MOVIE REVIEW: John Dies At The End

Film: John Dies At The End
Director: Don Coscarelli

Cult films are quite a conundrum. Some of them are brilliant in every way but still somehow considered sub-par, while others are obviously lacking in many areas but considered genius anyways. In either case, cult movies end up with a large, and usually rabid, fan base ready to defend the film to the death. John Dies At The End will likely be no exception, as this film has “cult classic” written all over it.

John Dies At The End tells the tale of David Wong and his friend John who discover a new drug that opens up their mind to things that would make most people go insane. These things include giant crab-spiders, ghosts made of meat, and even the ability to see through time and space. This discovery hurls them forward into an evil plot that could result in the downfall of the entire universe as we know it if they fail to come up with a way to stop it. Needless to say, this movie will keep you guessing until the very end, and even then it does not become fully clear what you just witnessed.

Much like the drug found in the film, John Dies At The End can be very confusing and a lot to process upon first viewing. Despite the frantic pace and storytelling the film will hook you with it’s wit and cleverness. Amid scenes of death and destruction is a great mix of absurdity and humor in a way that echoes Sam Raimi and the Evil Dead series on meth. The main characters interact perfectly with one another, even when talking through a bratwurst (seriously, this movie is strange). Even more impressive is Paul Giamatti’s performance as an old journalist who doubts the validity of the entire story.

Most films with a lower budget look cheesy or overdone, but John Dies At The End uses special effects sparingly and deliberately which never takes you out of the film. Stylistically this film is an indie movie lovers dream. Flashbacks (and forwards) blend in frenetically and there is even a cartoon sequence near the end that will have you either in awe or unable to breathe from laughter. Just when you think everything is ramping up to something insane the movie finishes itself in a manner very fitting for a movie about a drug: abruptly, leaving you bewildered and wanting more. It is exactly what you would expect from Don Coscarelli, who also directed the Phantasm series and Bubba Ho-Tep. 

John Dies At The End definitely is not for your casual movie-goer, but fans of indie films and horror/comedy definitely should not miss it. If you read the book, however, be prepared to see a lot of the source material cut. Even though the film is just a fraction of the story it is still an experience you will want to have. Despite being mildly confusing and a little too fast paced John Dies At The End will likely go down as a cult favorite, and will have you watching it more than once.

John Dies At The End is available now on VOD and in theaters January 25th

Review written by: Justin Proper

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