'Uncle Peckerhead' is a film that follows a small-time punk band, called 'DUH', embark on their first tour. In desperate need of transportation, the three members, Judy, Max and Mel put out fliers in search of a van. Peckerhead, as he was lovingly referred to by his father, offers the band his vehicle as long as he can tag along as a roadie. Trouble ensues when the group discover Peck is a half-man half-thing that turns monstrous every midnight and feasts on human flesh.
The film starts out by showcasing the context in which we find our band - Judy is quitting her minimum wage job, and returns to the home she shares with Max and Mel to be in disarray, as the the other members seem unable to be productive. Additionally, their van gets towed due to unpaid bills, seemingly completing the pain-by-the-numbers image of their simple, yet unfortunate life. The chance meeting with Peckerhead leaves the band members weary of him, yet without any other options they set out to their first gig. Their show turns out to be a bust, with very few in attendance and not getting paid at the end of the night. Meanwhile, Peckerhead turns into the 'half-man, half-thing' and devours the promoter that was disparaging towards the band, allowing for the possibility for the band to discover his true nature. Peckerhead convinces them that it was justified and that he can control himself, and due to circumstance the band continues on their trip.
'Uncle Peckerhead' presents 'DUH' as a band that is trying to make their way to stardom, performing live and facing whatever comes their way head on. Meeting Peckerhead and rationalising his blood thirsty ways to carry on with their tour is something Judy is presented to struggle with the most. Peckerhead seems to be a fun-loving person, charming everyone he comes across, much to Judy's chagrin, as she does not agree with what Peck does. However, Judy reaches a turning point whilst at one of 'DUH's performances Peck manages to rouse a crowd, making Judy feel like a true performer.
The film presents Peck in a manner that resembles an addict, - he is fun to be around, says he can control his cravings and does not seem to have any other flaws. However, towards the end of the movie we learn that Peck had lied to the band earlier, stating that he could control the 'half-thing' part of himself by inducing sleep, thereby overcoming the 12 o'clock rule, as he sleeps through the onslaught of the change and does not harm anyone. In reality, Peck had no control, kept murdering and kept it from the band. The realisation causes a rift, the band rejects Peck and prepares for their final show.
Before they manage to hit the stage, police show up, giving Judy the chance to come clean about the murders. Here, the film presents its most tense moment, showing that Judy has a choice between carrying on the lie and confessing to Pecks misdeeds. The next shot is of her in a police car, devastated and crying in realising the totality of what has happened and what she is missing out on.
The film could have concluded with the thought of Judy stuck behind bars, missing out on her dream, yet being morally vindicated. But shortly after we are shown the members going through a trial and being released within the year, undercutting the dramatic ending the film could have had. In addition to that, we are shown that Peck is at one of their shows and proceeds to wreak havoc on their audience. This conclusion is less impactful, as we are aware of what Peck is capable of and are therefore not surprised by what he does.
Chet Siegel plays Judy, the moral centre of the film. Siegel presents her character as someone with a singular desire, namely to be a performer. She is shown to be uncompromising in that regard, yet by the end we see that her sense of right and wrong prevails. She chooses to come clean, unable to lie to the police about the crimes Peck has committed. However, the story is not bold enough to leave our main character in a state of despair, presenting her out of prison and able to perform again. The character is faced with Peck again, yet their final meeting does not have the same gravity to it that the previous ending had. Siegel does well in presenting an unwavering spirit in Judy, a determined character striving for her goals. The retention of a strong moral compass can be felt throughout, perhaps undercutting her decision to confess to the police somewhat, yet managing to surprise the audience none the less.
Jeff Riddle portrays Max, an unassuming guitarist with a simple outlook on life. Perhaps a little lazy, Riddle manages to portray the character in a lovable fashion. Ruby McCollister plays Mel, the drummer with a somewhat bleak outlook on life, that delivers great dead-pan stares with excellent timing. The only drawback is that perhaps we don't see enough of Riddle's character to highlight some of the ridiculous circumstances the band find themselves in. As a trio, the actors compliment each other and create a lived-in feeling that translates their close connection well on the screen.
David Littleton plays Peckerhead. He delivers a character that, on the outset, seems to want to cope with his issue, and appears to be well intentioned. Yet, over the progression of the story he becomes more akin to an addict lying to himself and everyone around him, as we learn of his inability to control the monstrous urges that overtake him daily. Littleton delivers the character with gusto, showing Peck to be someone with a zest for life, yet managing to impart that it comes at a price, as Peck is unable to stop murdering and eating people. The character turning on the band does seem surprising as previously Peck has been 'DUH's biggest supporter, cheering them on non-stop. Perhaps here the biggest twist of the movie occurs, as the analogy of Peck's issues mirroring that of drug addiction shows its most true image - that the problem is overwhelming and Peck is unable to defeat his urges, leading him to commit atrocious acts.
The director and writer of the film, Matt Lawrence, has delivered a hilarious gore film, which at time seems to rip on 80's slasher films whilst combining it with themes of morality and being able to justify your actions in pursuit of your dreams. The film functions well as a comedy, delivering great lines and hilarious physical gags. The film seems less like a horror flick, relying more on gross-out scenes than scares, but manages to deliver a fun experience. The story seems to slow down at times and become somewhat monotonous as the band travel around and debate the same quandary, namely Peck's issue and what to do about it. Overall the film is a fun experience, yet does not seem to stick the landing as it misses the mark in concluding with the more emotionally desperate final though of 'DUH' remaining behind bars.
Score: 2/4
Comments