‘JOHNNY & CLYDE’ (2023): REVIEW & INTERVIEW WITH WRITER/DIRECTOR TOM DENUCCI
Horror movies have always been a popular way to draw in an audience. Whether it’s to the movie theater, physical/digital purchasing, or even a rental on iTunes, horror never disappoints in drawing a crowd. We love the carnage, we love the insanity of what happens in the final act of horror movies, but most of all it’s the story that will drive someone in. At least, that is how it is for me. Sure, there are other genres out there such as action or comedy that I enjoy, but when it comes to horror, I am more open to watching something in the genre that will be completely off the walls and maybe a bit bonkers.
Recently, I got the chance to watch the horror heist hybrid movie “Johnny and Clyde”. Written and directed by Tom DeNucci, and co-written by Nick Principle. This movie stars Megan Fox, Avan Jogia, Ajani Russell, Tyson Ritter, Bai Ling, Vanessa Angel, Robert LaSardo, and Armen Garo. It is also produced by Chad A. Verdi, Michelle Verdi, Chat Verdi Jr, Paul Luba, and Nick Koskoff.
This movie is insane but in the best possible way. It gives a feel of “Natural Born Killers” with our killer couple Johnny (portrayed by Avan Jogia) and Clyde (portrayed by Ajani Russell), a bit of a mobster movie with the mob-like boss of the casino Alana Hart (portrayed by Megan Fox), with a dash of a cool team-up like in “Suicide Squad” and some supernaturally summoned demon. There is a lot of hybrid action going on here and it was so damn good. Mixing both action/horror and a bit of a heist subplot really makes it a multi genre free for all. On paper it seems a bit chaotic, but on screen it really flourishes with each minute as the movie is on screen. Also, I got to say everyone on screen did amazing. First with each of the actors playing off of each other during their scenes, for example Johnny and Clyde’s scenes. The relationship between Johnny and Clyde was twisted but also filled with love. Clearly, there is a lot of heart in that relationship, but they are both way crazy. The number of people they leave dead in their blood-drenched path from act one to the climax of the film (sometimes just for no reason) is more than expected.
Another thing I didn’t expect to love with the on screen performances as much as I did was Megan Fox as a badass casino mob boss. Now don’t get me wrong, Megan Fox is a tank of talent and charm. We all have seen her work (you horror fans out there will remember how amazing she was in “Jennifer’s Body” so you know what I mean). She gets a bad rap from some reviewers out there but this one will never tear her down. She is a powerhouse with her acting range, and she really shows it with her work in every beautifully shot cinematic piece of this movie. The way that she takes charge, mocks her minions, and even bosses everyone around kind of makes her steal the show in my opinion.
Now, I will also say again with the cinematography was that it is a beautifully shot movie. Each frame was perfectly executed, filtered in an HD grittiness that really got me sucked in from the first few seconds of this film. I love a good horror movie but if you can provide so way good cinematography in it, I am even more on board. The cinematography also shows the flare that the director has by providing his own unique artistic signature to fans who love a movie that is enjoyable to the eyes.
From start to finish this movie draws you in not just with the story, and the amazing performances in the movie by all the actors or cinematography, but if you’re also a “gore whore” (I saw that online somewhere meaning people who love seeing gore in movies way too much. I’m almost 38 years old, I just want to stay current and hip ok… just go with it) you will love the amount of blood and guts with this. This is even more true with the final act when the demonic warrior is summoned and proceeds to take everyone out one by one.
This movie is a highly recommended one for me. Not just if you’re a Megan Fox fan, but if you are a fan of a uniquely driven story in horror and a beautifully shot one to boot, you’re not going to want to miss this one. Now, not only did I get a chance to enjoy this movie, but I also got a chance to sit down with writer/director Tom DeNucci to get a bit more insight into his side of the movie and more.
MD: What was your initial inspiration for writing this film?
TD: Co-writer Nick Principe and I really wanted to write a love letter to the horror and action movies of the 80s and 90s. We were also still in the thick of the pandemic at the time and wanted to write something that could provide a fun escape for people.
MD: Did you enjoy the balance of being a writer and director for this project?
TD: I've been a writer/director my whole career. I've been fortunate enough to write or co-write most of the films I've directed. It's always nice to have that kind of creative flexibility and know that you can easily make a re-write on the fly if there happens to be a production hurdle in the way.
MD: With this film being based on serial killers, did you model any characters after famous true-crime serial killers?
TD: Despite the obvious Bonnie and Clyde comparison, these characters aren't directly based on any actual serial killers. If anything, they are cartoons of serial killers. Sort of poking fun at the logic -or lack thereof, behind a twisted mind.
MD: How was your experience with casting this film? Was Megan Fox, Avan Jogia, and Aljani Russell your first choices?
TD: The casting process moved quickly. I think the entire cast was put together in about 3 or 4 weeks.
Producer, Chad Verdi has always had a knack for putting together great casts. It was no different on this one. Megan, Avan, and Ajani were all first choices. We actually did quite a bit of schedule shuffling to make it work. Megan only had one available week for the next several months, so we filmed her scenes for an entire month before bringing the rest of the cast in.
MD: You've done your fair share of projects with different genres (comedy/thriller/horror), do any of these particular genres inspire more out of you than the others?
TD: I've always tried to be a bit of a genre-bender. I just love so many different kinds of movies. Crime dramas like my film "Vault" have always been near and dear to me. It's nice to tell fascinating true stories that would otherwise be lost in time if it weren't for putting them on the screen. That said, the horror genre was my first love. There's something really satisfying about manufacturing fear.
MD: Speaking of your past projects and "Johnny and Clyde", have you had any memorable moments on set with the cast and crew that you fondly look back on?
TD: There were so many memorable moments. If I had to narrow it down to one, I'd say Megan Fox's last night of filming stands out. It was a full day with a lot of pages, stunts, effects, you name it - we had a lot of work ahead of us and the proverbial meter had run out. Megan worked her 12 hours, and the crew was getting into overtime. Megan rallied the troops and said (and I'm paraphrasing), "Let's keep going and get it done. We already put in this much work. Another few hours and we're there”. That put a spring in everybody's step, and we finished strong.
MD: This may be a typical question, but I love asking it of anyone in the world of horror that I speak to. What are some of your favorite horror movies you've enjoyed throughout the years and still rewatch occasionally?
TD: I've always been a fan of the Friday the 13th franchise! It's the first horror movie I ever rented and can still remember sliding the VHS tape into the VCR. There was something really cool to me about the idea of cheering for the bad guy. Rooting for Jason. I was never on the side of the camper that's for sure! I even got a chance to work with Kane Hodder in my film "Almost Mercy" - so it's fun to have worked with (in my mind) the REAL Jason Voorhees!
What's next for you and your career? Any new projects in the works that you're excited about?
TD: I directed a movie called "The Collective" last fall, produced by Richard Switzer and Yale Productions. It just got a release date set for August 4th. It's an action-packed movie about a secret organization of assassins, starring Lucas Till, Don Johnson, Ruby Rose, Tyrese Gibson, and pro wrestling mega-star, Mercedes Varnado. Can't wait for this one!
“Johnny and Clyde” is now available in theaters and on demand. Don’t miss out on this uniquely horror-driven madness. You’re going to want to jump on this one right away.
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