Nathan Fillion

10 out of 10 Stars

It’s about damn time. Finally, we got a horror film that’s alternately hilarious, creepy, gross, not a remake of a previous horror film designed to lure teens, and above all fun. Oh, and with a much needed R-rating. I speak of Slither.

WIthout a doubt, Slither is the most entertaining movie I’ve seen this year. My face hurt from smiling at the sheer enjoyment presented on the screen. Writer/Director James Gunn, who wrote the Dawn of the Dead remake along with several Troma films and Scooby Doo, makes an impressive directorial debut while never being too flashy or over stylized, and never losing focus of the story. As an extra added bonus, Gunn seems to be having as much fun making Slither as I did watching it, and it shows onscreen.

I will reveal what I can about the film, but half the fun is not knowing where the film is going. The movie begins with a "bang", as a meteor crashes into the sleepy town of Wheelsy, South Carolina. Wheelsy is the sort of town where everyone knows each other and seems to be generally happy, even though the mayor Jack MacReady (played by the pitch perfect Gregg Henry) has the foulest mouth I’ve ever seen from a public official in movies. (In reality, it’s easily Dick Cheney - political ZING!). Within the town is Chief of Police Bill Pardy (Nathan Fillion, of Serenity, which automatically gives this film points), who still carries a torch for Starla Grant (the oh so beautiful Elizabeth Banks). Starla is a biology teacher at the local high school and is married to the much older Grant Grant (Michael" Henry" Rooker), who supported her way through college and offered the protection of marriage to a successful businessman.

One night, when Starla is unreceptive to Grant’s sexual desires, he goes and gets drunk at the local watering hole. Grant meets up with Brenda, and they have a stroll in the woods, where naturally, sex should occur if it weren’t for that pesky meteorite. Grant is attacked by a slimy object that enters his body and fuses with his brain. (How this is shown is quite cool). The new Grant suddenly has a new purpose, and begins eating meat. Lots of meat. He is preparing for something that we really don’t see coming. Even if you think you do, there’s no way to expect HOW it’s going to happen. Suffice it to say, it’s fairly disgusting for weak stomached folk, but for fans of good horror/gore flicks, it’s right up our alley.

I’ll tell you this much, it involves the creation of more parasitic alien slugs that begin to take over bodies, while Grant is transforming into something... else. I really don’t want to give anything more away, for discovering the movie as it unfolds is half the fun.

The movie has it’s tongue firmly planted in cheek. And yet, never does anybody feel or act like they are above the material. The actors live the lives of these characters, and know that even though they are in a supremely improbable situation, they are still themselves. This might not make much sense until you see it, but one of the greatest character moments in the film involves the need for a Mr. Pibb. Pitch perfect.

Oh, and for any people out there who might be thinking "Isn’t this just Night of the Creeps all over again?" the answer is a solid NO. While comparisons are inevitable, and while they both do possess a playful tone with their material, Slither moves beyond and has a story all it’s own. You’ll see.

Nathan Fillion is doing what he does best, playing the ultra sarcastic "hero" who has some of the greatest reactions, verbal and facial, to the situations around him. As I have noted on several occasions, I am a huge Firefly/Serenity fan, and Fillion being in a movie really seals the deal for me. But there is a reason for this: The man can hit every note and still make you believe he’s real. Not to be outdone, Elizabeth Banks takes on the role of Starla with gusto, making you believe and understand that she’s not just a gold digger and actually does love and care for Grant, even as he starts going through some "changes". And she’s not a typical damsel in distress either. A very well written, fleshed out character. Rooker, as the villain, is not typical, and is also having a lot of fun. And Gregg Henry almost steals the show right from the beginning. Even the minor characters are well cast, and even better, well written.

The writing, as I have mentioned, is incredibly witty and clever. From the character quirks to the one liners, from the big set pieces to the little moments, this movie hits them all, and does it with skill and grace. Gunn wrote a great script, and more importantly, he directed it with flair. He knows what to show, what not to show, and most importantly, the most interesting and inventive way to show it. (Just watch as you’re presented with the backstory information of the alien parasites, how it’s told to you is quite clever). It really is a well told story, and I seriously look forward to more films from the mind of James Gunn, so long as they are as fun and scary as this. Also, Gunn seems to have a fondness for little horror in-jokes, so keep your eyes peeled throughout.

This movie really has it all. Scares and gross effects for the horror buffs, laughs from start to finish, and a general sense of fun from the first frame until the very end. (Helpful hint, stick around after the credits). I have also noted several times in the past that my favorite film is Shaun of the Dead, and Slither is the first movie I’ve seen since seeing Shaun that can truly compare in terms of skill, craft, and tone. Slither has everything a good movie should, and is well aware of it. If you want an evening of supreme entertainment, you’ll be hard pressed to find a movie in the theaters better than Slither. Trust me on this.