Three young adults, Bone(Deva George), Sam(Nate Rubin), and Carrie(Robin Gierhart)are heading for a music festival when they accidentally take the wrong turn and end up in a small town overrun with vampires. A labour of love for writers Chris Gardner and Blair Rowan(the former also has a part in the movie as a jerk with penis issues, the latter also co-director), BLOOD ON THE HIGHWAY is a vampire comedy that has sex jokes, blood, gore, and foul language in equal measure. A steady diet of hick humor and violent mayhem in a really low budget effort here. Sometimes, filmmakers contend with a tight shooting schedule and inexperience with a palpable energy and joy that exists. It's easy to see that everyone involved were having a grand ole time participating in this go-for-broke, let-it-all-hang-out exercise in excess and tastelessness. BLOOD ON THE HIGHWAY is crude, and definitely hit-or-miss(mostly miss for me, to tell you the truth, a few moments where I either grinned or let out a minor chuckle), appealing to those who embrace trash/slob humor. Tom Towles and Nicholas Brendon show up in cameo roles(Towles a type of "motivational speaker" in a Colonel Sanders get-up, Brendon the leader of the vampire movement, Vice President of consumer grocery stores that harvest bloodsuckers throughout the country). I think the film's strongest asset is the gore...lots and lots of blood shed and flesh wounds from massive neck gnawing.
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Scarecrow-8830 August 2010
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Being that Vampires are so "in" these days, it's pretty much common sense (for anyone who isn't a pre-teen girl) that this modern Vamp-trend is bad news, and should be avoided at all costs. But not so fast! If you didn't know, you need to know that the world of B-Entertainment has also jumped on this bandwagon. A bandwagon which just got a lot bloodier. Blood On The Highway is a micro-budgeted Horror/comedy which flaunts a rotten attitude from beginning to end. We start out with an unlikeable, mean-spirited cast. An annoying wuss, his angry, gold diggin' girlfriend, and his so-called best friend (who is obviously sleeping with the girlfriend), head out for a road trip to a concert. Unfortunately, said wuss gets car sick and vomits all over the map, which only causes the little fella to get bullied even more. It doesn't take long for the pointless trio to wander in to a town of Vampires, only to be rescued and taken to a house of "survivors". Most of which, make the vampires look normal.Blood On The Highway is a Troma-ish Vampire version of Shaun Of The Dead. And despite having a description that makes it sound slightly goofy, Blood On The Highway has a very clever humor about it (I realize I just called it Troma-ish AND clever, but just go with it). Never getting too funny to stop being dark. The three main characters lack of concern for each other, along with their interaction with the other humans, never gets old. And neither does the gore! And if you're now convinced that Blood On The Highway is your kind of movie, but feel it could use a companion piece for a double-feature, Chris Seaver's Taintlight is waiting. So, in closing. If the Twilight saga makes you as sick as it does me, and you happen to love constant tear-inducing comedy, you're gonna wanna give Bloody On The Highway an honest chance. You just might love it. Nevermind the Vamp-trend. Support real independent cinema! 8/10
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msb-utils6 October 2009I watched this movie on Fantaspoa/2009. It was one of the worst movies in that festival (IMO, obviously). The main story is not bad, the effects are OK, the actors are up to the movie's grade. The movie starts slow, and it doesn't get much speed as time goes by.
But what I really didn't like on it is the movie's appeal to obvious clichés, and to pointing them out. In that same festival I watched "Pathogen". It amazes me the fact that "Blood on the Highway" was boring, while on the other hand a lower-budget movie made in a totally amateur fashion, with little to no planning was not. As stated by "toronaga", it may be considered "The 'Airplane!' of horror movies". It's just that I think it didn't fit. Whoever likes this movie, it's probably for the same reason I didn't. -
buckybowen040968-127 May 2023Well, I was hoping for a nice campy movie, along the lines of a Bruce Campbell or Alan Tudyk showing. You know, self aware, goofing it up. But in a good way.
This is not it, the three leads are barely what i would call actors. I did not bother to look their IMDB up, but I would not be surprised if this was a first role for any of them and if they never did anything again.
There is a difference between hamming it up and just plain bad acting. These three were bad, period. It just looks as if the people making this were using locals that claimed to acting experience or were simply willing to not get paid, just so they could show up in a film.
The only good thing, and just barely at that, was Nicholas Brendan. And after over 100 episodes of a fairly campy dramedy series like like Buffy, you would expect him to to hit his marks and deliver his lines like a pro. He simply was not enough to elevate the movie, for me anyway.
With some other actors in the major parts that were actually up to the task, this could have been really good. As it is, I would only call it mediocre at best.
