The Mole Man of Belmont Avenue – (Shriekfest) Review
Now, there isnt much gore in Moleman, or nudity, or scares.. but what it does have is a fresh blend of comedy and horror which to me, after viewing it, am expecting it to become a cult classic in the likes of Idle Hands or Shaun of the Dead.
It pretty much is about- Two Brothers who run an apt complex in Chicago that was once used for Bootlegging. Leaving unknown tunnels beneath the basement, which the basement itself is a bar that happens to be the meeting place constantly for the Brothers.. When all the occupant’s pets end up disappearing, the brothers are determined to find out why to make their tennants happy, and to avoid more comlaints. Leading to them having brushes with the “Moleman”, eating up all the pets, and eventually going after the tennants. They aim to find it, in the abandoned tunnels beneath, and kill it. (in a nutshell)..
With a funny perverted character by none other than Robert Englund(great to see him dabbling in comedy), and the chemistry between the two Brothers played by Mike Bradecich, and John LaFlamboy (who also Directed the project together). The one-liners and comedy in this is seems improved in some parts, and other parts sticking to the script for the stories sake and plot, like that of Always Sunny in Philadelphia, but with a hoaky horror twist. Its shot well, and the acting is good. There are extremely large fake boobs cameo’d for those of you who need that little dose.
The casting I’d say is what makes this film key, because had it not been for the two brother’s constantly bitching back n’ forth to each other, and their wise-crack toward Englund’s Character along with others, I may have been bored. But I wasnt, like I said, this keeps you entertained, and was shot really well for the budget they had. Everyone seemed to give a great performance, and I wasnt disappointed in any character, or plot twist, or what have you.
For those of you looking for gore, you wont find it here. But if you are looking to laugh your ass off, and watch an interesting original story, that not just points at horror, but explores more through the comedy-horror genre. By making something new, and original, LaFlamboy & Bradecich set a new bar for independent film in the horror genre, as well as comedy.
Acting and directing is not easy as it obviously is two jobs at once, but also collaborating is a conflicting ideal also. People want different things due to different imaginations, and these two coming together and completing this not only shows they can make a great film behind the camera, but can unleash the comedy that is, in front of it as well. Great job guys!
Rating: 
