The Violent Kind (2010)

If the 2007 Disney film Wild Hogs made you think that bikers are a loveable, cuddly bunch of characters, the new film The Violent Kind will have you thinking twice. Filled with loads of suspense and buckets of blood, The Violent Kind is a genuinely creepy and enjoyable movie.

As The Violent Kind begins, we are introduced to the film's principle characters, Cody (Cory Knauf) and Q (Bret Roberts), cousins and second-generation members of an outlaw biker gang. They live the life one might expect - sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll and, as the film's title would suggest, violence. The viewer is left with the impression, however, that Cody is only partaking in this lifestyle because he was born into it, and is looking for a way out, while Q is truly happy to be a part of it.

While these bikers may have engaged in their fair share of violence up to this point in their lives, what is about to come their way is something they couldn't possibly have been prepared for.

When Cody, Q and Q's stunning girlfriend Shade (Taylor Cole) head off to a remote farmhouse for Cody's mom's birthday, a good time is had by all. Initially, anyways. The term "remote farmhouse" pretty much lets you know that something bad is going to happen.

After earlier crashing the party, Cody's ex-girlfriend Michelle (Tiffany Shepis) returns hysterical, drenched in blood. It soon becomes apparent that there is something inside her that is not quite human, and she begins to exhibit zombie-esque behaviour.

But it isn't Michelle that the protagonists must fear the most. It is the gang of Rockabillies, straight out of the 1950s, who have entered into the proceedings. The Rockabillies do not appear to be of this world, and make it clear that they are interested in getting their hands on whatever evil is growing inside Michelle. They torture Cody and friends to uncover her whereabouts, stopping occasionally to listen to some vintage vinyl. This is a rather bizarre twist, but it really helps distinguish this film from the hordes of other "trapped in a cabin/farm" films out there.

While The Violent Kind is at times quite brutal, with a lot of bloodshed, it does not come across as the type of mindless gore fest that Rob Zombie would be a part of. The film was actually received quite favourably, and was even an official selection at the renowned Sundance Film Festival. What I enjoyed most about the film was the suspense and atmosphere that is created before Cody, Q and friends find out what they are up against. It kind of reminded me of what it feels like to play a Resident Evil video game. In fact, The Violent Kind better captured the essence of those games than any film in the Resident Evil series has managed to do.

The Violent Kind attempts at various times to be scary, sexy and silly, and pulls off all of these well. Be sure to check it out when it arrives on home video on May 10.

3 out of 5 stars