#scalpermovie

[fearsmagazine]

SCALPER - Review

DISTRIBUTOR: Breaking Glass Pictures

SYNOPSIS: “Psychic Clementine Carter is confronted with a nightmarish reality as everyone around her falls victim to the sadistic reign of terror unleashed by 'The Scalper.' As the body count rises, the burning question remains: Is this the return of the dead psycho Andrew Lubitz, a cunning copycat killer, or something far more horrifying than the human imagination can conceive? In a deadly game of cat and mouse, she must rely on her psychic abilities to stay one step ahead of the maniac's relentless pursuit.” -Press Release

REVIEW: This is my second encounter with filmmaker Chad Ferrin, my previous “Pig Killer,” which also featured actors Jake Busey & Bai Ling. It’s slightly better than “Pig Killer,” but I had issues with the performances, the writing and some of the special effects.

Chad Ferrin is not a bad filmmaker. Technically, SCALPER has solid production designs, cinematography, okay editing and the atmosphere is enhanced by a score by the legendary Richard Band. The special effects are okay, but the mask the killer wears looks plastic at times.

The plot is an amalgamation of ideas we’ve seen in other films of this nature, too many to list here. The plot features thriller, supernatural and slasher elements. Some of it feels a bit unnecessary and could have been streamlined, such as the scenes of Clementine’s father and mother in what is a spiritual plane. The dialogue is okay and the core plot is not half bad, but ultimately SCALPER is say a White Castle slider as compared to a steakhouse burger.

The performances are okay. I liked Susan Priver’s character and it borders on campy, but never steps over the line. He adds a lot of empathy to the role. Jake Busey has several moments where he adds this look or delivery of a line that has you groaning, but it is not bad. Bai Ling’s work here is almost as bad as “Pig Killer.” I’m familiar with several of her older roles and I’ve met her at several conventions, so I’m aware of what she can deliver. I find these stereotypical performances off putting and an impediment to enjoying the film.

Bottom-line, I wouldn’t go out of my way to rent SCALPER on VOD or a digital platform. If it shows up on something you already have a subscription to, you're a diehard genre fan and any of the actors in the film I’d suggest viewing it. However, if you’re a more cultivated consumer of genre entertainment you might be disappointed. I’d be interested in seeing Chad Ferrin directing something he hasn’t written.

CAST: Susan Priver, Jake Busey, Bai Ling, Kate Patel, Scott Vogel, Jon Budinoff, and Robert Miano. CREW: Director/Screenplay/Producer - Chad Ferrin; Producers - Robert Miano & Jeff Olan; Cinematographer - Jeff Billings; Score - Richard Band; Editor - Jahad Frif; Production Designer - Viktoriia Vlasenko; Costume Designer - KerriAnne Savastano; Special Effects Makeup - Joe Castro; Visual Effects - Jeff Billings. OFFICIAL: N.A. FACEBOOK: N.A. TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SKATD TRAILER: https://youtu.be/vP6s6LPOdSQ?si=eSBBizVhW7xyi2Ke RELEASE DATE: VOD & Digital Jan 16th, 2024

**Until we can all head back into the theaters our “COVID Reel Value” will be similar to how you rate a film on digital platforms - 👍 (Like), 👌 (It’s just okay), or 👎 (Dislike)

Reviewed by Joseph B Mauceri