Movie Review: ‘Psycho Goreman’

Review by James Lindorf

“PG: Psycho Goreman” is writer and director Steven Kostanski’s (The Void) take on the old paradox of what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. In this case, the unstoppable force is “The Arch Duke of Nightmares,” an evil space lord from planet Gigax set on eradicating most life in the universe. On the other side is Mimi, a brash and overbearing pre-teen girl, and her submissive brother Luke. The result is a horror-comedy throwback to the VHS era that answers the question, what if Troma made a movie like “The Gate.” “PG: Psycho Goreman” will be available exclusively to stream on Shudder starting on May 20th. The film stars Nita-Josee Hanna (Books of Blood, 4teen), Owen Myre (NOS4A2), Adam Brooks (The Return, Father’s Day), Alexis Hancey (Silver Tongue), and Matthew Ninaber (Transference) as PG.

After a game of “crazy ball,” which may be the most overly complicated game in history, don’t believe me? Just wait until they try to explain it later in the movie. After those few minutes, you will be on the side of the intergalactic homicidal maniac. After the game, the siblings unwittingly resurrect an ancient alien overlord who has been trapped on Earth for millions of years after a failed attempt to destroy the universe. Using the amulet that kept him imprisoned, Mimi and Luke give him the nickname Psycho Goreman (or PG for short) and force him to obey their childish whims. Which includes dressing as Dr. Grant from Jurassic Park and playing “crazy ball.” Everything is going well, but PG’S resurrection can’t be a secret forever. Everyone from the kids’ parents to PG’s generals and the people responsible for stopping his last crusade across the universe will learn what they have been up to. With everyone on a collision course, small-town suburbia will find itself the setting to a battle for the fate of the galaxy.

Usually, I would say the most crucial element to a film is the plot. What are the characters doing, and why are they doing it is the reason I am there. There aren’t many characters so lovable that they can overwhelm the story, to the point I would be happy to watch them do anything and nothing. There is a defined plot to “PG: Psycho Goreman,” and the arc belongs to the titular monster. However, the plot is not why I would recommend anyone tune in. The story is one we have seen hundreds of times and is not strong enough on its own to warrant your attention. This movie is for the people who love Mystery Science Theater 3000 or RiffTrax and the overly cheesy, fun, and frequently bad movies they showcased. The plot exists to get the kids and PG from one gore-filled scene of rubber suit action to another.

Describing the look of the film is a difficult task because it doesn’t look good, but it isn’t supposed to. It is supposed to look like those tremendous child-centric horror films of the 80s. A truly unique aesthetic that died out nearly 30 years ago only to be perfectly nailed here. If you grew up in that era, there is an endless amount of nostalgic fun to be had. Their inspirations seem to take a little from the ’90s in the form of the Power Rangers. So many of the creatures could have been sent by Rita and not felt out of place. A musical stinger sounds like the original theme song, and some of the creatures spark and explode when hit with a sword.

“PG: Psycho Goreman” is an unequivocal success. Not because it excels in all the facets of filmmaking. But because it accomplishes every goal that was laced in front of it. The audience for this film will be small because you have to be of a certain age and/or enjoy this style of film. That Venn diagram isn’t giant, but for ones who call that place home, this is a 4 out of 5.

Genre: Horror, Comedy
Director: Steven Kostanski
Producer: Stuart F. Andrews, Shannon Hanmer, Steven Kostanski
Writer: Steven Kostanski
Runtime: 1h 35m
Production Co: Dystopia Films, Raven Banner Entertainment