High on the Hog

High on the Hog is an engrossing and unusual blend of the crime, thriller, and horror genres. It was released in 2019 and stars the late, great Sid Haig – best known for his roles in a variety of Rob Zombie films – as well as Robert Z’Dar and Joe Estevez. Combining elements of black comedy and visceral action, the film promises an experience that's part gritty cop thriller, part psychedelic drug trip, and part occult horror, showing audiences something that’s very distinctive.

The movie centers on the character of Big Daddy, superbly brought to life by Sid Haig. Big Daddy is a warm, generous farmer and ex-con who has a lucrative, albeit somewhat unorthodox, occupation – he farms marijuana in the sleepy town he calls home. However, he is not all that he seems. In fact, Big Daddy is cunning and ruthless, running an operation that is incredibly sophisticated and complex.

The plot takes a dark and thrilling turn as overzealous law enforcement take a deeper interest in Big Daddy's operation, thus propelling the narrative into high gear, with much bloodshed and chaos ensuing. The storyline explores themes of corruption, survival, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to protect their livelihood and those they care about.

Joe Estevez assumes the role of the ambitious law enforcement officer hell-bent on taking down Big Daddy. Estevez develops a character who is a real thorn in Big Daddy's side and relentless in his pursuit, resulting in a game of cat and mouse between the two, while also representing the clash between law enforcement and the controversial marijuana industry.

Robert Z’Dar delivers an equally grand performance as one of Big Daddy's trusty associates, playing a key role in the film's storyline as it spirals into an exhilarating, high-octane climax. The relationship between Big Daddy and his associates reveals the stronger underlying familial theme in High on the Hog, with bonds solidified through shared struggle and survival instinct, rather than blood.

High on the Hog thrives on a distinctive meld of various genres, creating a unique atmosphere that vibrates with tension, chill, humor, and horror. The film doesn’t shy away from the explicit display of blood and gore, which are expected from a horror thriller. However, the black comedy aspect will provide plenty of unexpected laughs, making the movie as entertaining as it is gruesome.

Despite its focus on the marijuana farming industry, High on the Hog is not a statement on the legalization or decriminalization of the drug. Instead, it uses the industry as a backdrop to flesh out Big Daddy's character, providing depth to his persona and introducing motivation for his head-on collision with law enforcement. It successfully conveys a layered narrative that draws the audience into the grimy, dangerous, yet intriguing world of drug cultivation.

Perhaps one of the strongest aspects of this film is its characters. Each is unique, vibrant, and unapologetically uncouth, creating a cast that is easy to invest in, even as they make questionable decisions. Their actions, extreme yet grounded, underscore the tagline of the film – in their dire situation, it’s “kill or be killed.”

Directed by Tony Wash, who has an established track record in the horror genre, High on the Hog brilliantly balances the uneasy juxtaposition of humor and horror that characterizes the film. Wash's flair for suspense and mystery shines through, ensuring that the film is consistently entertaining and that audiences are kept on the edge of their seats throughout.

The film also features a pulsating, unnerving soundtrack that perfectly complements its overall tone. The soundtrack heightens tension at crucial moments, emphasizing danger, threat, and the increasing stakes for Big Daddy and those loyal to him.

High on the Hog may be an outlier, not fitting neatly within the confines of its genre, but it is precisely this hybrid nature that makes it unique. It manages to entertain from beginning to end while also provoking thought about serious, pervasive issues. Above all, it serves as a notable addition to the legacy of Sid Haig, offering a chance to relish in one of his last on-screen performances. This movie is a must-watch for fans of genre-blending films, those who like their humor dark and their action frenetic.