Trying to start a punk band is hard. It’s even harder when your new roadie turns into a ravenous cannibal for a few minutes every night. Uncle Peckerhead, the latest film from writer-director Matthew John Lawrence (Two Pints Lighter), balances humor and horror with enough of a unique spin to make it worth seeking out.
Often these kind of films are either not scary or funny enough, but Uncle Peckerhead wisely picks a good mix and sticks to it for a consistent tone that will leave you starving for more.
After a grisly opening in which we barely glimpse the titular beastie picking at a fresh corpse and driving off in a van, Uncle Peckerhead starts its journey in earnest. Ruby McCollister (Curb Your Enthusiasm, High Maintenance), Chet Siegel (Chicago Med, The Sound of Silence), and Jeff Riddle (Larry Gone Demon) star as Mel, Judy, and Max, respectively.
This amiable trio tries to launch their punk band DUH to fame and fortune, but aren’t in the big leagues yet. They struggle to book gigs, can’t get a record label to listen to their demo tape, and hate their day jobs. Nevertheless, they plan on a tour of local venues to take their band to the next level.
ROAD TRIP FROM HELL
Zaniness ensues and they are in need of a roadie and a car. Peck R. Head comes to the rescue in his grimy van, and given his odd name, people call him “Peckerhead.”
The group doesn’t get too far before they discover Peckerhead’s bloody secret. In a running gag that’s a bit forced, Judy gets outvoted 2 to 1 every time on whether they should keep Peckerhead in the group or not. He’s the only ride they’ve got, and they want to make a great impression on their first tour as a fledgling punk band.
David Littleton (Music Box, Sundays) gives a really fun performance in the titular role, veering between a nice Southern gentleman during most of the day and a scary screaming cannibal for 11 minutes at night.
At times, Uncle Peckerhead’s plot feels more suited to a limited series than a movie. DUH ventures from venue to venue while trying to make sure Uncle Peckerhead gets his antidote to fend off his cannibal side. It’s amiable enough, but the plot has no real drive to it.
Matthew John Lawrence‘s screenplay plays things more on the comedic end to good effect. Peckerhead’s juicy kills are loaded with gore to such a degree that it plays well against the comedy. Both are over the top in a way that complements each other.
Conclusion
Uncle Peckerhead is most successful when the four main characters are hanging out and having a good time. It kind of falls apart at the end with too many twists, but the journey is worth taking despite its destination.
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