Anyone who remembers Steve Guttenberg as the clean-cut American hero of films like COCOON, POLICE ACADEMY and THREE MEN AND A BABY / LITTLE LADY are guaranteed a much darker revelation in the new dark British horror offering HECKLE, which received its’ World Premiere at the London Frightfest Halloween ‘Virtual Edition’ 2020.
Guttenberg plays Ray Kelly, gunned down at the outset of the film with his wife on his own front door, who has become the subject of a brand-new biopic ‘Laughter In The Dark’ , which is to feature troubled Russell Brand-ish comedian Joe Johnson (Guy Combes) , who has been cast in the lead role.
Johnston isn’t exactly firing on all cylinders at the present time with alcoholism, a troubled ex-wife and a bright daughter who just wants to spend more time with him and ahead of the shooting of the Kelly biopic heads out with friends to a country retreat for an 80s Halloween retro party. However, there is a problem on the horizon in the form of the mysterious Heckler who repeatedly via phone tells Johnston ‘Knock Knock’ – and promises to take him to hell with him for the ultimate tough gig….
Very much in the style of Wes Craven’s SCREAM, but also very British in tone, HECKLE is what you would expect from a film both of this age and the decade it pays tribute to. Guttenberg is definitely a selling-point to the 1980s generation, but whether or not you embrace him in the profane way he appears in this film will depend on how much you loved the blockbusters mentioned earlier.
My feeling is audiences have moved on sufficiently and this performance definitely proves he has a lot more talent that some probably gave him credit for. Fans of current UK TV fads will find appeal with Dani Dyer in a supporting role as well.
Fans of THEY’RE OUTSIDE will certainly want to check out writer Airell Anthony Hayles new script offering here, directed by Martyn Pick, which happily taps into classic horror from the era with knowing zest and is what it is throughout. Good make-up and gore add to the fun.
