Skinned Deep, an American slasher film directed by Gabriel Bartalos and released in 2004, should be highly recommended to lovers and horror fans. The Rockwell family get lost on the highway and ends finding themselves in an unorthodox family. This family is comprised of a woman and her three sons who go by the names of Brain, Plates, and Surgeon General (Jason Dugre and Warwick Davis respectively) (Kurt Carley). As the story progresses it becomes evident that the family's involvement in illegal activities, and is a risk to the Rockwells. This revelation comes as no surprise.
Skinned Deep is an unforgettable horror movie because of the extravagant set pieces, comedy moments, as well as its quick-cutting. The wit and speed of the film was praised by the critic for Variety, Dennis Harvey, who described the film as "funny as well as perversely repetitive." The reviewer, however Steve Barton of Dread Central only awarded the movie 2.5 stars, noting the excessive use of cliches from the past and boring narrative as reasons behind his rating. Due to its special effects, a style that evokes the 1980s, and its frantic rhythm, Ryan Larson of Bloody Disgusting referred to it as "one that is among the top completely silly horror films released in the decade."
The limited budget that the film had was not going to stop Bartalos from creating a terror film that had the look of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre or The Hills Have Eyes. Instead, the filmmaker improvised the science fiction/slasher combo that's totally unintelligible, not to mention completely off the mark. Bartalos's previously worked on the special effects for the well-known horror films such as "Frankenhooker" along with "Brain Damage" prior to working on "Skinned Deep" is proof of his penchant for the fantastical.
Skinned Deep is a good choice for horror fans who are seeking something different to see, despite its modest budget and uninspired special effects, that could turn off certain viewers. After the first half an minute, that is the exact sameness of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre The film then takes on an unexpected turn, making its horror film one of the originals of the decade. It helps earn its place among the most original horror films in the genre. The film is a slasher film that will remain with you because of its peculiar tone and quirky ensemble that includes the bizarre plate-throwing man known as Plates and the Surgeon General.
One of the most talked about aspects from Skinned Deep are the various creature models and effects used throughout the movie. Bartalos, who works in the area of visual effects design, conjures up an ensemble of bizarre and frighteningly intriguing people, then brings they to life. The characters, ranging from the deadly plates that hurl food to the armed Surgeon General, are distinct in their appearances and personalities, which are reflected in their respective appearances and designs. Amazing effort was spent on making-up and clothing which is the principal (Skinned Deep 2004 movie review) reason for the film's bizarre atmosphere.
The use of realistic effects, music heavily influenced by the 80s, and a vivid color palette create a unique nostalgic ambience. While at the same time it brings something new to horror genre it pays homage some of the most famous filmmaking in the history of this subgenre.
Even though the story has been done before, the movie's execution is where the strengths of the film are. The viewers are kept on edge by the universe created by Bartalos as it is both chaotic and a bit bizarre. There's not much time to breathe between the numerous instances of violence and destruction occurring.
Everyone might not appreciate Skinned Deep. It's eerie, peculiar, and even strange at times. It's very strange. However, horror fans who are interested in watching the kind of film that takes imaginative opportunities within the genre should surely take a peek. Skinned Deep is able to make a mark among other horror movies because it is basing itself on an original concept and also that Bartalos placed emphasis on the production of realistic effects.