CHERRY FALLS PLOT-A psycho killer is picking off teenage virgins in a small town. VIOLENCE-Bodies are found with the word "virgin" carved into their flesh, and we see that a couple times. Otherwise, assorted characters have blood on them at times throughout the film. Nothing big. SEX/NUDITY-None. Although sex is a major plot point, we never see anything beyond some kids briefly making out. No nudity. WHY I LIKED IT-This film started out with a lot going for it. I read about it frequently when it was being made, and thought it was a cool idea for a movie. The word was that Geoffrey Wright (ROMPER STOMPER) was directing, and considering the subject matter, we were going to have a rough-ass controversial film on our hands. I read the script online, and it was filled with sex jokes and violence. The cool thing about the finished product is that it retained that twisted sense of humor. The acting and dialogue are all great, sharp, and witty. The kids in this movie use a lot of profanity just like in real life, and they make some great jokes (which is probably why it's described as AMERICAN PIE meets SCREAM). DOWNSIDE-Before it was released, this movie's first cut got an NC-17. I was bummed because I knew they'd have to cut it up. Then its theatrical release date kept getting pushed back and back and back. Finally, it premiered on the USA Network (!) and I didn't even bother watching. It eventually appeared on video in its R-rated form, but it was still weak. At the end, all the kids have a big orgy (to lose their virginity) so they'll be safe from the killer. This was the centerpiece of the whole film, but it barely registered a blip in the final cut. Hardly any of this "orgy" is shown, and what we ultimately get is a washed-out standard teen horror flick with the usual stuff that could've been done by anybody. What started out as a promising project ended up getting sterilized, and all we're left with are occasional shining moments representing what could've been. MEMORABLE SCENES-If you rent this movie at all, rent it to watch the scenes where the teenagers talk to each other. I cannot express how twisted and clever these moments are, other than to say they are all the film has going for it. NOTES-All hopes of an uncut DVD version were dashed. This film can be found on a no-frills double feature disc along with some movie called TERROR TRACT (which I hope is about Jack Chick killing people, but probably isn't). Oh well.
