There are crazy films still being made that fit the world of grindhouse cinema to perfection. One of the latest is the film Spare Parts starring Julian Richings, Michelle Argyris, Emily Alatalo, Kiriana Stanton and Chelsea Muirhead with director Andrew Thomas Hunt at the helm. Could this flick offer up that fun cult vibe or will it not be worth the parts they used on it?

 

Spare Parts follows all-girl band Ms. 45 who rips the stage apart with their punk spirit in a godforsaken bar in the middle of nowhere. But their performance impresses an enthusiastic fan who lures the girls into a trap, sedates them, and starts...customizing them. Slowly they begin to gain consciousness and, in total shock, realize their arms have all been replaced with axes and chainsaws to fight gladiator-style in a junkyard arena owned by a sadistic “emperor," forcing them into the battle of their lives with one prize in mind – their freedom.

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The premise alone I was all in for this one hoping for a violent great time. What we got in the end was a bit of a mixed bag that ended up being fun, but also kind of all over the place. The story is simple, but works to set up a crazed direction that had awesome potential. When it works it is great fun, but when it doesn’t it becomes a bit of a struggle to stick with.

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Once we get to the meat of it all is where the fun and issues begin. The bizarre “Thunderdome” like arena they are thrust into complete with upgraded battle ready appendages sets the stage for some violent encounters. While they are never the greatest in fight choreography the action pieces are fun when they go all in. Where the film loses its steam for me is with the evolution of the characters. There seems to be a lot of quick acceptance the situation and change of heart of relationships that don’t make a lot of sense given the circumstances. I get what it was trying to do, but just failed to always deliver.

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In the end the film has all the perfect makings of a grindhouse classic and will likely find its audience on its own. I had fun with the film despite its flaws and think fans of films like this will no doubt have a good time as well. Decide for yourself and check out Spare Parts when it hits Blu-ray and DVD on June 1st from RLJE Films.