Being a cult film nerd with a family, it’s not always easy finding time to watch certain types of pictures. Such is the case with anything filmmaker Bill Zebub has released. He’s a multi-media juggernaut who hosts his own radio show, publishes a quarterly magazine, and cranks out independently produced films like no one else. In twenty years’ time, he’s released close to seventy movies, including Dickless Zombies, Antfarm Dickhole, and the instant cult classic Dickshark. With titles like that, you can see why it may be difficult to watch these films with a kid and a wife whose favorite movies are usually produced by Disney. When an unexpected package arrived at my doorstep, I was a bit taken aback to find Puppet Master III 4K, Argento’s Phenomena 4K, and Texas Chainsaw Mascara, the latest release from the prolific filmmaker. I had a rare couple of hours to myself, so I didn’t hesitate to dive into the madness.
A group from New York decides to take a road trip to visit the locations of one of the greatest horror films ever made, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Of course, it’s easier said than done when their car breaks down. Out of options, they decide to trust one of the locals, which is the worst decision they could have made. They become targets for an evil like nothing anyone has encountered before, and they will suffer… before they die.
RELATED: ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2’: 10 Things You May Not Know
If you’re familiar with Bill Zebub’s work, then there will likely be no surprises. Much like Troma, there’s a certain expectation of content, and Zebub delivers what’s expected. He usually works on a budget of maybe a few thousand dollars and milks that budget for every cent on blood, music, and plenty of human flesh. The film features Heather Beck (Dickless Zombies), Dani Bliss (Killer Waves 2), Cheyenne Mobbs (5000 Blankets), and several others. Of course, the filmmaker isn’t above making an appearance, either.
There are long scenes of the victims tied up in the woods, the camera rotating around them with some choice death metal tracks, setting the mood before the inevitable happens. There’s also a guy running around in a pig mask brandishing a chainsaw, and you’ve gotta love it. The film held my attention, but most people wouldn’t make it past the first ten minutes.
There’s some bonus material, but it’s the inclusion of Zebub’s debut (according to IMDb) feature, Dirtbags, that may be an attention-getter. I never saw the film previously, and this is a re-edited version. The film is definitely of interest to fans of the band Type O Negative since it features a cameo by the late Peter Steele.
Related: ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ (2003): 10 Things You May Not Know
Bill Zebub’s brand is an acquired taste. I’ve seen a handful of his films over the years, and Texas Chainsaw Mascara aligns with what he’s previously achieved. I’m not just going to come out and recommend the movie, but I will give some advice. Do your research first if you’ve never seen a Bill Zebub film. Whether intentional or not, Zebub captures the renegade spirit of SOV filmmakers from the ’80s and ’90s, then infuses it with flesh and metal, creating his own style. You can’t fault someone for doing that successfully for two decades, and I applaud you, sir. Keep doing what you’re doing.
