Storm Warning

Storm Warning was directed by Jamie Blanks, who helmed the anemic post-Scream slasher, Valentine. It wasn't a terrible movie, but I never really liked it. Blanks also remade the excellent Long Weekend last year and despite my hopes of it getting a theatrical release, it's going straight to DVD.

Storm Warning isn't exactly an original story. You've seen it before: A yuppified couple get lost and take shelter from a storm, meeting up with some dope-growing, deranged, redneck killers. But we drive-in fans not only don't mind retread plots, we thrive on them. Not that we don't love original movies, but as long as a movie hews to the tried and true exploitation staples, and does it with guts and balls, we're happy.

Storm Warning is a better-than-average film of its type. It's beautifully shot and the performances are quite good. The dirtbag killers are especially good, with the father being a big standout. Unlike many Hollywood movies with redneck stereotypes in them, this Australian movie looks genuine. And the gore and violence are shocking and disturbing.

If this sort of thing isn't your cup of blood, you shouldn't watch it. But if you're a true drive-in mutant, then I recommend Storm Warning wholeheartedly.