Rating: R
Genre:
Horror
Release Date: 08/09/2005
Sound: DD2
Run Time: 88 min
Flags: Violence, Graphic Violence, Questionable for Children, Adult Language, Profanity
Distributor/Studio: Wizard Entertainment
Gory slasher mayhem from
Evil Dead co-writer
Scott Spiegel, this claustrophobic thriller is set entirely in a small supermarket, whose owner is preparing to go out of business. This doesn't sit too well with the film's resident maniac, who busily butchers the night crew using the tools of the trade (hooks, axes, knives, power tools and so on). The victims include
Spiegel's pal and
Evil Dead director
Sam Raimi as the butcher-shop buffoon who meets a nasty end on a meathook; even
Raimi's favorite lantern-jawed star
Bruce Campbell puts in an eyeblink cameo as a brutish cop. Though the film sports some clever, audacious gore effects from
KNB FX Group, most of this footage is absent from
Paramount's home video print.
~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
Gnarly and bloody hilarious,
Scott Spiegel's low-budget
slasher opus
Intruder is just what the demented doctor ordered for gore fans and dedicated followers of the
Evil Dead troupe of filmmakers. Shot for a measly 100,000 dollars, the film is considered a cult classic in most
horror circles due to the infamous uncut print that made its rounds on the bootleg circuits for over a decade. Known mainly for the supporting roles of both
Ted and
Sam Raimi (along with a tidbit from
Bruce Campbell at the end),
Intruder explodes with their patented quirky humor but isn't afraid to get down and dirty with the nasty and inventive kills from future
K.N.B. makeup effects head
Greg Nicotero.
Spiegel's directorial debut also displays a strong visceral style that's very much in the same vein as
Raimi's early features and packed with crazy p.o.v. shots that spice up the action throughout the film. Additionally, the ensemble cast goes a long way with their quirky characters, and the grocery-store setting is an interesting touch that easily sets it apart from the rest of its
slasher kin. Fans need not worry about hunting down the uncut version in various grey-market settings anymore, thanks to plenty of available copies overseas and finally an official U.S. DVD release from
Wizard Entertainment in 2005.
~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide