The Devil's Rejects Review Country : USA Year: 2005 Genre: Horror / Exploitation Format: Theater Running Time: n/a Distributor: Lion's Gate Rob Zombie's new movie, the sequel to Zombie's acclaimed horror flick, House of 1000 Corpses... mmmm nice... Credits Directed by Rob Zombie. Written by Rob Zombie. Starring Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, Sheri Moon, Ken Foree, Michael Berryman, Deborah Van Valkenburgh. Rarely can it be said that a film has defined a genre, but never is that more true than in the case of Rob Zombie’s ‘The Devils Rejects’. Two things are readily apparent about ‘The Devils Rejects’. First, unlike its predecessor, this is a complete movie. It stands on its own. It is possible to see and enjoy ‘Rejects’ in a way that was not true of ‘House of 1,000 Corpses’ viewed in retrospect, the first installment now seems like an easily discarded prologue. The real meat is in ‘Rejects’. The movie picks up where ‘House’ ended, with the Firefly clan, it’s business as usual. Murder 101, but there’s much more to the film than that. About 25% of the movie is used to provide backstory. We get a lengthy history on the Firefly clan, how they relate to each other, where they got their names, and who is really in charge of the murderous, yet loving family. For those unfamiliar with the 70’s exploitation flicks that serve as Zombie's main inspiration for this movie, think the Texas Chainsaw Massacre with a bad attitude. The background material in ‘Rejects’ fills out the characters nicely. Captain Spaulding even gets a name: (see the movie). And, as hinted at during the last scene of ‘House’ he has a new role as well: Daddy. From a stylistic standpoint, Zombie pulls a lot of rabbits out of his hat. Most of the movie is grainy and gives a wonderfully gritty, ‘Last House on the Left’ meets ‘The Hills Have Eyes’ look. There are shifts in the aspect ratio. One scene involves a split-screen. The soundtrack is a perfect mix of 70’s music and is much better than the Zombie composed (and often annoying) score from ‘House’. If Moseley was great in ‘House’ as a psychopathic killer Otis B. Driftwood, he's pure genius here, where the role requires a much greater range. Truly, Bill Moseley proves himself as one of the greats of our time, right up there with Pacino, Deniro, Rourke, and Depp. We see a lot more of Baby as well and Moon-Zombie never misses a beat. ‘House’ highlighted the actress' physical prowess; ‘Rejects’ highlights her emotional capacity. Sid Haig proves to be an apt leader of the clan. He's crazy and mature, with a major hint of danger in his eyes. It almost seems he prefers drinks and drugs to murder and is apparently a loving father. One of the strengths of the film is that Rob Zombie and Sid Haig develop Spaulding into a person, rather than simply a cartoonish, frothing-at-the-mouth villian as portrayed in the ‘House’. Ken Foree as Charlie Altamont is his usual laconic self and has probably played his finest role to date. Michael Berryman as Clevon plays a small but memorable role. As a fan, I would have liked to have seen more of Berryman. William Forsythe also puts in a powerhouse performance as Sherrif Wydell’s brother, seeking revenge against the clan for his brother’s murder. A veteran actor, Forsythe has a standout role and there's several great ‘throw-away’ cameos by Steve Railsback, PJ Soles, wrestler Diamond Dallas Page, Danny Trejo, Priscilla Barnes, porn star Ginger Lynn, and Deborah Van Valkenburgh. You can tell Rob Zombie is a big fan of anything 70’s and sends off nice tributes to every aspect of the era. I enjoyed ‘The Devils Rejects’ more than ‘House of 1,000 Corpses’. The second movie is more kinetic and more satisfying, which is rare for this type of film. Tonally, the two films are the same and different, which may be the result in the general public liking this film much better. It’s for sure not far out like the first film. Everything in this film could happen and something also has to be said for the look of the film. I felt like I was back in 70’s cinema, watching an early Craven or Hooper film. As it currently stands, ‘Rejects’ stands on it’s own two feet, which is also rare for the genre and a sequel for that matter. The moments of greatness make it worth seeing, and there's certainly plenty of dark entertainment to be found here. The dynamics between Moseley, Moon-Zombie, and Haig make the film what it is, and you can’t help but feel sad at the end of the film. Most people won’t like the ending, and it may very well change before it hits theatres July 23rd… but this fan LOVED IT! Don’t change a thing Rob. I can’t wait to see what you bring us next. ENTER THE PIT'S REJECTS CONTEST OFFICIAL SITE BILL MOSELEY INTERVIEW Review by John Gray, for Pitofhorror.com