What happens when you combine a ridiculous premise, a comedic script, a $100,000 budget, and an 80’s low-budget film style? You get Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter.
Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter is proof of how far a little bit of money and a preposterous idea can get you. Released in 2001, JCVH tells the story of the lesbians in Ottawa being hunted down and turned by vampires. It is up to good ol’ Jesus and Mexican wrestler El Santo to beat back the evil horde and protect the women. On the surface, this is the storyline for Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter. The film itself, however, is so much more.
Shot on 16mm film in a style like a mid-80’s ultra-low budget movie, JCVH will surprise you in many ways. The grainy quality of the picture and the sub-par acting will initially make you think this is going to be some groan inducing affair, but there are some fairly elaborate scenes in this movie. Hilarious humor and situations are in nearly every scene; even though this film is presented like a low budget bad script project, you will be surprised at how clever the ideas presented here can be. Numerous well-edited fight scenes are peppered throughout, with some interesting camera angles. Nothing here is on par with a big Hollywood movie with explosions everywhere, but considering the style this film is presented in, the action sequences are bigger and more complicated than you would expect. Even though this isn’t a zombie film and isn’t on the same level in any way, some of the action sequences were very reminiscent of Dead Alive, both in style and humor.
The music in this movie is crazy, ranging from hardcore late-70’s punk to analogue breaks to generic electronica to really bad hair metal, there is something for everyone here. Presented in a tinny, low quality way, the feel of the music matches with the action on screen quite well. The sound and foley effects are also done extremely well, and in some scenes are the primary sources of comedy. Acting ranges from laughably horrible to amazing, with the long haired and bearded character in the opening (as seen in the picture below) stealing the show. He pops up throughout the film to deliver quick paragraphs of wit, although I didn’t catch his name in the film and don’t know who the actor is.
While those of you who are religious might be offended by the very premise of this film, rest assured that it isn’t blasphemous or degrading. The idea of using Jesus to fight a bunch of vampires to save some lesbians up in Canada is…well, it’s just a hilariously outrageous idea. IMDB describes this film as a kung-fu action/comedy/horror/musical, which is about as accurate of a description I think is possible with this movie. Set your religious ideals aside, sit back, and laugh your head off to this appealingly low-budget movie.
