Studio 666
As reported by dolly for me
A must for fans of the Foo Fighters, particularly fans who don’t mind seeing members of the band chainsawed in half, Studio 666 is an enjoyably schlocky comedy-horror. Dave Grohl gamely hams it up as a man possessed – first by an-out-of control ego, and later by the forces of darkness during a recording session at a mansion steeped in bloody rock’n’roll history. The running time is an issue – a punchy seven-inch single approach would have been preferable, rather than this jam session of a screenplay, which doesn’t know how to end. But the tonal blend of goofy and gory is oddly endearing.
Dave Grohl and his band Foo Fighters have been rocking out to sold out arenas for decades. Now, they’re side stepping in a new direction by starring in the horror comedy, Studio 666. Dave, Nate, Pat, Rami, Chris, and Taylor all play themselves in this movie which finds the Foo Fighters looking to rent a house in order to record their tenth album. They want to record somewhere different, somewhere unique. They’ve found a house when a realtor convinces them to rent out a haunted murder house by mentioning it has a rock and roll pedigree. Dave instantly feels some weird energy, but they move forward and set up a temporary recording space. On top of suffering some writer’s block, eerie things start happening, and a dark spirit inhabits Dave.
Foo Fighters made the wise choice by making the movie about them. It allows them to play exaggerated versions of themselves, as they know they’re not thespians taking on intricate characters.
There’s a campy, amateur quality to it, and I don’t mean that in a bad way, as I think the style works well for the overall effect.
The band’s natural chemistry and camaraderie is on full display, and plenty of the film’s humour comes from their interactions and their inevitable “freak out” sessions once the story goes haywire. It’s fun to see a goofy new side to Dave Grohl as he really lets himself play around, enjoying the genre and descent of his character.
I wouldn’t call this movie a spoof, as there is a strong balance between the laughs and the frightening elements. There are just enough blood and guts to make you squirm, but I’d say it’s over the top in an Evil Dead kind of way.
Studio 666 is the kind of horror comedy where everyone involved knows exactly the kind of movie they’re making and never stretches outside their range.
