HAZMAT REVIEW

The television crew of the "Scary Antics" hidden camera show sets up a disturbed young man for a practical joke, but the joke is on them when heads roll.

Starring: Norbert Velez, Aniela McGuinness, Todd Bruno, Gema Calero, Giordan Diaz, Tom Stedham, Daniela Larez, Reggie Peters, Dennis Spain, Mario Nalini, Massiel Checo and Brandi Rudicil

Directed by: Lou Simon

Written by: Lou Simon

  There are several things to like about “HazMat” starting with the story. Having the tables turn on a film crew who is suppose to be doing the scaring makes for a good story. As the audience sees in the opening scene, “Scary Antics” is usually the one playing the joke on an unsuspecting victim. It isn’t so funny when the joke is on them.

  The crew sets up for what appears to be another great scare in a chemical plant. The plant turns out to be a great place to have a bunch of people slaughtered, as it’s dark, quiet, and almost impossible to escape if you don’t know where you are going. The crew sets up hidden cameras around certain parts of the plant, and watches from a control room. However, there are plenty of other areas that they never got to, which are perfect for a killer to hide.

  Speaking of the killer, sometimes one is born when a cruel joke is played on them, and that is exactly what happens here. The joke is supposed to be on Jacob (Norbert Velez), who has been brought there by his friends. That is where is father died, and his belief that the place is haunted makes him an easy target for his friends. What his friends fail to realize is that it appears that Jacob might have had a little crazy in him already, and the whole joke pushes him over the edge.

  As with any good slasher, Jacob would need to disguise, and a signature weapon. Jacob finds a chemical worker’s suit, mask and ax, and the real fun begins. What’s great about Jacob as a killer is that he doesn’t hold back. Every opportunity he has to go after someone, he goes after them with everything he has. He chases them down, and buries that ax right in them. Each time the audience is treated to a different look at the deaths with plenty of blood splatter.

   As you can see there is a lot to like about this film. It would have been easy to expect some bad acting, but it’s solid all around except for maybe in a moment or two. The only real complaint here is that the film starts off a little slow. It has to introduce the crew of “Scare Antics,” and establish connections between them. It’s a little boring, but the film more than makes up for it when the audience gets to see their fate.

  Overall, “HazMat” is a pleasant surprise. It all starts with a good story about how things can go wrong when you play a joke on the wrong person. The chemical plant proves to be a great hunting ground, and there are plenty of victims. It’s good to see a killer be born, and one who goes after his victims so intensely. With that, I believe this movie is ready for a strong festival run, and give it 3 pools of blood.

  HorrO