more than satisfied.  Needless to say the rape scene at the beginning was incredibly intense, if not a bit campy at times.  But if you thought it couldn’t get more hardcore then you’re in for a surprise.  The murder-set-pieces that follow continue to push the line of what most would consider edgy.  While this uncut NC-17 version has plentiful pornographic material rarely will there be much pleasure derived in seeing T&A under such excruciatingly uncomfortable conditions.  Even I admit to being shocked by the material Nicholson presents.  Is this a good thing?  That’s up for you to decide. 

On an uplifting note, the film sports a fanfuckingtastic soundtrack, and is actually one of the best soundtracks to grace a horror film in a long time.  Even when the shit hits the fan you’ll be jamming out in true 80’s fashion.  I can only wish more horror filmmakers would have the sense to suck it up and pay out some royalties in order to top their films off with some great tunes like Gutterballs did.  Nicholson clearly has a firm grasp on what it takes to create a film with a great retro feel.  While the campy overtones are more than present, they don’t detract from the exacting brutality, but rather complement each other well.

Hardcore and brutal as fuck, Gutterballs will definitely find fans with the extreme horror crowd.  Fans of slick horror-lite should stay far away, but for those who like their horror sadistic and downright wicked, Gutterballs will make an evening of unending enjoyment.