Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Mad God’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

There was a time when stop motion animation, dominated the filmmaking landscape. For it offered creators a unique way to tell stories, and it could bring to life creatures that would normally only be found in the human imagination, and thanks to the success and quality of films that featured this uniquely skilled and wonderful aspect to filmmaking, it truly seemed as though the road was paved for this particular special effect to dominate the landscape for years to come. But then came the wonder of CGI and it didn’t take long for Hollywood to realize that a hard drive and the right kind of software, could be the new frontier instead and just like that… stop motion animation began to decline in use.
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To the point where it was deemed a novelty of sorts, and eventually, it all but disappeared from filmmaking. Which is a shame really, since stop motion is/was an art form of sorts. One that required incredible creativity, and patience of course, and well… the good news is that this unique medium of storytelling isn’t quite yet ready to be put out to pasture. For long time Hollywood visionary Phil Tippett has been quietly working on a stop-motion horror film for years now, one that is finally complete and ready to be shared with the masses through Shudder and well, Mad God is a film that not only harkens back to an era long gone but reminds us of the wonder of this medium.

For this particular film is a genuine experience. One that revolves around an assassin that has been tasked to travel to a unique and unsettling underworld where monsters roam. So that he can bring down these powerful creatures and restore order and well, it is his journey to his destination that brings about the wonder in question. Because Tippett and his team have created an incredible world with visuals that are ripped from the darkest recesses of our mind. In fact, it is safe to call this motion picture a waking nightmare, one that delves into twisted moments and imagery that are purely grounded in the majesty of horror and oft make one cringe, courtesy of the visceral and outlandish acts the monsters of this strange world take part in.

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But while it is wonderful to be treated to some horrific images and wild places, we would be foolish to not point out, what a monumental accomplishment this motion picture is. Because this is 85 minutes of stop motion animation with a hint of live action thrown in and that makes this… outright art. Because we spend A LOT of time in the various weird worlds of this monstrous domain, and we see the creatures that roam here in an up close and personal manner. Which means we are treated to a true labor of love here, one that features stunning detail courtesy of endless hours of work, and well, Phil and his masterful team of artists need to be recognized and applauded for putting together such an enriching and realistic world, and for adding depth to it as well.
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Because there is a lot of symbolic imagery in this movie. The kind that is loaded with commentary believe it or not. Since there are images that speak the ills of capitalism and its impact upon our drive and ambition, and there are some poignant observations on the nature and the dangers of war and our inability to understand how we’d have a better world without it. Not to mention, there are also some incredible homages here to the classics. In fact, one could say that this movie is perhaps a modernized version of Dante’s Inferno. Where the destruction of Hell is the mission instead of escaping its clutches.

If anything, this is simply a brilliant motion picture through and through. One that appeals to cinephiles and horror fans alike. Because in addition to offering shocking gore and twisted moments, it is simply filled with stunning visuals through and through, the kind that are breathtaking and haunting, and it also features a story that is up to interpretation. Making this a unique individual experience, one that will undoubtedly require multiple viewings to truly understand the scope and ambition of this bold and groundbreaking film. One that will hopefully bring about a resurgence in stop motion animation films since this movie serves to remind us of what this medium can truly achieve.

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