Studio 666 (2022) - Movie Review
What if I told you the Foo Fighters wrote and starred in their own horror movie?
No, No, before Dave Growl went full banana, and unveiled his secret second family.
Even more surprising right?
The biggest surprise is that it’s actually pretty good.
Let’s Discuss.
Studio 666 is a 2022 horror-comedy brought to us by Director BJ McDonnell, and writers Dave Grohl, Jeff Buhler, and Rebecca Hughes. Yes, the kiss of death is here, and it is real. More than two writers on a horror movie is always a bad sign, and this film is no different. However, it’s not as bad as you’d think. Especially when you consider that the main actors aren’t professionals.
The film focuses on Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters as their record label becomes fed up with their overdue 10th album. Not wanting to admit that he’s been experiencing writer’s block, Dave comes up with a plan. He convinces the studio to rent the band a house, and talks his bandmates into moving into the mansion in order to focus on the album. He hopes to find inspiration in his friends and the location, but what the group discovers is more than they bargained for. Electrocutions, decapitations, and gallons of blood follow as the band attempts to finish the album. Will they be able to hit the last few notes, before the devil catches up with them? Find out in tonight’s feature: Studio 666.
This film has some laugh-out-loud moments and incredible practical effects…
…but it also has some major flaws. Namely, it drags in the middle. The film is essentially a single-location, demonic slasher film with the twist of being centered around a legendary group of musicians. It’s a great set-up, but it easily could have been 25 minutes shorter.
I get it, though. These guys are good friends and have toured together for decades. Dave Grohl is a huge horror fan, and this film was a dream come true for him and his bandmates. So, they tried to give everyone their shining moment, even if the scene falls flat. The problem is that any momentum the film had in the first 30 minutes, which was a solid opening, just dissipates as the band experiences the same issues and the same conversations multiple times.
Had the film been more tightly edited, it would have cemented itself in Cult Classic status.
Outside of the band, the supporting cast is awesome. The sexy, next-door neighbor is a surprisingly matte finished version of Whitney Cummings. She’s a fantastic stand-up, and I don’t think she’s ever looked better than in this film. Her new bolt-ons complement her frame perfectly.
The rest of the cast is made up of celebrity cameos, but all are speaking parts. My favorite of which is an appearance by Writer/Director/Composer/Legend - John Carpenter as the engineer mixing the album, but look at the other faces you’ll see pop up:
Jeff Garlin, Jenny Ortega, Will Forte, Kerry “Fucking” King, Lionel Richie, and last but not least, my spirit animal—Jimmi Simpson.
Incredible right? It might surprise to know that Jenny Ortega has the briefest appearance, but this would have been filmed right before she exploded in popularity with her roles in Netflix’s exclusive Wednesday series and the sub-par sequel The Babysitter: Killer Queen.
Kerry King, legendary lead guitarist of the metal band Slayer has a sizable role in the beginning of the film and is actually pretty funny. It’s no surprise he had a bigger role, as he looks like you’d expect a lifelong roadie to. He’s also the only member of Slayer that a non-metal fan would recognize due to his many appearances on the covers of Guitar World.
Lionel Richie is a pro, and his appearance is f*cking hilarious.
@ me all you want, but nobody is gonna convince that his transformation into a self-deprecating meme lord, isn’t a brilliant way to keep himself relevant.
But a movie cannot live on cameos alone. The story is basic and follows a semi-traditional slasher blueprint. What that means is the film is essentially a series of murders with breadcrumbs of dialogue to connect them. Building characters and the world is secondary to getting to that next bucket of blood. If you’re not into that, why are you on this website? Seriously, why do you come to the site? I’m surprised I have as many readers as my metrics show.
The set pieces and gore within are an obvious tribute to the great practical effects of the 1980s and 90s.
There are nods to John Carpenter’s The Thing, Brian Yuzna’s entire filmography, and the films of the late, great Larry Cohen. The film is mostly practical effects, enhanced in post. CGI is at a minimum and isn’t obtrusive or cheap.
The score by Roy Mayorga is incredible. It’s heavy metal meets Goblin, and I’m here for it.
To put it simply, this isn’t a perfect film, but what is? If you’re a fan of the Foo Fighters, you’ll probably get a kick out of seeing their personalities on display. I’m not a big fan of the group’s music, but Pat Smear is one of my favorite Rock ’ N ’ Roll people ever. I got a kick out of seeing him get some spotlight.
It was also bittersweet to see Taylor Hawkins, the incredible drummer for eight albums with the group, who passed away a month after the film’s release. His overdose was a sobering moment for me. I struggle with my various addictions every day, and it never gets easier. It was nice to see him having fun with his friends one last time before his demons caught up with him.
This is a fun tribute to the horror genre, and I can’t recommend it enough. I know with Dave Grohl’s recent weirdness, people have soured on him a bit. However, I don’t think his presence should dissuade you from checking this one out.
It’s a great watch with friends.
The film is currently streaming on Shudder and Amazon Prime.
Never forget Stay Alive! Jimmi Simpson 4 life.
