The Last Horror Movie

THE LAST HORROR MOVIE uses the clever ruse of mimicking a rented horror film that has been recorded over, allowing the main character, Max (Kevin Howarth), to tell his grisly story to the viewer with words and horrific deeds. Max is nonchalant about his actions, sticking to his narrative, regardless of what heinous crimes he commits.

Filmed by Max's "assistant" (Mark Stevenson), this "documentary" takes us along with the killer as he merrily relieves his victim's of their boring lives. This is one of the better examples of the "found footage" subgenre, fitting in neatly between such classics as MAN BITES DOG, and THE POUGHKEEPSIE TAPES. One bizarre twist is the way Max mingles visits with his family in with the carnage. This makes it all even more unsettling.

The cameraman's subplot is also quite disturbing.

The dialogue is, at times, fascinating, as we hear Max ask some rather philosophical questions of his audience. In spite of this, we're never unaware that we're witnessing the vile actions of a monster.

Mr. Howarth is terrifying in his unflinching role. It's just too bad that VHS tapes are no longer available from video-rental shops. That would have made this quite a find...

Smooth talking serial killer and amateur film-maker Max Parry has made a fly-on-the-wall documentary about murder. By copying his movie onto a rental tape at his local video shop, he gets people to unwittingly start watching his opus, in which he delivers a snuff showcase of his greatest 'hits', whilst glibly commenting about the nature of killing.

Despite borrowing heavily from Belgian movie 'Man Bites Dog', the classic 'Henry: Portrait of a Seial Killer' and 'American Psycho', and ending with a gimmick which is reminiscent of Japanese ghost movie Ringu, director Julian Richards manages to deliver a grisly film that succeeds in being genuinely disturbing. The catalogue of stabbings, beatings and strangulations are filmed with a gritty authenticity that will shock all but the most desensitised; but despite all of the nastiness, there is a knowing sense of ridiculousness which will appeal to those with a very dark sense of humour. Kevin Howarth's Max is both chilling yet comic; he claims to be sane, and talks intelligently about his project and his reasons for killing, yet he is clearly a few sandwiches short of a picnic. At times he is logical, calm and collected whilst going about his business, but we see just enough glimpses of his completely wacko side to know that he is far from 'mentally balanced'.

A sharp script, impressive hand-held video work and some gruesome effects (try watching the burning scene without wincing) add to the realism of the film. The Last Horror Movie is a brave plunge into the dark world of an unhinged individual. Unashamedly violent and unflinchingly graphic, it is not a movie for the easily offended.

this is one of the best movies of that genre i've ever seen ! i've been watching it at the Fantasy Filmfest in Berlin and i have to say that Kevin Howarth as the serial killer Max is the most frightening and charismatic actor in years. I'm sure we'll see that guy soon in other movies. he's fantastic ! the complete idea of having this weird character filming his live for response from horror movie watchers is brilliant. but it's not just frightening and shocking it's more a kinda reality thrill as well as a pitchblack humor with sarcasm that makes the movie that enjoyable. i wish julian richards would have gotten the job to do the American Psycho Movie. he would have been the one to do a good film of the book. I hope "The Last Horror Movie" is going to be released on DVD soon ... if anyone knows anything about a release on video or better DVD, please email me to audiomatters at hotmail.com

Grand Rapids,Michigan.A radio announces that a serial killer,responsible for the deaths of six teenagers at a holiday camp,has escaped from prison.A waitress closing up an isolated diner hears a noise,steps on a Haloween masked,and is stabbed again and again and...Suddenly the face of an English man,Max Parry(Kevin Howarth),appears, declaring "The film you borrowed from the video store,I recorded over it...I think you'll find this more interesting" -and what follows is a homemade video of Max in London,murdering people,serving meals for his friends and family,shooting wedding videos for his day job("the best place in the world to meet women"),trying to persuade his retiring camera assistant(Mark Stevenson)to take a more participatory role,lecturing to camera on the moral underpinnings of his way of life,and slaughtering more people."The Last Horror Movie" by Julian Richards is a truly disturbing and grim horror film with hauntingly realistic central performance by Kevin Howarth.The film is clearly inspired by "Funny Games","Angst" and especially "Man Bites Dog",but it still manages to disturb.The killings are cold,merciless and extremely brutal and the violence is genuinely unnerving.Don't miss this one.8 out of 10.

"The Last Horror Movie" is an effective film that could be described as a British "Man Bites Dog". Unpredictable, witty and thought-provoking, Julian Richards' film rises above the limitations of its budget and the result is a haunting production that is difficult to forget.

The film's star and narrator, Kevin Howarth, is superb as the psychopathic wedding video organiser, Max. Howarth's performance is right on the mark. Like Bret Easton Ellis' "American Psycho" Patrick Bateman, Max reveals the thought-processes that go through his disturbed mind.

The film has the ability to put the viewer in an uncomfortable place and some scenes have a genuinely surprising outcome. This won't appeal to viewers expecting an "August Underground"-style gore-fest but it does have moments where the visual effects are excellent.

An ingenious film, this is worthy of a viewing. Unlike most films, "The Last Horror Story" works best on VHS or DVD rather than the big screen.

8 out of 10.