Stitches Review

When I saw that the funniest man on the planet (Ross Noble) was starring in a movie, I knew I had to watch it even though it is a slasher film.  As you may be aware, I am not a fan of the horror genre.  But my research showed that this was along the lines of comedy and horror and gore was more of a vehicle for telling jokes (sort of like Shaun of the Dead but with less allegory).  Ultimately, that's really what it boils down to.

It's got the basics of a typical slasher movie.  There's the group of teenagers, each with their own quirks and one-dimensional personality.  There's the evil killer that is enabled as a killer by either psychosis or supernatural means (in this case, it's the supernatural but there's a bit of psychosis there simply due to Noble's involvement).  There's the small setting that keeps everything within its own little package so you simply can't just outrun the clown or call for help (something that they never really address).

But they aren't trying to delve into some weird psychological study or make any allegories to the human condition or any other crap like that.  Stitches is just a slasher comedy; plain and simple.  For what it is, it is adequate.  I would have to say that the comedy is better than any slasher effects.  Most of the gore is a bit too shiny and looks plastic and fake.  Had it been a serious movie, that would be a huge failing.  But what they lack in consistent writing and effects, they make up for in humour.  The group of teenagers is well thought out and used to make their personalities continue the laughs. And that's a good thing because I was disappointed in the amount of screen time that Noble actually got.  When he is on screen, he is very funny.  But the movie focuses more on the group of kids and the buildup to Stitches' involvement.  So the fact that the kids were able to maintain my interest is good.

It's nothing that is going to set the world on fire.  And without Noble, I would never have seen it in the first place.  Overall, it isn't a waste of 90 minutes and can be quite funny.  It's worth it just for the tricycle scene.  See it but don't make it a huge priority.