If this is the first time that you have heard of Tusk then quite simply, you will almost certainly hate it. Even if you know of Tusk, comprehend what the Great North trilogy represents and understand not only what a Smodcast is but have been known to partake in one, you may still hate this movie. But, if you can see it in a room full of those who speak Smod, a cinema of Kevin Smith fans, then you may just have a hugely funny time.
Let’s be clear: Tusk is a comedy horror movie about a man who kidnaps another man in order to turn him into a walrus. Please note, this is not a euphemism, a bizarre form or hyperbole or a cute turn of phrase.
Justin Long is the walrusee – brilliantly unlikeable as a foul-mouthed, womanizing podcaster – Michael Parks is the walruser, and he is just brilliant. Whatever else is said about this film, and there will be much, there is no questioning the extraordinary performance by Parks who shines as one of the most surreal horror villains in memory. Around them are scattered a litany of in-jokes, a willfully meandering plotline and a cast selected partly through nepotism, including one eye-boggling megastar bit part.
All in all, it is a mess. It is insane. It is bogglingly self-indulgent. And yet… that’s what Kevin Smith set out to do, with a film inspired by a podcast that took the mickey out of the concept for this story. He knows this is a film for a small, select group of fans who will love it again and again at home. For them this is a four and a half star glory that could only be improved through less cohesion.
But you – you reading this – you will probably hate it.
(Unless you love it).
