The Cottage (Theatrical - 2008)
Director: Paul Andrew Williams
Writer: Paul Andrew Williams
Cast: Andy Serkis, Reece Shearsmith, Jennifer Ellison & Doug Bradley
Review by Phillip Escott

Brothers David (Andy Serkis) and Peter (Reece Shearsmith) have devised and executed a plan to kidnap the daughter of London's most powerful mobster. Once they have taken the foul-mouthed daughter, Tracey (Jennifer Ellison) back to the rendezvous point, a cottage in the back of beyond, they set about getting their pay day. Too bad then that their plan is about to fall apart as hit-men are sent after them after a bumbling mistake on behalf of a third-party.

Then things take a further turn for the worse when something within the near by woods starts offing all that are brave enough to venture in them. But just who, or what, is out there?

Paul Andrew Williams' follow-up to his critically acclaimed From London to Brighton could not be a further departure. Starting off a full-on comedy about two bickering brothers and their lack of common sense when it comes to kidnapping, the film takes a shocking turn into Fulci-esque gore half way through, as the cast get torn to bits by something in the woods. The chemistry between Serkis and Shearsmith is a pleasure to behold, Serkis plays the tougher of the two and provides the film with a loveable anti-hero; but it's Shearsmith who gets all the laughs as the pathetic Peter.

Some may not be able to swallow the switcheroo from straight comedy to an all out gore-flick, but those who have enjoyed films like Severance and Dog Soldiers won't have a problem swallowing that pill. The film isn't going to win over intellectuals on the level that Shaun of the Dead did, but it's sure to entertain fans of both horror and British comedy. Those offended by the words 'cunt' and 'tea' may wish to give this one a miss however.

The Cottage can't compare with the likes of Shaun of the Dead or Severance, but it will entertain most thoroughly for 90 minutes. The gore is wonderfully OTT and the comedy ranges from witty lines to blatant slap-stick, the unevenness in the script can't be ignored, but they can be forgiven for being so much damn fun. By the last 15 minutes, it has a pantomime quality to it that really has you rooting for the goods guys while screaming 'It's behind you!'.

"Another sure-fire, cult British horror-comedy!"