Blu-ray Review: HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN - Better Grindhouse Film Than Grindhouse!
Blood, guts and a very angry Hobo.... Hauer bout that !
The Film rating: 3
2007s Grindhouse began a resurgence of the classic exploitation film, with a myriad of movies trying to emulate the look and feel of cult classics from the 70s and 80s. It was a fun idea, but the execution wasnt entirely successful. Death Proof was for hardcore Tarantino fans only, whilst Planet Terror was an improvement but still disappointing. The highlight by far was the fake trailers which ran in the middle, including Edgar Wrights hilarious Dont and Robert Rodriquezs Machete. Machete itself became a feature film; being significantly more fun than Grindhouse, despite some poorly shoehorned political commentary and an increasingly hammy Robert De Niro. Another of these fake trailers, Hobo with a Shotgun is now the second from Grindhouse to be extended into a feature length film. Originally created as a competition entry, it became exclusively attached to the Canadian release and a huge hit on Youtube. Just like Machete, the film takes many of the scenes and dialogue directly from the trailer. Although, unique to the film is the genius casting of the excellent Rutger Hauer as the shot-gun wielding, grizzly bear loving Hobo. Travelling to the crime ridden Hopetown, the Hobo finds himself in a decrepit slum full of murder, mayhem and even a child molesting Santa. All he wants is to get on with his life and collect enough donations to buy a shiny new lawnmower. This desire for his perfect lawnmower forces him to end up performing in hand-held videos reminiscent of the controversial real life Bumfight videos.
Being reduced to eating broken glass on camera is already enough to make him very, very grumpy. The casual rape, thievery and torture also going on around him is enough to push him right over the edge, starting his own form of vigilante justice. It starts out Charles Bronson stylee, with Rutger wielding a sock full of coins, but soon escalates. It's a town where even the law is corrupt, with a depraved lunatic called The Drake (Brian Downey) ruling with his equally sadistic sons. The Hobo grabs his shotgun, and sets out to clean up the streets for once and for all. Hobo with a Shotgun seems like one of those films that cant possibly go wrong. The title itself is just a stunning example of simplistic brilliance. It also starts really well, with a great opening credits sequence complete with music from 1970s Mark of the Devil, also reminiscent of Cannibal Holocaust. Shortly after this, when the Hobo witnesses a brutal murder involving a pothole, decapitation and scantily clad ladies dancing in a fountain in blood, it's very clear what we've gotten ourselves into. Sadly, it's not entirely as fun as it should be. It's not always the fault of the film, but an inherent problem with the idea of doing a modern exploitation film. Theres something too knowing about it, something too self-conscious. These revivals look far too modern and well produced to be as authentic as the grimy originals, yet ironically are too devoted to trying to look and feel the same that they in turn struggle to offer anything new or exciting. Hobo with a Shotgun also occasionally tries a little too hard to shock. A similar approach just about worked in Machete; its a bit harder to accept here. It was both grotesque and funny to see Danny Trejo jump out of a hospital window using someones intestines as a rope. Its not quite so funny watching a bus full of school children burned alive in one of Hobo with a Shotguns many tasteless moments. Still, many will find this desire to be as offensive as possible part of the films charm. 
In fact, what the film reminded me of was the kind of movies produced by Troma in the 80s and 90s. Hobo with a Shotgun contains exactly the same mix of uneasy tasteless humor and low budget gore seen in films like The Toxic Avenger or Tromeo and Juliet. Theres nothing wrong with tasteless humor if done well. It often works in Hobo (You know how I know youre wet? Cause my dick is thirsty!) at worst, it borders on lame. The casting of Rutger Hauer as the Hobo of the title is simply inspired. The subtly sinister performances of Blade Runner and the excellent The Hitcher frequently come through, particularly when the Hobo is talking about his love of Grizzly Bears or giving some useful advice to some newborn babies. Hes definitely the highlight of the film, injecting some much needed emotion where possible and delivering the insane dialogue straight faced and with conviction. Despite all of the problems with Hobo with a Shotgun, its almost impossible to dislike the film. I laughed at the cheesy dialogue (Put the knife away, kid... or I'll use it to cut welfare checks from your rotten skin) winced at the gruesome violence and cringed at the perversity of it. I also loved the look and sound of the film, in gloriously overly saturated Technicolor with a moody synth soundtrack. Its definitely a more enjoyable exploitation experience than Grindhouse; but for me, theres still much more fun to be had by seeking out the real cult classics that are ready to be re-discovered. 
Extras rating: 4
The film is released on Blu-ray and DVD as a special edition from Momentum. A comprehensive documentary features a 45 minute look at the creation of the film from the original Grindhouse trailer through to the completion and reception of the finished feature. Its a great documentary; honest and insightful, providing valuable insight into the difficulties that come with creating such a low budget film. We find out how on earth Rutger Hauer became involved, the difficulties with directing a bus full of burning children and the origins of the skate rape line, among other things. Two audio commentaries provide further insight to the film, the first with director Jason Eisener and Rutger Hauer. The second features a larger group, with Eisener again joined by writer John Davies, producer Rob Cotterill and the original Hobo, David Brunt. Rounding out the package is a fleeting but enjoyable alternate ending, deleted and alternate scenes as well as the films theatrical trailer. Sadly the original trailer that spawned the feature length version isnt included. Summary Certainly a desired taste, but those with a love for exploitation cinema at its trashiest should find plenty to enjoy in Hobo With A Shotgun. Fans of the film will also enjoy the great selection of bonus features, giving fantastic insight into the making of a low-budget feature. ____________________ For a chance to win a lovely exclusive Hobo with a Shotgun T-Shirt click here. Click here for another look at the film from WhatCulture!
Hobo With A Shotgun was released on Blu-ray today.