I have no problem with people that think it is a good or even great movie, "to each their own". There are parts that definitely work, but they are few and far between. -
On their way to Mr. Fire (an obvious take on Burning Man), three twentysomethings get lost after the neurotic wimp of the group, Sam, gets carsick all over their map. After taking a detour given to them by a roadside hillbilly, Sam, his gold-digging girlfriend Carrie, and best friend Bone, run low and gas and stop at a small gas station. Disaster strikes when Sam gets attacked by one of the gas station attendants, who happens to be a bloodthirsty vampire . . . along with the rest of the town! Luckily for our wayward tourists, the vampire townies are complete morons and there are still some survivors left willing to help them through the crisis. . . even if the other survivors are just as dim as the bloodsuckers.
Horror-comedy is a very hit-or-miss subgenre. . . but, it's mainly miss. The subgenre thrives in the low-budget/independent sector of cinema, mainly because schlock humour is cheaper and easier than quality production elements. Because of the sheer stupidity that comes along with the cheap humour and low-budget horror-comedies, the vast majority of the attempts are very, very bad.
'Blood on the Highway' took this risk and went for the comedy-horror blend on a low budget. For the rare time, though, it actually paid off. Sure, it's not the next 'Dead-Alive' or 'Evil Dead II,' but it is a surprisingly funny, original, and blood-soaked vampire romp through a Texan hicktown. For what was clearly a fairly low budget, the technical aspects of the film are actually not too shabby. The comedic writing is actually pretty laugh-worthy and definitely evoked some giggles, even if it is just a bunch of vulgarity delivered by some pretty bad actors. The overall look of the film is also pretty good with some pretty awesome and over-the-top gore effects, complete with flying limbs and too-red blood. Even the CGI wasn't overly distracting, but that's mainly because it was only used in small quantities. Another small feature of the film that will be a treat for horrorhounds is the casting of Nicholas Brendon (Xander from 'Buffy') and horror legend Tom Towles, most famous for his role of Otis in 'Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer.'
Overall, 'Blood on the Highway' isn't going to go down as a classic among other gore comedies; but, with enough exposure, this splatter comedy does stand a chance to be a future cult classic.
Final Verdict: 7/10
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trashgang23 April 2012It's always hard to make a good horror comedy. There are a few that I would mention, Undead Or Alive (2007, a zombedy), Doghouse (2009), Lesbian Vampire Killers (2009) and the best one so far Tucker and Dale vs Evil (201O). This flick here I came across on a sci-fi and horror convention. Sadly I don't have it for US comedy but I was glad I picked it up.
This goes sometimes over the top with stupid situations, too many to mention. But the acting was so believable that it really works. By going over the top this flick didn't fall in those stupid tricks like so many US spoofs did. naturally they also had in mind that it should work for horror buffs so a lot of red stuff is added. The gore isn't gory because it is all shown in those funny situations. Even the part were the doorbell rings and a voice says, it's a blond girl standing naked before your door, help, did work because a few seconds later after another scene we really see her standing before that particular door.
On part of the acting, they were all okay even as it has a few new names to the genre like Robin Gierhart (Carrie) who gives her first performance here. There are even names from bigger flicks like Nicholas Brendon (Chase Sinclair) from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or Tom Towles (Louis Debois) from House Of 1000 Corpses.
I enjoyed it and that is really a good point because normally I don't like US comedies. I'm more into British comedy but this here is a must see. I laughed out loud.
Gore 3/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 2/5 Story 3/5 Comedy 4/5 -
toronaga13 September 2009Just saw this one off cable PPV. Another one of those cheesy horror movies I assumed. This one was priceless! I would have to watch this movie more than once to get all the jokes. The dialog was absolutely hilarious and you have to listen carefully to hear it all. It starts really going once they get to "Housechusetts" or whatever it is. The sex-related jokes had me almost in tears.
Oh yeah, also loved the "town meeting" of vampires. And the "veiled" Wal-Mart commentary.
The actors did a great job and probably took a lot of showers during the making of this movie. But the WRITING was what made this film really shine. I will watch for more from these people, they are going to make it big in Hollywood some day. They certainly deserve it. -
Frequency27013 August 2011Imagine if a comedian who specialized in myelopathy humor--and only myelopathy humor decided to take his humor to the broad general audience that is the world, and you will understand the primary--and big--flaw of this movie.
This is a Mad-magazine style parody of more R-rated vampire horror movies. The characters play their parts mostly straight, except for the occasionally annoying pose as they wait for the audience to appreciate their brilliant quip (tips for next time, director--let loose the joke and keep rolling and let the audience mind try to keep up), and playing it straight with the ridiculous (deliberately) script helps a lot.
