Studio 666

 

Studio 666
Starring Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear
Directed by BJ McDonnell

There are several horror films that've grown a cult classic following, even though they're technically not very good. The 80s were synonymous with this, with movies like "Chopping Mall," "Killer Klowns From Outer Space," and the like really coining the term B-rated in the most glorious way possible. They're not masterpieces by any stretch of the imagination, but they're a lot of fun to watch for their sheer craziness. That's one of the many things I can appreciate about the horror genre specifically: they like taking risks, and aren't afraid to produce something downright silly and yet also bring the chills as well. "Studio 666" will be one of those films that'll be looked at fondly in the years to come as one of the 2020s best B-rated cult classics, a film that - much like the aforementioned ones - isn't technically good, but it sure does provide a rip roaring good time filled with humor, gore, and a true passion project that elevates it to something more than just pure cheese.

In anticipation of their tenth studio album, the Foo Fighters (Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, and Rami Jaffee) want to record it somewhere different than the traditional sound studio. Their manager Jeremy Shill (Jeff Garlin) suggests a mansion in Encino, and Dave immediately falls in love with it. Unbeknownst to them, the mansion has a terrifying history, as a band in the 90s tried to record there and supernatural forces killed them all. Soon Dave starts seeing these spirits around, and soon becomes possessed by them, causing him to create the "best song ever," which will usher in the end of the world if it's completed. His bandmates must find a way to bring the old Dave back and not finish the song in the process, or else all hope is lost.

"Studio 666" is just as crazy as it sounds, a film that's wholly unique (coming from the mind of Grohl) that pokes fun at the rock music industry (how it's a dying breed, and how it's fed by Satan himself), while providing copious amounts of gore and violence that'll satisfy the crazed horror fan inside of us all (the beginning alone is well worth the price of admission). The film doesn't try to extend its reach to draw in the more sophisticated crowd, but serves as a fun 106 minute horror thrill ride with fantastic music and cheesy acting, but you can sense the bleeding heart at the center of it, and you know that everyone involved had a great time filming it, which makes it even more of a joy to watch.

Dave Grohl surprisingly does a decent job at acting, as he balances the goofy embarrassing dad-figure to unnerving servant of Satan with equal measure, all the while maintaining his natural sense of charisma and sincerity. He's no Daniel Day-Lewis, but he makes due with the little acting talent he has to serve as the grounded center of the story. His fellow Foo Fighters aren't too bad either (especially the running gags involving Pat Smear not having his own room, and Rami Jaffee's continued quest to bed the crazy groupie lady next door), as everyone, again, seems to be having a ball. Throw in comedic cameos by Will Forte (who plays your traditional Door Dash fan/wannabe rocker) Whitney Cummings (the crazy groupie lady next door with all the knowledge of the evil in the house), and Jeff Garlin (as the over-the-top manager Jeremy Shill, who's last name seems to be more apropos) and you've got some great comedic moments thrown in with the kills and thrills.

There's not a lot to say about the story, but "Studio 666" is a great addition to the B-rated horror subgenre, with dedicated performances by the Foo Fighters in this intense, hilarious comedy/horror film.

The Score: B-