Buttcrack is one of the more recent Troma releases to get a lot of attention. Made in 1998, the film was widely talked about, probably due to starring rockabilly singer Mojo Nixon in a lead role. But what should really be drawing viewers in is the so amateurish that it's brilliant style of the film.
Buttcrack stars Doug Ciskowski as Brian, a college student who plans to marry his girlfriend. However, he has a bit of a problem: his roommate Wade (played by Caled Kreischer) is an obnoxious, portly young man with a problem keeping his pants up and exposing his huge buttcrack. When Brian's girlfriend refuses to move in because of Wade's penchant for baggy pants, Brian decides to tell Wade off. But while going to talk to him, Brian accidentally kills Wade by dropping radio into his bath. Brian is able to cover it up, but Wade's sister happens to be a witch that curses Wade, allowing him to come back from the grave if someone says "buttcrack" 12 times in one breath. Well, needless to say, it happens and it's up to Brian, his friend Ken, and the bible-thumping Preacher Man Bob(played to absolute perfection by Mojo Nixon) to get Wade back in the grave once and for all.
The film is so amateurish that it's brilliant. Writer and director Jim Larsen paces the film very slow, despite the short run time of 67 minutes. The direction reminds me of a shot-on-video horror film your weird neighbor would make. It has this backyard movie atmosphere, but the catch is that it's shot in amazing looking filmstock, giving it a special quirk. The majority of the actors blatantly amateurs and it completely works to the film's advantage. Had the film been made in any other way, it'd completely lack the charm that Buttcrack possesses. Jim Larsen is as overly eccentric as his film is as far as the DVD commentary track proves.
Depite my claims of amateur acting, the actors are actually quite entertaining, almost like watching your friends act: they're not talented, but seeing them do it is great. Caleb Kreischer is hilarious as Wade and leads me to wonder what he's like in comparison to his character. Mojo Nixon is wonderful and hilarious as Preacher Man Bob, as expected from his flambouyant personality. The music he donated to the soundtrack is great as well. Rob Hayward who plays Ken delivers a performance that reminds you of a poor-man's Bruce McCullough character from The Kids In The Hall.
However, the short 67 minute runtime leaves a bit to be desired. The pacing runs slow enough that it fits, but it'd be great to see how much better could make it. But though my review may not state it otherwise, I must insist that Buttcrack is a brilliant film. It's flaws give it charm and make the film even more fun. Definately recommended for any Troma fan!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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