I had heard nothing but good things about this film, so being a Troma and Debbie Rochon fan, I picked up the DVD. Truthfully, I was expecting the sick-out, slapstick, comedy that Troma delivered with a vengeance in TERROR FIRMER, but it was not here. And I was very happy. I loved TERROR FIRMER, but I wanted a true, back-to-the-roots horror story. This is exactly what you get with HELLBLOCK 13.
This anthology movie consists of 3 dark and twisted tales told by a female serial killer (Debbie Rochon), before her execution. Each story is starightforward and to the point. The horror is there, though at times the gore is lacking. And at times the originality is not there.
Story #1: A mother drowns her two children so she can have the life that she wants, with her new boyfriend. However, things don't go accordign to plan when her children arise from their watery grave to seek revenge.
This was a pretty decent short. The atmosphere of this film was creepy and the story disturbing. However, this story has bee told before, in different films, in different ways. Still, a good horror yarn.
Story #2: White Trash Love Story--An abused 19 year-old white trash girl is married to an abusive, redneck husband. Sick of all the beating and berratings, Hedie Mae seeks the help of a neighborhood witch to solve her problem. Though, things don't work out as planned!
This was a good story as well. Though at times a little slow, it still worked. The witch costume was lame and looked really cheap and cheesy, but the ironic twist of the story was delievered like a punch to the stomach.
Story #3: Big Rhonda--A biker gang, on a run to Mexico to pick up dope, make a pit stop in a "Biker Graveyard" to preform a ritual to their own diety. A bad-ass biker chick who died many years ago in a terrible accident. Big Rhonda! Though, there newest member, Chaney, isn't exactly who they though the was. But Rhonda knows!
The longer of the three stories, this one was pretty good, though lacked in the scary and creepiness of the other two stories. However, this was one of those stories that leads up to an ending. Not alot BS or filler. It is a story with a quick, complete ending, that isn't really explained. It keeps you wondering!
Overall, this is a good movie, with some good stories. At times it does seem like you're watching an episode of Tales From the Crypt, with a smaller budget. Still, the stories are acceptable and the end...between Debbie Rochon and Gunnar Hansen is In Your Face Creepy and and excellent end to these tales.
8 out of 10
