Will The New "STREET TRASH" (2024) Melt Your Heart Or Just Your Face? (REVIEW)

1987 saw some massive horror hits land at the box office.  There was Joel Schumaker’s “THE LOST BOYS,” Kathyrn Bigelow’s,” NEAR DARK,” Sam Raimi’s “EVIL DEAD II,” and John McTiernan’s “PREDATOR” to name a few, but none had the gonzo instant must-see street cred as Michael Muro’s “STREET TRASH.” This grimy, gritty, nasty little day-glow practical effects extravaganza rocked the indie horror scene like a hurricane.  Back then, the most accessible way to find out about a hot horror film was the video clerk word-of-mouth hotline and brother, it was a boomin’ back then. “STREET TRASH.” like other indie films of that time like “EATING RAUL,” “REPO MAN,” and the original “EVIL DEAD” became a secret handshake of sorts.  Like deep cuts “B” sides of your favorite band, this film became a calling card for horror lovers to prove their dedication. Barely playing in more than a handful of theaters coast to coast, “STREET TRASH” did not make it easy.  This became more than just seeing a movie; it became a mission.  This was a planes, trains, and automobiles kind of movie. You had to earn this one. Fast forward to 2024, and you have Ryan Kruger of “FRIED BARRY” fame taking a crack at this psychotic, melting mayhem. Trading New York for South Africa, this rendition ups the humor, sometimes confidently charging straight into slapstick territory, and adds timely takes on corporate greed and the struggles of the working class and unhoused.  Does it improve on the original?  Do the practical effects match the insanity of the 87’ original?  Read on to find out.

WHAT’S THE FREQUENCY KENNETH:

In the year 2050, global economic turmoil has destroyed the middle class in Cape Town, South Africa, which is now divided between the ultra-rich and the displaced.  Ronald and a group of fellow unhoused friends uncover a plot by the local government to “wash away” the houseless population with a sinister chemical agent called “V.”  Now, they must risk everything to expose the truth and resist a society that’s determined to erase them. 

WHAT MELTS OUR HEART:

2024’s “STREET TRASH” does something remarkable. It makes you like it, tire of it, and begrudgingly respect it until you finally appreciate it.  We wouldn’t say we love this film, which may be exclusively for fourteen-year-olds savvy enough to seek this one out, but we will say that this version earned a lot of goodwill by the time the post-credits scene was over.  Right out of the gate, with a cold open that demonstrates the practical effect magic we’re in for to an extended chase scene involving cocaine, boners, and bad cop that’s so frantic and fun, you won’t be surprised when it ends in castration. We appreciated the nods to “ROBOCOP,” “MAC and ME,” and callbacks to the original sprinkled throughout the film. 

The most appealing aspect of the film is the loving band of misfits constantly at odds with their surroundings and the corporate greed that makes their existence a living nightmare. Led by Ronald (Sean Cameron Michael), the scoundrel with a heart of gold, and Alex ( Donna Cormack-Thomson), the brains of the operation, these two start the ball rolling on an uprising that culminates in a 3rd act of gross-out melting pandemonium that we came all the way around from borderline disinterest to profound appreciation for this new take. It may not be what we expected, but we eventually liked what we saw. From a technical aspect, shot in 35mm and lit with gorgeous greens and reds, we could get used to this in horror films moving forward.

WHAT WE WOULD HAVE THROWN IN THE BIN:

There are two things you can see from space, the Great Wall of China and how broad the humor is in “STREET TRASH.”  This is a gleefully juvenile film, and it will lose some horror fans who come for the gore. We eventually came to appreciate it for what it was. It seems silly to say, Don’t take a movie like “Street Trash seriously,” but you must overcome some of the Troma Films like gags. There’s also a character that leans too close to stereotype; we could have done without that completely.  It adds nothing and could be seen as offensive. 

SHOULD YOU TAKE THIS SHOT?:

If you love gore, gags, lovable losers, and pastel paint, the answer is a YES.  This film won’t be for everyone, but neither was the original.  This is an acquired taste kind of film and we certainly think it merits a watch.

THE GORY DETAILS:

ON DIGITAL: November 19, 2024

DIRECTOR: Ryan Kruger

WRITERS: Ryan Kruger, James C. Williamson

BASED ON:  The film STREET TRASH by Roy Frumkes & Jim Muro

CAST: Sean Cameron Michael, Donna Cormack-Thomson, Joe Vaz, Lloyd Martinez Newkirk, Shuraigh Meyer, Gary Green, Warrick Grier

RUN TIME: 85 minutes

RATING: Not Rated

GENRE: Horror

DISTRIBUTOR: Cineverse

YOUTUBE TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5yLRQBVNTw&t=5s

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