Ticked-Off Trannies with Knives and Surprises: A Movie Review

Here is an indie film that is a little different from the norm and one where all the lead characters are transgendered. The film is appropriately called Ticked-Off Trannies with Knives, from director Israel Luna (The Deadbeat Club). This is also a film where grindhouse, violent excess and revenge themes are taken to new heights. As well, the film's focus is often on the comedic rather than pushing forward transgendered themes: "this cross-gender comedy/bloodbath is overdone" (Variety). Petitioned by GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) at its premiere in Tribeca, Ticked-Off Trannies is a small film with a knife pointed at many character's hearts. Recommendable for those in the mood for something bloody, violent, and off the beaten path, this film will be available for fans on DVD November 9th.

The film follows a straight forward revenge plotline, with five transgendered ladies performing gyrations at the local gay club. Then enters the ex-boyfriend, Boner, of performer Bubbles, whose humiliation has been sparked after his latest date ended with the discovery of a "package" (Ticked-Off). This is not a package that most heterosexual men would want to find, so the aptly named Boner takes his excitement to a back alley warehouse. Here, the trannies are lured back to an abandoned warehouse for a game of baseball, where the baseball is substituted for cross-dressing singers. Put the shoe on the other foot and soon we have Boner and his henchmen begging for their lives. But are these "gender bending revenge-seekers" (Breaking Glass) worth seeing?

This reviewer would give a hesitant yes, as the world in which these Ticked-Off Trannies frequent is one which is unique to this film-lover. Those who are familiar with the gay and lesbian community, will also find laughter in some of the sarcastic quips from character Rachel (William Belli), or the protective gesticulations of Pinky La'Trimm (Kelexis Davenport) and possibly even from the deceptively feminine and lisping Bubbles (Krystal Summers). Each of the characters in the film are comic book size: "the level of violence and vulgarity ultimately reduces everyone to a cartoon" (Variety). Yet, this is independent filmmaking where the director's apartment is likely to become the film's central set and where a doctor, who is usually a bastion of authority, is reduced to gimmicky names like Phil Latio.

This is a film which is full of surprises for the character therein and for viewers, who will see a part of society not often portrayed in positions of power within film. The film is also one where the cliched villain is a little one-sided and one where endings are a little too neat, or clear-cut. Luna has created something special for audiences, who will likely see this director's positive, yet violent message.

This is an early review of one of the most controversial films so far in 2010 and those who like an extra helping of one-liners will find pleasure in Ticked-Off Trannies with Knives. A recent press release has stated that this film will show in New York City October 15th (Cinema Village), and then Los Angeles October 22nd (Laemmle's Sunset 5). Also to show on DVD November 9th, this is a very off-center and bizarre revenge thriller, which is full of '70s influenced sexploitation and fun: "presented in the style of classic '70s revenge films" (Breaking Glass). Check this one out if available on the big screen, or on the little screen in just a month.

Characters/believability: 7 (everything comes off as believable, just some reservations about the undeveloped antagonist).
Setting/realism/importance: 6.5 (the last set is over-used an uninspiring, other sets are well-dressed).

Overall; 6.75 out of 10 (An overall good showing).

A review of the film at Variety.com:

http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117942624.html?categoryid=31&cs=1

The film at Breaking Glass Pictures, with trailer:

http://www.breakingglasspictures.com/index.php?option=com_jmovies&Itemid=2&task=detail&id=71

The film's fan page on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/tickedofftrannies