How to Be a Serial Killer (2008) Reviews

• Great Darkumentary

  gnatdog2008-11-16

  When my buddies asked me to check out the Horror Film Festival this weekend, I did not suspect to view such a modern twist on the traditional "horror" genre. Rather than drinking in the normally comedic levels of blood and gore, this film let the audience laugh with it. Interestingly, it was at its least gory at the most cinematic points, whether it was the entertaining relationship between Mike and Bart, or the conjured fantasies of the former. The acting of both Dameon Clarke and Matthew Gray Gubler were refreshingly believable, given the set up. I call this a darkumentary because that it takes on the form of a crew following around a spontaneous (not quite serial) killer, Mike, and his apprentice/pupil/friend/video store employee, Bart. As with other "mockumentaries," this creation has a tongue-in-cheek tone throughout. Nonetheless, its humor surpasses what has become banal in horror films of a more traditional ilk. I haven't a strong background when it comes to Horror, and was bashful of my lack thereof while at this horror festival, but I recognized this movie as a new breed of horror. I laughed at the sheer inhumanity because the movie was at that level; I did not laugh when Mike questioned Bart's loyalty, nor when Bart hypothesized worst-case scenarios of getting found out. In fact, the characters in this horror might be its most distinguishing element. Most horror films, even Army of Darkness, are carried by a single lead role. In "How to be a Serial Killer," we follow the progression of 2 men, albeit one in the shadow of the other. Thanks to its documentary side scenes, we get a chance to separate the fourth wall in a genre that is rarely looked at as being multi-dimensional. The more I think about this movie, the more I like it. Funny, well written, impeccable blood and gore, and more thought provoking than I had initially felt. I'll say it here, I think this movie could shed new light on what horror is really all about. Apparently Matthew Gray Gubler has somewhat of a following, and I agree that both leading actors are deserving of future roles.

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• A "Cult Classic" to be

  MCtoB2010-03-30

  This movie was a delightful surprise. I bought the DVD after hearing about it on line. Since I got it I have watched it at least 10 times, and each time I do I laugh out loud and notice some little thing that I missed the last time I watched. I was already a fan of Matthew Gray Gubler from Criminal Minds. He did not disappoint. His portrayal of Bart was perfect. I had never heard of Dameon Clarke, but after seeing this film I am a fan and I am checking out his other work. He did an excellent job, and he very much deserved the award as best actor he received from the NYC Horror Film Festival. Laura Regan was adorable as Abigail. I love dark comedy, and this one did it just right. I never get tired of Mike Wilson's (Clarke) enthusiasm for his "craft", such as when he demonstrates all the different and creative ways to kill. I had to cheer him on as he did in the jerk at the video store and the creep who was abusing his dog, just to name a few. I never thought I could find murder so funny. Then in the midst of all this dark humor, there were actually some scenes that turned out to be very poignant. It was a bit of a roller coaster ride, and I like that in a movie. People who don't get this movie and find it funny - well, I would have to guess that they don't have much of a sense of humor. I loved it - so shoot me...

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• Darkly funny mockumentary

  Donatien32012-11-11

  Everyone – at some point - has had fantasies about killing. 'How to Be a Serial Killer' takes that concept and turns into a dark comedy- mockumentary. Mike Wilson (Dameon Clarke) is a charming man with a loving girlfriend Abigail (Lauren Regan), who is a serial killer on the side. Believing that he's doing good and taking charge of his life, Mike takes Bart (Matthew Gray Gubler), a bored video store worker, under his wing and teaches him the rules of serial killing. This story is framed by documentary-style direct-to-camera addresses by the characters and a motivational seminar – hosted by Mike – on how to become a serial killer. While this territory has recently been covered by the 'Dexter' TV series and novels, HTBASK has a real dark comic feel: taking the dark fantasies we all have and putting them into action. It doesn't try to glamorise serial killers, instead showing the natural consequences of choosing that lifestyle.For all his charm, Mike comes off as delusional in believing his way is correct. The cut scenes involving Mike's suave seminar presentation acts as a satire of the slick self-help speaker. The one who can manipulate the audience into believing whatever he wants them to. He does this with Bart, and gradually earns his trust. Overall, HTBASK is a darkly funny look at the reality of being a serial killer seen through the eyes of a criminal.

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• Ladies and gentlemen, better your life through serial murder!

  Hey_Sweden2014-03-14

  For the most part, "How to Be a Serial Killer" is a sharp, charming, and very funny combination of satire and dark comedy. It's so engagingly performed that one is willing to go along for the ride. Granted, towards the end it actually starts to become more conventional and predictable, but getting there is still a good deal of fun. It never gets that gory, so the less squeamish in the audience shouldn't be squirming too much. What's great about it is how completely our lead character believes in himself and his methodology; the movie is at its brightest when it's making fun of the business of motivational speaking and our merry murderer is offering all manner of lessons in the fine art of serial killing. The filmmaking is overall fairly slick and the kills are done in a rather stylized way. The movie is a solid vehicle for prolific working actor Dameon Clarke, who's done a great deal of voice-over work for video games. He delivers a charismatic, confident performance as Mike Wilson, who wishes to impart his wisdom to a young apprentice, whom he's decided will be meek video store employee Bart (Matthew Gray Gubler of 'Criminal Minds'). Mike teaches Bart everything that he knows, from victim selection to body disposal - not to mention trying to keep a loved one, in this case Mikes' girlfriend Abigail (Laura Regan, "Dead Silence") - in the dark for as long as possible. Their scenes are intercut with those of a psychologist, Dr. Goldberg (veteran comedy character actor George Wyner of "Spaceballs") educating us on the nature of serial murderers. This is spirited, high-energy entertainment with a rather profound wrap-up, which shows that there is more going on here than just the comedy quotient. Clarke and the likable Gubler work well together and the story has enough pacing and cleverness going for it to make it worth recommending to others. Eight out of 10.

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• Black Comedy With Serious Message

  Lechuguilla2011-12-07

  Offbeat and mostly satirical, this film gets off to a great start and ends with a bang. But the script has a somewhat weak middle section. With gusto, and dressed mostly in black, cocky motivational speaker Mike Wilson (Dameon Clarke) appears on a dark stage and presents us with his "ten easy lessons" on how to get more out of life by being a serial killer. A narrator begins the TV infomercial. "Is it hard for you to get up in the morning? ... Well don't despair, because Mike Wilson can help you. Mike's unique formula has helped millions of people ... Since becoming a serial killer, Mike has achieved a level of success ... he never thought possible. And now he's going to share his secrets with you in this amazing life-changing seminar". Marvelous. The plot alternates between Mike's on-stage lessons and his field experience mentoring a young nerdy-looking video store clerk, Bart (Matthew Gubler). Together, as buddies, they excise a number of people whom they take a disliking to. Trouble is, their victims don't really deserve their fate. I would have preferred people who really measured up: a Wall Street swindler, some crooked politician, a rapist, a CEO whose company products hurt innocent people, for example. At various points in the plot, a psychiatrist, who talks directly to viewers, imparts some legit background information on serial killers. Which contrasts nicely with Mike's false "perception is reality" creed. I like this film less for its comedy (though the beginning is funny) than for its originality and thematic depth. Clarke and Gubler are well cast; and their performances are fine. A digital, high-definition camcorder captures the visuals; and with characters occasionally breaking the fourth wall, the film conveys a documentary look and feel. Most of the film is satirical and meant as black comedy. But in the final few minutes the film turns serious, as it communicates a profound sense of fatalism, by way of an amazingly potent rendition of an old gospel hymn and the stark visuals of a man entrapped by delusion.

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