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Tucker & Dale vs Evil is the first feature film by Eli Craig, starring Alan Tudyk, Tyler Labine and Katrina Bowden.

Plot:
Tucker & Dale vs Evil starts as so many horror flicks start today: a group of college kids go camping and they happen upon two unkempt Hillbillies, Tucker (Alan Tudyk) and Dale (Tyler Labine). Dale thinks that Allison (Katrina Bowden) is really cute but when he tries to talk to her, he makes a fool of himself and scares Allison. So it comes to no surprise that the kids start to suspect bad things when Tucker and Dale – peacefully fishing – stumble upon them again while they’re skinny dipping. Allison trips, hits her head and knocks herself unconscious. When Tucker and Dale pull her out of the water, her friends run away screaming. When Tucker and Dale take Allison home, the rest of the kids hatch a plan to get her back.

I have one word for you: Hilarious. Tucker & Dale might just be the best comedy I’ve seen all year, but it’s definitely the best horror comedy since Shaun of the Dead (or maybe Homecoming). In short: a highlight.

[If that poster isn’t enough warning: there is a lot of gore and blood in this film and if you absolutely can not stand the sight of it, you might want to skip this film after all. But it would be your loss.]

The film is excellently written. It’s apparent that writers Morgan Jurgenson and Eli Craig love the genre, but are very aware of its weaknesses. The result is an elaborate set-up that gives nods to about a hundred thousand films (though none in particular) while it will still amuse people who don’t know the genre that well.

It’s always a pleasure to see Alan Tudyk, but Tyler Labine was great, too. Katrina Bowden got to act a little bit, but she seems to be confined to roles that show more of her skin than her skills. Jesse Moss – as the leader of the college kids – was good.

The story turns more absurd with every scene – and it’s awesome to watch. And when Tucker and Dale, dragging half a body between them, are confronted by a policeman and Tucker starts to say, “Well, officer, we’ve had a doozy of a day!” I dare you not to laugh until you cry.

So far it seems that the movie is only circulating on film festivals – let’s hope that it gets a wider release/audience. Because it would deserve all the attention in the world.

A must see.