It’s been eleven long years since Deathgasm hit screens, and since then, the film has earned legendary cult status. For some fans, they wanted more and despite a long wait, we finally have a sequel. When Deathgasm II Goremageddon was made a little over a year ago and released to its crowdfunding backers, I’m sure those of us who missed out were sad. But I come bering good news: this movie is getting special screenings across Canada and the USA this week! We can all scream out a famous a catch-phrase from long ago: “It’s a good rockin’ tonight!”
With a film fine tuned for the masses, it’s louder, cruder and perhaps even bloodier than I remember. Admittedly, I had to rewatch the first film before seeing this one, and I can confirm a lot has changed. Everyone’s grown older, greyer and maybe fatter.
The old is new again here. The film shows the consequences of Brodie’s (Milo Cawthorne) actions and makes it clear he hasn’t changed at all. When there’s a battle of the bands going on in his home town and that he has that itch to scratch, the choice is tough! Medina (Kimberly Crossman) left him and he’s not taking the breakup too well. When the film reveals why she can’t put up with him anymore, her reasons are valid; without some stability in their lives, not everything can stay heavy metal.
What makes Deathgasm II Goremageddon better than the usual 80s horror rom-com is the genuine on-screen chemistry between the two former lovebirds. Unless they reconcile, things will go from worse to oh sh*t! Their relationship keeps the story grounded as chaos and the undead erupt everywhere! With Jason Lei Howden back to write and direct, there’s more gore, bad jokes and body-part mutilations (this movie is definitely NSFW). I’m fairly sure the film uses every zombie comedy trope twice. I’m just surprised Howden hasn’t directed more films in between. His only other film as a director was Guns Akimbo, starring Daniel Radcliffe, and that’s it!
As for the big bad, Brodie only has himself to blame. After bringing his former bandmates back to life, he finds that Zakk (James Joshua Blake) and Dion (Sam Berkley) have become musical rivals. This more straightforward plot is easy to follow. The music is just as good. Fans hoping for a two-pack home-video release will have to wait and see if one happens. The sequel assumes viewers know what happened in the first film; it doesn’t work as a standalone.
When Brodie fears being alone and has only one best friend to confide in, the fact they’ll eventually grate on each other is inevitable, and it’s funny to see who has the better manners. And with his ex-girlfriend still on his mind, making that right choice matters. When the ending suggests life can be fine once everyone makes amends, I’m sure we can all hear, “This must be just like livin’ in paradise.”
4 Stars out of 5
Deathgasm II Goremageddon Trailer
