The DVD Pub reviews Sex Machine

	A.I.T.H Store \| Poster Store \| Join/Register \| LogIn \| RSS Newsfeeds \| Contact Us

Episode #34

Terror Inside

Schizophreniac: The Whore Mangler/Necromaniac

Escape From New York

... more

MACHETE Interview - Star Danny Trejo and Co-Director Robert Rodriguez

Kill of the Day #396 - TRIANGLE (2009)

MACHETE Interview - Stars Jessica Alba and Michelle Rodriguez

... more

- Spike TV's Scream...
- Have you ever...
- Creepy Claymation...
- Zombiefest
- Epic Horror Films?
- What is the best...
- Jack Ketchums movies
- NEW ZOMBIE PROMO...
- What's the last...
- Visiting An Old...
- What's NEW in your...
- Marble Hornets
- Remember "The...
- Horror Challenge
- Trying to identify...

... more

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

SEX MACHINE

Reviewed by: Rees Savidis

Directed by: Christopher Sharpe

Starring:

John Howell
Jessica Alfrey
Sheridan Marqardt

Movie:
DVD:
Overall:

Printer-friendly version

“It’s not porn.” That’s my first response to the inevitable first question I’m always asked when I tell somebody about SEX MACHINE. – Christopher Sharpe / Director

Part Frankenstein horror movie, part rock-a-billy action flick, ‘Sex Machine’ spins a tale of lost identity, undying love and the sweet taste of revenge

This movie (Sex Machine) kicked my ass. Director Christopher Sharpe infuses his nasty little horror-hybrid with such liberal doses of raw energy and unrepentant chutzpa, that’s it’s easy to forgive the film for any of its shortcomings. What’s the best way to describe it? Take Michael Mann’s visual sensibility in something like ‘Thief’ and partner it up with the tire-iron-to-the-face charm and energy of ‘Sin City’ and you start to get the idea. Indeed, I would be that bold.

‘Sex Machine’ exists in a place not far removed from the world of caped crusaders and Adamantium-enhanced superhero’s, albeit our hero (Frank played by John Howell) would be far better suited to the pages of ‘The Punisher’ than some fluffy shit-rag like ‘JLA.’ I bring up the comic-book reference only because that is exactly what ‘Sex Machine’ reminded me of as I sat grinning like the Cheshire Cat. Director Sharpe has such a (polished and exacting) visual alertness about him, it’s as if he pulled panels directly out of a highly stylized graphic novel and shot them verbatim. Another facet of ‘Sex Machine’ that works wonders towards the films success is the score, courtesy of Kenny Phillips and an assortment of other (talented) musicians. The mood here is grim and foreboding with a wickedly wry jazz influence along the lines of Mark Isham’s better work. His score for ‘Crash’ (of all things) immediately sprang to mind.

I mentioned shortcomings near the start of this fellating so allow me to now withdraw from ‘Sex Machine’s’ penis (c’mon, that metaphor set itself up) for a moment to touch on the most obvious of these. Given that this film is – by-and-large – made by relative amateurs, certain elements are not as first-rate as most of us have become accustomed. This is a low budget film, there is no doubting that. And, as is the case with most (if not all…be honest) low budget films, some of the performances are a little suspect. To be kind, the majority of the folks involved in front of the camera are novices, and they do their best not to chew too hard on scenery, but in a few instances I couldn’t help but be reminded of my youth spent watching ‘Degrassi Junior High’ (ah-hem…in between viewings of Dawn of the Dead of course).

‘Sex Machine’ busies itself with all manner of nasty-cool. Strap-in, hang on, and prepare to have your teeth punched through the back of your head. Someone give this Christopher Sharpe fella some cash. We need another flick from him…pronto!

Discuss this movie on the Arrow's Horror Board

Hosting provided by the good folks at

Site Design by