Gimme Skelter

"Gimme Skelter" is the story of Charles Manson's illegitimate son who has decided to start a family of his own. Like his father, this family will thrive on murder and sex, culminating in one night of complete chaos.

This film comes to us thanks to Scott Phillips, the writer and director. While I am not familiar with his work, his resume shows that he is a veteran of independent film. Ending up with Halo 8 is the perfect home for him, as they've been distributing some of the best independent and low-budget films for years.

What will likely draw people in to this film are cult icons Trent Haaga and Gunnar Hansen, and rightfully so. Both men do fine work, as we'd expect. I was not drawn in to the movie immediately, but Gunnar's inclusion pushed my interest to a new level. It should be said, however, that these are not the only two people worth paying attention to.

There is plenty of sex and gore to be found in this film, much of it within the first few minutes. If that's what you're looking for (and I imagine it may be if you're an independent horror fan) you shouldn't be disappointed. Perky breasts and flowing crimson are available here.

My only concern with this film was it's ability to hold my interest. Now, granted, I was drinking cheap box wine and it was late into the night by the time I was watching this one... but aside from the blood and sex, there was little that held my interest. A second viewing may clear this problem up, but it's hard to say. Not the worst of the independent films -- not even close -- but could use improvement, as well.

This looks like a pretty low budget effort but manages to move along at a brisk clip and will satisfy undemanding fans of the slasher/gore genre. Production values are okay, and the early part of the movie reminded me of Kevin Smith's early efforts with earthy dialog between male friends featuring scatological punch lines that stretch the R rating. Then the family arrives in town, led by Charlie's son who wants to follow the family legacy; he wants to kill the entire 67 person population of the small town! Most of the family's female members go topless at times, and this would have been perfect fodder for the drive-in days. Performances vary between professional (Gunnar Hansen as a local businessman) and not so much (Hansen's niece Kristen as his daughter). Still, the principals avoid looking at the camera, so this is a cut above flicks such as THE CURSE OF PIRATE DEATH and its ilk. It didn't bore me, I was reasonably diverted, so it gets a marginal recommendation for gorehounds.

98% of the time I'm wildly disappointed with indy horror flicks. But this one was a real throw back to the drive-in style trash I loved. I have to say, "way to go!" If you're open to something that really emulates the 70's drive-in/grindhouse feel you'll like this.

Lot's of the acting is terrible, but the dialogue is inspired. I could not only overlook it, I actually looked forward to some of the characters getting more screen time. I think I might be in love with the snaggle-toothed psycho hippie chick.

Just want to leave a heads up for trash fans: Gimme Skelter is pretty good.

After enjoying the hell out of Scott Phillips' zombie epic, The Stink Of Flesh, it took pretty much no thought whatsoever to give Phillips' Manson-ish follow-up a chance. Although light-years away from being anywhere near as awesome as the one about the zombies, Gimme Skelter is still an extremely clever, fast-paces, totally original, micro-budgeted throwback to the good ol' Drive-in days. And for that quality alone, Gimme Skelter has my respect. Scott Philip's buddy, The Legendary Billy Garberina plays a guy who either thinks he's the son of Charles Manson, or is pretending he's the son of Charles Manson. Or maybe he's just the son of Charles Manson. Whatever the case, this man is head-over-heels obsessed with following in Charles Manson's footsteps. Billy even has his very own brain-washed little posse, I mean family. Billy and pals (one of which is played by the legendary Trent Haaga) have been itching for a killing spree, or a bloodbath, if you will. And they just found the perfect little town. Population 67... Soon to be zero. This Scott Phillips guy is really on to something with these superb little movies. Hopefully he'll make another one soon.In the mean time, if you approve of Gimme Skelter and The Stink of Flesh, and you're still in the mood for some quality, modern Exploitation, you may want to check out Chainsaw Sally and Easter Bunny, Kill Kill. As for the one I'm writing about, I'm no Manson-enthusiast, but Gimme Skelter is a breath of fresh air in a genre which obviously has seen better days. If you're partial to the gore, nudity, effective, dark comedy, sleazy small town shenanigans, all done with a tiny budget, you might not hate Gimme Skelter. 5/10