An absolute triumph in comedy and horror, Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, is one of the most original satires of the last fifteen years (Scream comes to mind). Not your typical slasher flick, it is very surprising that no one has made a film prior to this involving hapless teenagers seen as villains and the cliché Deliverance-type hillbillies depicted as the victims.
Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine are arguably the two most gifted comedians to tackle such stereotypical redneck parts and somehow making Tucker and Dale a novel and genuinely loveable duo. They are quite adorable in some aspects and quite inept at other times. This makes them certainly heroic in a reluctant sort-of-way. They are also relatable next to the cute-as-a-button Katrina Bowden, the only teenager who is actually not trying to kill them.
The film’s greatest brilliance is its Blake Edwards’ inspired comedy (the choreographed chaos of The Pink Panther-Inspector Clouseau series) and how each event leads to a grotesque death for any teenager attempting to kill Tucker and Dale without preparation. Every death sequence is inspired by slasher film antics ala Friday the 13th or Evil Dead, but every death is the result of a character’s stupidity. The results are hilarious. If you want a relentless bloodfest combined with classic humor, this film is the one for you.
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