The movie does start off slow as the three protagonist have difficulty carrying scenes by themselves. Once they get to town, however, and the survivalist and family come into play the movie does well. The exception being is they really want to hammer a joke in over and over and over and over again...hey, we got it the first time, it was funny, now move on.
Laura Stone ('Lynette') deserves the most credit here. She gets the best, most shocking and humorous lines, and she delivers them like a pro.
One does have to wonder if the three protagonist (Bone, Sam and Carrie) awkward acting is a deliberate tribute to other lousy horror movies or simply a testament to their inability to act--it really is hard to tell.
So if you are looking for a rich and subtle clever comedy about vampire horror--then head somewhere else. You will hate it. If you are ready for a parody rich in brain-dead humor, then slide yourself up on the couch, and plop it in. -
Blood on The Highway is a completely original, high-spirited, horror-action, comedy romp. Don't mind the review below. This movie is just balls to the wall good fun.
When a group of friends get into trouble on a road trip, they find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. Namely, they're surrounded by scores of vampires in the small town of Fate, TX. They have a few advantages: their resourceful and reckless friend Bone and the fact that these vampires are completely inept. Not too mention they are powered by some of the most amazing one liners ever committed to film.
Featuring hilarious performances, including that of the legendary Tom Towles (Henry:Portrait of a Serial Killer, Night of The Living Dead '90), Blood on The Highway is a guaranteed good time. Do yourself a favor and check it out. -
culturalvoid20 July 2010Blood On The Highway is an excellent independent horror comedy. If you like to see what a team of talented writers, actors and directors can create without a committee of Hollywood suits turning it into a boring safe money maker, this is your film.
This film is for fans of Evil Dead, El Mariachi, Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer, Clerks or Cannibal! The Musical.
The story is original, the script is well paced and doesn't feel like it is shaped around a tiny budget. The characters are well developed and portrayed. The jokes are frequent, big and well written, I found myself laughing hard and quoting some of the lines with friends. Comedy is very hard to pull off in movie and these guys have got it. The soundtrack is well thought out and occasionally funnier than the film. I've been to three screenings and always bring someone new with me to watch their reactions. I've bought three copies of the DVD, one for myself and two to give to friends.
This isn't a big budget Hollywood polished film. This is a film done quick and cheap. If you need to see Tom Cruise blow some stuff up every time you watch a film, this is not the movie for you, but if you like to watch a group of independent film makers really nail it, get a copy of this film.
I expect more good things from these guys in the future. -
rdjmyspace20 July 2010I saw this movie at AFI Dallas last year. I laughed my ass off. The writing was fantastic. If you like B movie horror and fast paced comedy you will love this movie. The scene where the vampire clerk (Barak Epstein)who is at first mistaken for an average pot head attacks Nate Rubin's character and gets stuck; has to be one of the most original and funny things I have ever scene. I liked it so much I sought out it's director to buy an advance copy. I have watched it at least a dozen times since. Blood On the Highway is a non stop laugh aroma. Do not watch it while drinking milk unless you like to shoot it through your nose.
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Woodyanders18 October 2012Foul-mouthed spitfire Carrie (a winningly sassy and zesty performance by the insanely foxy Robin Gierhart), her hopelessly meek dork boyfriend Sam (amiable Nate Rubin), and Sam's surly bad boy buddy Bone (a nicely swaggering portrayal by Deva George) are all en route to a rock concert. During their road trip the trio get lost and find themselves stuck in a remote podunk town populated by ferocious, but slow-witted hick vampires. Directors Blair Rowan and Barak Epstein, working from a gloriously rude'n'crude script by Rowan and Chris Gardner, do a bang-up job with the infectiously loopy material: The hilariously profane dialogue, colorfully broad redneck characters, the blithely inane jokes, and the teeming surplus of wild over-the-top gore all add up to one immensely entertaining and often sidesplitting romp. Moreover, it's acted with tremendous zeal by an enthusiastic cast: Tony Medlin as wacko survivalist Byron, Laura Stone as bawdy and aggressively lascivious whitetrash slut Lynette, Chris Gardner as smarmy and spineless jerk Roy, Richard L. Olsen as flaky hillbilly Old Zeke, and Nicholas Brendon as chipper vampire yuppie opportunist Chase Sinclair. Tom Towles (Otis in "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer") has a cool and funny small part as smooth bloodsucker lawyer Loius Debois. Both Clay Liford's sharp cinematography and the lively score by Paul Nichols are up to speed. An absolute hoot.