Massacre on Aisle 12

Massacre on Aisle 12 is a 2016 black comedy horror film directed by Jim Klock and William Mark McCullough. The film stars Chad Ridgely, Michael Buonomo, and Jim Klock who deliver spirited performances in this offbeat, darkly humorous, and suspenseful tale.

The plot unfolds on Christmas Eve in a hardware store. A new employee, Dave (played by Michael Buonomo), is experiencing his first day on the job. Among his colleagues are a diverse group of quirky characters with unique personalities that add a fair share of wit to the narrative. The characters include the by-the-books manager Clifford (played by Chad Ridgely), the disgruntled and gruff employee Jack (played by Jim Klock), and a comically misfit team of hardware store employees. Each of these characters is distinct and contributes to the varied and vibrant ensemble cast.

Things take a turn for the worse when one of the workers stumbles upon a hidden box. The tightly sealed and mysterious box contains a dead body and a fortune in cash. The unraveling and escalation of events following this gruesome revelation form the crux of the film. Fear, greed, and suspicion creep in and take over the once mundane hardware store, leading to a series of chaotic, gruesome, yet humorous incidents.

This film skilfully blends elements of horror, comedy, and mystery. Massacre on Aisle 12 leverages the usually tranquil setting of a hardware store to juxtapose against the dark humor and horror elements, thereby creating an entertaining popcorn flick for genre enthusiasts. The tools found in this everyday setting become sources of impending doom, adding to the eeriness and suspense that propels the narrative forward.

The script, co-written by Chad Ridgely and Jim Klock, is smart, provocative, and filled with dark comedy. The witty dialogues and over-the-top situations consistently deliver laughs while providing a constant sense of underlying dread. The humor is cleverly infused throughout the script and superbly executed by the diverse and dynamic cast.

Chad Ridgely stands out by delivering a wonderfully deadpan performance as the manager Clifford, offering the audience a much-needed comic relief amidst the spiraling chaos and bloodshed. Michael Buonomo and Jim Klock also shine in their respective roles, maintaining the balance of comedy and horror and resisting any urge to lean too heavily into either genre. These performances are complemented by a supporting cast that offered strong performances.

The direction is straight and unpretentious. Klock and McCullough do an outstanding job creating an environment of escalating tension and paranoia without compromising on the humor. They manage to create a sense of claustrophobia and impending doom within the constraints of the store. Simultaneously maintaining an element of unpredictability and keeping the audience guessing till the very end.

The production design and practical effects are commendable too. They give an authentic feel to the film despite its limited location. Additionally, the visual effects and gore are surprisingly well-produced, providing proper rendering to the horror part of the film.

The pacing of Massacre on Aisle 12 is noteworthy, seamlessly blending character introductions, enhancing the narrative arch, and escalating tensions within its concise runtime. It respects its audience, never overstays its welcome, and wraps up in an adequate time frame leaving a satisfying conclusion.

The film also boasts an engaging soundtrack that provides a fitting backdrop to the unfolding chaos. The over-the-top violence and gore are often underscored by equally dramatic, intense, yet sometimes comically absurd music selections that further enhance the film's mood.

In conclusion, Massacre on Aisle 12 is a kind of off-the-wall, black comedy horror film that ingeniously combines wit, gore, and a dose of sarcasm. This film fully acknowledges its genre troupes and exploits them to present a remarkably fun ride that dares to be different. It is a hidden gem for those who appreciate comedy intertwined with elements of horror and suspense. A word of caution - despite its comic undertones, this movie is decidedly not for the faint-hearted. However, for the adventurous ones looking beyond the usual fare, this would indeed be an entertaining, albeit unconventional, cinematic experience.