Slasher directed by John Landis. Saturday (April 24), 2 pm, at the Bloor. 90 min. Rating: NN Rating: NNNNN
Director John Landis helped popularize fraternities with Animal House, so you’d think that, given the comedic potential of his subject, used cars, his foray into documentaries would be a cut above the rest. For the first 30 minutes, it is. Renowned car salesman Michael “the Slasher” Bennett’s attempt to help a Tennessee dealership sell 30 to 50 cars in four days – his breezy, fast-talking showmanship abetted by his crusty DJ, his abrupt colleague Mud and the sexy hostesses hired for the event – initially makes for a gripping, hilarious film.
Unfortunately, once the sale begins to fail, so does the movie. There’s only so much wheeling and dealing we can handle. In minimizing the focus from the more interesting Bennett to the dealership’s woes, Landis is a lot like the slasher. He’s not going to get anyone to think the lemon he’s selling is a quality vehicle.
