If you are easily offended or have little tolerance for the tasteless and obscene, move along.
Fathers Day is the latest offering from producer Lloyd Kaufman and Troma Entertainment. Its the first entry in a series of films made by young graduates of the Troma School of Filmmaking. It is also totally and completely bonkers.
The story (yes, there is one) revolves around a serial killer named Fuchman, pronounced exactly how you think it is. His MO is raping and burning dads. The man seems to take a lot of pleasure in his work.
A heroic trio of misfits is out to stop Fuchman and end his reign of terror. Ahab (Adam Brooks) watched Fuchman murder his father many years ago and spent 10 years in prison for killing the wrong man in a moment of vigilantism.
Twink (Conor Sweeney) is a troubled youth whose father was also murdered by Fuchman. And Father John (Matt Kennedy), in an effort to support Twink, decides to partake in the project. After Fuchman kidnaps Ahabs stripper sister, the threesome sets out to hunt him down.
The exuberant nuttiness and its contagious nature is difficult to convey in print. But Fathers Day is pretty hysterical for most of its running time. Try not to smile when a dying strip club manager laments that the bastard loved that syrup more than he loved me.
Try to resist laughing when an enraged priest delivers a sermon questioning the existence and presence of God, checking under the lectern and declaring that God sits on his ass before running out the church gun in hand. Theres also incest, a talking leather jacket, mutilated penises, toxic berries/tasty berries, Lloyd Kaufman as God and the Devil, and a whole lot more.
Overall Fathers Day manages to maintain a nice level of fun goofiness. The gore effects are solid and while the acting is mostly amateur hour, you cant help but root for the ragtag trio as they embark on their insane quest.
Ten to fifteen minutes could have and should have been cut. It definitely feels drawn out and drags in the final stretch.
As previously mentioned, it is not for everyone, but if you have ever enjoyed a Troma movie before, you will enjoy this one. See it with a crowd if you can. It was made to be seen with a large group of people, and will play great with an audience.
Fathers Day will be released in New York on February 10, Los Angeles on February 24, and in select cities nationwide throughout February, March, and April. Visit Troma or Thefathersdaymovie.com for more information.
