The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning

Not that anybody really was asking, but The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning does supply a reasonably entertaining explanation for the origins of Leatherface, the chainsaw-wielding killer who first gained notoriety in Tobe Hooper's 1974 horror classic and several inferior incarnations ever since (including a dreary remake three years ago). Saavily directed, this "prequel" gives us a little background on the pathetic childhood of the serial killer Tommy Hewitt and the resulting control his demonic uncle, Sheriff Hoyt (a highly amusing turn by R. Lee Ermey who knows what a crock this whole enterprise is and goes for broke) has over him. Trust us, Hannibal Lecter looks like Martha Stewart compared to this guy. Even though the film wants us to believe it is based on real events that occurred over five years from 1969 thru 1974, most of it seems designed for pure shock value and the current graphic requirements of this well-worn genre. The one truly horrifying moment occurs when Tommy has what might be called a self-effacing moment with one of his prime cut victims and becomes Leatherface before our eyes. The basic plot involves two young couples on a final fling thru Texas before the guys are scheduled to join the Marines and ship off to Vietnam. Unfortunately, a roadside run-in with some bikers leads to torture time for the good looking twosomes who appear like they just walked out of the Abercrombie and Fitch catalogue, rather than the 60's era youth they are supposed to be. Still if you are into extremes, this ultra-violent blood feast is probably your ticket. As the sheriff says, "this ain't gonna hurt…much."