Killer Tumbleweeds

I don't normally leave reviews, but I had to on this one. Killer Tumbleweeds? Really? As soon as it started, I could see that there was virtually "no budget" for this film, but I have to say I enjoyed it. I wouldn't put it on a "must see" list. Not even close, but it was fun seeing so many people who were not really top tier actors (or actors at all) having a good time making this film. That made it worth the watch - at least to me. There were times when they were filming and you could see people passing by looking at them more than likely unaware that they were filming a movie. I gave it an 8 because it was fun. That's all. Fun.

This movie is like a train wreck. You can't help slowing down and staring at it until it fades off into the distance.

In my book of the worst movies ever made this one just pushed Plan 9 From Outer Space out of first place.

So why am I giving it 10 stars? Because it's a hoot, that's why. And I love Plan 9 From Outer Space, too.

The action is filmed in a quasi-documentary style reminiscent of the Blair Witch Project. Shaky camera work, ordinary people moving the story along.

The movie contains tropes from other genres. Like the prison road gang scene.

The news reporting throughout the movie harks back to the Orson Welles War of the Worlds broadcast.

Turn off your brain and watch it for fun.

Now that Amazon Prime Video is airing it, it's likely to also become a cult classic.

Obviously an attempt at tongue-in-cheek, with the tumbleweeds acting as a cheap stand-in for an actual threat, this appears to have been fun practice for news anchors attempting to act. Mostly presented with the perspective as if you're watching a docu-drama on the current tumbleweed crisis on an independent cable channel (complete with mock commercials) that frequently interrupts with news updates about the current tumbleweed crisis. The most entertaining footage is of the actual field maintenance.

Trivia: Tumbleweeds were first reported in the United States around 1877 in South Dakota, apparently transported in flax seed imported by Ukrainian farmers.

The idea of tumble weeds coming alive & killing people is an interesting albeit ridiculous idea. But haven't we seen some crazy ideas come down the pipeline in the horror genre before? However the writers/producers don't take themselves any more serious than you will take the movie. Watch with the idea that this was made on no budget by a couple of guys whose primary experience is in the talk show/news industry and you will be able to laugh along! I gave it four stars because it is low budget and most of the actors are obviously amateur even though I personally know Butch McCain (My Name is Bruce) ...I should have been easier on him. But I know his real talent is more in the acting/voice and even singing area than writing or directing! Still Killer Tumbleweeds is a fun watch mainly because of the concept and maybe one day a big studio will pick it up remake it into a legit horror or horror/comedy!

Does that make it "good"? If a piece of artwork or musical performance moves you to tears, does that give it value? I say yes. This movie is, in an arbitrary sense, not a particularly good film, per se. It doesn't matter, because I love it. I personally know the men who made it and live in one of the places it was shot. This film is a love story to Middle America, thank you McCain Brothers. Bravo. If you have lived for years in Middle America, don't be surprised if you love it, too. The man playing the Sheriff was the local weatherman for like two decades in my home town, and most of us love him, too. Again, Bravo.