Rock music and horror movies have always gone hand-in-hand. The alternative nature of both subcultures makes them complimentary bedfellows. It makes perfect sense then to combine both worlds together and that is exactly what directors Samuel Gonzalez and Bridget Smith have done with The Retaliators. Their movie is a gnarly love letter to gritty police dramas and gorefest, and features cameos and appearances from some big names on the rock scene. Beginning with a bloody butchering, The Retaliators quickly gets your adrenaline pumping, setting the tone for what is to follow. This opening is somewhat of a tease as the story soon jumps back in time to join Pastor John Bishop (Michael Lombardi). Bishop is a man of God and a pacifist. He finds his faith tested after the brutal murder of his eldest daughter. As he begins to investigate her death, he uncovers a dark and twisted underworld into which he is inexplicably drawn to.
The Retaliators is packed full of recognisable faces, and not just those from the music world. Alongside the likes of Papa Roach frontman Jacoby Shaddix, the band Five Finger Death Punch, and Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, the likes of Robert Knepper and Robert John Burke also grace the screen. It’s a great mixture of cast, and one whose eclecticness means that the film will appeal to the widest possible demographic.
With so many faces to see, The Retaliators does feel a little disjointed in its storytelling. Rather than focus purely on Bishop, the narrative flits from one character to another, all of varied hierarchy, and whilst presenting a warts and all vantage point for the audience, it becomes hard to fully invest in anybody. Once you filter through the noise of all the characters, it is Bishop who conforms closest to the protagonist role. Early on he is established as a pacifist, but also that he is a fan of motorbikes, Bruce Willis, and working out. All are key ingredients of the action hero role and as Bishop gets closer to the violence, he is faced with the dilemma of casting his beliefs aside.
Given the rock roots of several of the cast members and the director’s clear love of the style of music, The Retaliators has a wicked soundtrack. The end credits song performed by Nikki Sixx is pure alternative slease and captures the vibe of the film that has just been shown perfectly. Occasionally the film relies a little too heavily on these kick-ass melodies and the result on screen ends up feeling slightly like watching a music video.
A film that is forever pushing forward, evolving, and shifting focus, The Retaliators keeps the violence and gore coming thick and fast. If you like your films dirty, demented, and dangerous then you should definitely take this one for a spin. A brutal and vivid punch to the gut, The Retaliators is a rock song birthed onto screen and is sure to be a hit with fans of music and horror alike.
The Retaliators
Summary
An expletive ridden explosion of violence, gore, and rock n roll, The Retaliators gets your adrenaline surging, your blood pumping, and is best viewed with a loud and lairy crowd.
The Retaliators was reviewed at Arrow Video FrightFest 2021. The Retaliators is out to own on on DVD and Blu-ray.
