Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Psycho Goreman’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Psycho Goreman’.
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One thing that horror fans everywhere can agree upon, is that the 1980s were a pivotal time for the genre. After all, this was an era of horror where iconic film after iconic film arrived on the silver screen, the kind that were so powerful and so impactful that filmmakers are still working to create tributes and sequels to the incredible works enjoyed during that era and for proof… well then look no further than the fact that Creepshow has evolved into a hit television series and that George Romero’s Day of the Dead is getting its own series. And for that matter… there’s another Scream movie on the way, one that will undoubtedly tip its cap to the slasher films from that era that gave life to that franchise in the first place. 

But while it is indeed wonderful to know that the greats are still getting their day in the sun decades after they were released to either major or minor fanfare back then, it does leave one to wonder when the mass tributes will arrive for the more… unconventional movies that popped up in that era. For the 80s also gave rise to cult classics that were delightfully twisted and unique and other films that were simply quirky and off the beaten horror path. But thanks to writer and director Steven Kostanski, the time has come for those wacky, straight to VHS and off the cuff mainstream horror movies from that era, to finally get their own modern tribute tale by way of his new, Shudder exclusive motion picture, Psycho Goreman.

Now in this particular tale, we are transported to the idyllic town of Spangler Springs where an important and surprise discovery is made. For shortly after young Mimi and her brother Luke finish up another round of Crazy Ball, they come to uncover what appears to be an ancient grave in their own backyard, one complete with a beautiful gem that Mimi cannot resist taking for her own collection. But unbeknownst to Mimi, taking that gem will bring about all kinds of trouble. For this is the final resting place of an ancient evil, one that has destroyed an untold number of lives and has now been awakened. But before it can begin a brand-new era of darkness for the galaxy, it will have to contend with the fact that Mimi’s possession of the gem puts it squarely under her control, and now the newly crowned Psycho Goreman, a being that has brought incalculable pain to countless species… must adjust to its new life… as a young girl’s pet monster.

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Which is a plot that is quite frankly, about as original as it gets, since you always expect a monster of that level of power in a story such as this, to become nothing more than an uncontrollable killing force that requires that magical artifact to stop it, and really, it is that wondrous storyline that allows for so many homages to take place. Because this has that real hint of Gremlins to it since it features an innocent kid in charge of a violent and powerful force and honestly, everywhere you look there are homages after homages to great horror and sci-fi flicks from the 1980s and beyond. Since this also has hints of The Gate in it and Wishmaster and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Making this film a perfect love letter to multiple genres, including comedy for that matter as well. And yes, you read that right… there’s comedy to be found in this film.

But then again, how could there not be some measure of laughs? Because the premise in and of itself screams comedy since the sheer thought of a young girl being in complete and utter control of a bloodthirsty monster is pretty damn chuckle-worthy in its own right and thankfully, the jokes work here. In fact, this reviewer found himself needing to pause the movie on several occasions to get the laughs out and to properly absorb the wonder of a particular joke and the majesty of this film doesn’t end with its homages and its humor. Because this is a horror, sci-fi, comedy flick that offers up all kinds of gore since PG is all about wreaking havoc in the most violent way imaginable and thanks to some lovely practical effects work from Masters FX, the audience is treated to some genuinely gross and delightful splatter, the kind that perfectly fits the movie’s underlying commentary on the excess of the 80s. 

Speaking of that, the tongue in cheek commentary present in this film is another welcome surprise as well. Since it also does a wonderful job of speaking to how family really is special and needs to be celebrated and it even has a little something to say about the dangers of organized religion and it also helps to teach us that if you show an ancient monster or insatiable evil the power of love… you’ll likely be spared when it decides to burn down your home town whilst thinking about hunky boys. All joking aside however, this really is a can’t miss Shudder feature. Simply because it is a true love letter to multiple genres and it offers up so many wonderful moments for the audience and most important of all, it really is a fresh and original and unique motion picture. One that reminds us that horror can be quite versatile when it is in the right hands. So, if you’re looking for a change of pace horror film, one that will plaster a smile upon your face, give Psycho Goreman a look. You’ll be glad you did.

‘Psycho Goreman’ is available to stream right now, exclusively on Shudder.

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