"Don't Kill It" is a 2016 horror-comedy film directed by Mike Mendez and starring Dolph Lundgren. Here's a detailed description of the movie:
Plot: The movie is set in a small, sleepy town in Mississippi where an ancient demon is accidentally unleashed. This demon has a unique trait: it transfers from one host to another when its current host is killed. This means that anyone who kills the possessed person becomes the next host, leading to a chain of possession and violence. Dolph Lundgren plays Jebediah Woodley, a seasoned and somewhat eccentric demon hunter who arrives in town to tackle this unique problem. He teams up with a reluctant FBI agent named Evelyn Pierce, played by Kristina Klebe, to find a way to stop the demon without perpetuating its cycle of possession.
Themes and Tone: The film blends elements of horror, action, and comedy. It's notably self-aware, not taking itself too seriously, which gives it a campy, B-movie feel that echoes the horror-comedy style of films like those directed by Sam Raimi. The humor is often derived from the absurdity of the situation and Lundgren's tongue-in-cheek performance.
Characters:
Jebediah Woodley (Lundgren) is a grizzled, no-nonsense demon hunter with a dry wit. He's equipped with a Southern accent and a penchant for unconventional demon-fighting methods, including using rubber bullets to avoid killing the demon's host.
Evelyn Pierce (Klebe) brings a more grounded perspective, contrasting with Woodley's wild approach. Her character development involves learning to adapt to the supernatural threat.
Visuals and Effects: The movie is known for its practical special effects, especially in the gore department. There's a significant use of squibs for blood effects, which adds to the film's 80s horror throwback vibe. However, some CGI effects have been criticized for not being up to par.
Reception:
Critics have noted it as one of Dolph Lundgren's more entertaining roles in recent years, praising his performance and the movie's fun, if not always polished, execution. Critics have pointed out its entertaining blend of gore, action, and humor, though some have critiqued the film for its pacing and occasional reliance on low-budget effects.
Audience reactions have been mixed, with some enjoying it for its camp value and Lundgren's charismatic performance, while others find it lacking in depth or innovation.
Conclusion: "Don't Kill It" serves as a homage to classic horror-comedy, offering fans of the genre a good time with its blend of action, humor, and gore, all anchored by Lundgren's engaging portrayal of a demon hunter. It's a film that knows its place in the pantheon of B-movies, embracing its identity without aspiring to be anything more than a fun, if somewhat silly, ride.
