Carny: The Jersey Devil on Film

In general, when a film makes me jump within the first few seconds, it has promise. I love creature features. You may have noticed. But my primary motive for seeing Carny was the star: Lou Diamond Phillips. I just don't see him as often as I'd like. When I saw him billed as the hero, I recalled Stand and Deliver, Shadow of the Wolf and La Bamba. I think he's sexy, but even if you don't appreciate his face you can appreciate his great performance in this awesome monster flick.

Alongside my darling Lou is the gifted A.C. Peterson in ringmaster's clothing. He's paired with the lowly Quinn, a typical ratlike assistant played by Dominic Cuzzocrea. Vlasta Vrana - you may know him as Sleepy Hollow's VanTassel - appears as the most interesting pastor I've ever encountered. You'll be delighted with the cast of circus attractions. Most of them are created or enhanced with makeup and special effects, including a man with a conjoined twin that gives him two heads and a lovely cat woman. However, the extensively tattooed "skeleton" and the massive Gustave Ouimet are quite real. It's unfortunate that only a few of these actors are credited.

The creature is a traditional combination of puppet and computer animation. The two mesh well. Sheldon Wilson also makes good use of its absence. As in classic horror films, the monster's distinctive voice, the rustling of the undergrowth and the howling wind create delicious suspense. By most accounts, it fits the description of the Jersey Devil. (The cryptid's back story is also mentioned with accuracy.)

Carny 's gore effects really impressed me. The blood and ruined remains are notable. There is one torn-throat prosthetic that is not only well done and covered in sticky blood, but is nauseatingly animated. My jaw dropped. The coloration of bodies is much more realistic than in typical creature features. The art department did their homework.

Above all, I was brought into the storyline. I can believe that a fantastic creature like the Jersey Devil could be smuggled along with a freak show. And I suspect that small-town clergy would be in upheaval at the very suggestion of "Satan's" visit. The loyalty and misplaced zeal of the townsfolk reflect my experiences. I know that traveling groups like this circus become a working family, and enjoyed seeing that quality showcased. Unlike some films, this one had a plot that worked.

I absolutely endorse Carny as the centerpiece of a pizza night with friends. It offers the kind of sudden shocks that go well with pepperoni and may cause cola stains on the carpet. What I love most, though, is the purity and quality of the film: the attention to detail, foreshadowing and valiant effort at believability. It gives a noble nod to the Jersey Devil legends. It is backed by a good team of makeup artists and computer geeks. And it has Lou Diamond Phillips! That's enough for me.

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jersey_Devil