Review of The Devil s Rejects
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Review of The Devil's Rejects
Movie Review by Damien Chambers
In this review, film critic Damien Chambers delves into "The Devil's Rejects," a film by director Rob Zombie that has sparked significant controversy.
The Devil’s Rejects (2005)
Tagline: "A Tale of Murder, Mayhem, and Revenge."Creating a successful sequel is a challenge for most filmmakers, as the spark of the original often dims by the second installment. However, Rob Zombie defies this trend with "The Devil’s Rejects," a follow-up to his 2003 film "House of 1000 Corpses." Rather than rehashing the first film, Zombie reimagines the saga of the Firefly clan, crafting a sequel that surpasses the original.
For those unfamiliar with "House of 1000 Corpses," here's a brief recap: Four teenagers, intrigued by the local legend of Dr. Satan, stop at a gas station run by the eccentric Captain Spaulding. Their curiosity leads them to the sinister Firefly family, and they soon face a grim fate.
"The Devil’s Rejects" picks up after these events, as Sheriff Wydell (William Forsythe), seeking justice for his murdered brother, leads a raid on the Firefly compound. Rufus Firefly (Tyler Mane) is killed, and Mother Firefly (Leslie Easterbrook) is captured. Baby Firefly (Sheri Moon Zombie) and Otis Driftwood (Bill Moseley) escape and join forces with their father, Captain Spaulding (Sid Haig). The trio embarks on a violent journey across Texas, while Sheriff Wydell's pursuit becomes increasingly ruthless. The film culminates in a dramatic, slow-motion shootout set to Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Freebird."
Unlike its predecessor, which felt more like a monster movie with its bizarre characters and underground horrors, "The Devil’s Rejects" is a gritty, daylight-set crime film. Think "Natural Born Killers," but with an even more chaotic cast. Dr. Satan is absent, and the killers are portrayed as more humanly sadistic than supernatural.
The film retains its shock value, especially during a disturbing encounter between Otis and Baby and the musical group Banjo and Sullivan at a secluded motel. This movie is not for the faint-hearted, evidenced by its controversial reputation and frequent use of profanity.
However, horror aficionados will appreciate the film’s robust soundtrack featuring Southern rock icons and cameos from well-known actors like Michael Berryman and Ginger Lynn Allen. Zombie showcases his talent for casting, using seasoned character actors who bring depth to roles that might otherwise seem absurd. This talented cast manages to evoke both horror and unexpected empathy.
Zombie's greatest achievement is his ability to make audiences recoil at the Firefly family's actions one moment and laugh with them the next. Memorable scenes include a humorous dispute over ice cream and the trio hiding out in a brothel run by Spaulding’s brother, played by Ken Foree. Bill Moseley and Sid Haig deliver standout performances, while Sheri Moon Zombie holds her own despite some gratuitous camera angles. One hopes for more opportunities for these talented actors.
As for Sheriff Wydell, he emerges as a complex character, driven by vengeance to adopt the cruel methods of his prey. William Forsythe’s portrayal is powerful, resembling the intense Detective Scagnetti from "Natural Born Killers." While Wydell’s unrelenting intensity is compelling, a more varied approach might have enriched the character further.
On the downside, Leslie Easterbrook’s portrayal of Mother Firefly pales compared to Karen Black’s original performance. Easterbrook's exaggerated Southern accent turns the character into a caricature, a disappointing shift from Black's cunning portrayal.
While "The Devil’s Rejects" may conclude the Firefly saga, Rob Zombie has firmly established his niche in horror cinema. Whether he tackles mainstream projects or continues with independent films, his distinctive storytelling will linger with audiences. In the end, what more could you ask for?
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