The Tattooist (2007): A Movie Review

The Tattooist is a horror thriller starring Jason Behr as Jake Sawyer, a tattoo artist. Jake accidentally releases a vengeful spirit as he tries to learn tatau, the Samoan tradition of tattooing. The movie also stars Mia Blake as Sina, Jake's love interest, and Michael Hurst as Crash, Jake's friend and fellow tattooist. Warning: My movie review contains plot spoilers.

The Tattooist is an excellent movie with a high quality production feel. I am surprised the movie went straight to video because I think it could have done very well in a big theater. The movie opens in Singapore with a Jake waking from a nightmare involving a childhood memory. The memory is very graphic and starts the movie with a chilling vibe. Jake is in town attending a Tattoo Exposition. He specializes in tattoos that supposedly have healing powers. At the Exposition, Jake meets Sina and her relatives that practice tatau. The relatives aren't willing to let an outsider in so Jake leaves the group and steals a tatau tool as he leaves.

Jack heads to New Zealand to visit his friend Crash and track down the Sina and her family. Jack is feeling guilty about stealing the tool and he is haunted by bad dreams and visions. It turns out the tatau is haunted by a vengeful spirit and Jake accidentally releases the vengeful spirit when he cuts his hand on the tool. The vengeful then proceeds to "finish" any tattoo that Jake starts which results in their strange death. Unfortunately Jake tattoos his new girlfriend before he realizes he is cursed. Determined to save his girlfriend, he learns about the Samoan belief on shame and how it can destroy families. Jake discovers who the vengeful spirit is and brings the spirit resolution, which results in the curse ending before Sina dies.

The Tattooist held my attention the entire movie. It has subtle creepiness without all the typical Hollywood tricks of doors shutting loudly, etc. The movie has its fair share of gore without being overly disgusting. The Tattooist is not a typical horror movie, more like a murder mystery with haunting elements.

Jason Behr did an excellent job as Jake Sawyer. I was also impressed with the cameo by Michael Hurst. For anyone who doesn't know, Michael Hurst is a popular New Zealand actor who played the sidekick Iolaus on the popular Hercules series from the 1990's. I instantly recognized him even with his shaved head and tattooed covered body. I wish he would have played a bigger part but did enjoy his small part. I was also amused that Jake's girlfriend's name is Sina. It was pronounced Xena in the movie. I am sure most people remember the TV series Xena, which was also filmed in New Zealand. Yeap, I am easily amused.

The Tattooist is one of my new favorite horror movies. I might have to watch it again just to see the naked butt scene again. But anyway, the movie is great and I give it 5 out of 5 stars.