31 (2016) #486

“31”, an original Rob Zombie film that fails to be all that original. Once again, it’s set in the 1970’s, yet again it stars his wife Sheri Moon, and while watching the film, it feels like you're watching a carnie version of The Running Man. This is also one time where Zombie doesn’t over explain things, leaving you wanting a bit more information about some characters, primarily the three aristocrats that seem to be running the event that’s taking place. Knowing this, the film is still to watch and is elevated by the performance of one individual.

The movie begins with a cold opening, black and white, with a haunting speech from Doom-Head, perfectly performed by Richard Brake (Mandy). This scene sets a high-level mark that the remainder of the film attempts and sometimes achieves. Here, Doom-Head is taunting his recent victim before finishing the job. He feels like an evolved version of Otis from "House of 1000 Corpses", just more methodical than maniacal; both are completely terrifyingly effective.

The next scene is a bright and sunny day, and we are introduced to the happy go lucky crew of carnies. The next few minutes are spent introducing this set of characters enough for the viewers to know their names and not much else. While driving at night, they come across a trap and are quickly overcome by unknown assailants, once again reminiscent of "House of 1000 Corpses". Some are killed while the others are tied up and driven off into the night. When the five carnies wake up, they find themselves as game pawns with odds of the survival being announced by three bizarre classically dressed aristocrats. These three explain that they are about to play the game 31 and all they have to do is survive the relentless onslaught by the various "Heads", beginning with Sick-Head, then the killer clowns Schizo-Head and Psycho-Head, and then Death-Head and Sex-Head, who was a rather inquisitive flirt earlier in the film.

The carnies are able to defeat the five "Heads" while losing two of their own. The aristocrats are forced to call in the sixth "Head", Doom-Head, who eventually agrees. He makes quick work of two of the carnies, which leaves Charly as the sole survivor, played by Shari Moon. Charly is able to survive the stated 12 hours of the game and Doon-Head is called off. Not caring about the rules, Doom-Head and Charly have a final stare down before the credits begin.