Uncle Peckerhead is a Poorly-titled but Wonderfully Gory Horror Comedy (31 Days of Horror Part 29)

Sommerleigh Pollonais – Horror Head Writer

DAY 29

Movie: Uncle Peckerhead (2020)

Plot: When a punk band scores their first tour, life on the road proves tough when they are joined by a man-eating demon as a roadie.

Review: This is a great example of the dangers of giving your movie a bad title. Uncle Peckerhead popped up in my recommendations months ago, but I avoided watching it because, well because it’s called “Uncle Peckerhead!” I figured stupid title, stupid movie. The thing is, it kept popping up in all the horror forums I follow, as “one of the best genre films of the year.” So I figured what the hell and gave it a go. I’ve never been so happy to be wrong. Turns out Peckerhead really is one of the best horror comedies out there.

The film follows a punk trio called Duh as they set off on their first tour with the hope of gaining the experience needed to gain the attention of a famous punk rock studio. Now the movie claims to be based on a true story, which I smirked at hard when I saw the trailer. Director Matthew John Lawrence was probably referring to the whole “small-time-band-on-the-road” schtick when he said this, as the difficulties of trying to make it in the big leagues comes through extremely well and the interactions of the band members (the band’s called Duh) and the people they encounter feel like they were inspired by real experiences.

All three actors who play band members Judy, Mel and Max (played by Jeff Riddle who also wrote most of the songs used here) are quite relatable and were a riot to watch, but the horror gold medal goes to David Littleton as Peckerhead (Peck to his friends). There is something so endearing, so likeable, sweet and funny about this guy, you can easily see why the band (or at least Mel and Max) wouldn’t mind hanging out with a dude who turns into a flesh-eating demon when the hands strike twelve on the clock. I freakin’ LOVED him!

The movie is low budget but delivers on the blood, gore and practical effects. Anyone else familiar with the cult classic Troma films like The Toxic Avenger or Tromeo and Juliet? Well Uncle Peckerhead has that kind of vibe, but with better acting and a much better soundtrack. I’m not a fan of punk, but even I could appreciate the energy that fills the screen when the music kicks in.

So don’t let the title put you off from watching it. This ain’t no Rob Zombie-esque type of movie. Uncle Peckerhead is a fun, gory horror comedy with a great cast of characters and a surprisingly sweet road-trip vibe. Kinda like Paul except instead of a weed-smoking alien voiced by Seth Rogen, we have a man-eating monster with a heart of gold.

Sommer’s Score: 7.5 out of 10

For part 28 of 31 Days of Horror and my review of Russian Sci Fi Horror Sputnik you can click here. And for more than 100 horror movie reviews and lists you can check out the RMR horror section here.

 Sommerleigh of the House Pollonais. First of Her Name. Sushi Lover, Queen of Horror Movies, Comic Books and Binge Watching Netflix. Mother of two beautiful black cats named Vader and Kylo. I think eating Popcorn at the movies should be mandatory, PS4 makes the best games ever and I’ll be talking about movies until the zombie apocalypse comes.

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