Wuchak
Apr 13, 2024
**Low-rent cabin-in-the-woods slasher in the Great Northwest** Eight high school graduates and two stragglers from Oregon head out to Lake Nede to celebrate, but they soon learn that a mad slayer is loose in the area. Havoc ensues. "Adam & Evil" (2004) isn’t a spoof of teen slashers, but there’s a bit o’ hammy acting, particularly Erica Cerra in one scene as Yvonne. The fact that it’s very low-budget can be observed in the relatively cheesy effects of the opening scene, but they’re not THAT bad. I can’t find specific data, but I doubt it cost much more than $150,000 to make; however, if you can roll with its micro-budget issues (like questionable acting), it pretty much delivers the goods as a traditional slasher-in-the-woods. While not as ‘good’ as “Body Count” or “Edge of the Axe,” it’s at least as entertaining as "The Final Terror" or “Terror at Tenkiller” and superior to “The Prey,” “Beserker,” “Madman” and, especially, the lousy “Don’t Go in the Woods.” There are no less than 13 characters with 10 of them being high school graduates, so it’s hard to get a lock on their names. Yet the forest sets, night lighting and sound are all proficient. There’s also some rockin’ music on the soundtrack by writer/director Andrew Van Slee, Natasha Thirsk, The Dirtmitts and Born Against Christians. The script is decent as well with a well-done “reveal” at the end (IMHO). Sure, the teens act like typical partying youths, but isn’t that the way it is? (I’ve camped right by them on occasion). Would it be more realistic if they discussed quantum physics or deep theology at the campsite? The flirtatious blonde wife of the sheriff stands out on the feminine front (Allison Warnyca), but the rest of the 18 years-old lasses are too interchangeable (same thin body-type, same height, all Caucasians). Speaking of which, the flick sneers at “diversity,” which some might find welcome and others offensive. It’s not offensive; it’s just the way it is half the time. It runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot entirely in Vancouver. GRADE: B-/C+
