Chopping Block

I love it when a plan comes together.

This EXTREME Independent film works because: A) the cast has enormous chemistry and B) because some of the jokes actually do land. In fact, this is an 80% comedy over horror, and I get the jokes. It's just that - they were trying SO HARD and a lot of the jokes did make me laugh. It was the thought that counted.

Basically, an Office Space of Workaholics get laid off and they drunkenly decide to kidnap the ex-boss's daughter for severance pay. Only, she's got her own stalking issues to deal with, herself. And now, so do they.

What really works here is the on-screen chemistry. It's not the best shot indie film I've seen (WAAAAAY too many closeups!! And from a lower angle.) But the dialogue never ended and the characters continued to very nicely feed off each other. Again, I laughed out loud a few times and that kept me going and warranted a recommendation.

***

Final thoughts: Funny, Amazon Prime told me this INDIANA-made film is not available in my region, but I found it rather easily and for free on YouTube. My two favorite quotes had me pause the movie I was laughing so hard:

"I agree with the gay mouse." - Delivery Driver

And, of course, "You really are an asshole, Steve," - Wife

Despite of actually never having heard about this 2016 movie titled "Chopping Block" from writer and director Joshua Hull, as I stumbled upon it by sheer chance here in 2025, of course I opted to give the movie a fair chance. I am a big fan of all things horror after all.

The storyline was adequate. Writer Joshua Hull put together a fair enough script and storyline, though it was obviously not a multi-million dollar production. At times the narrative faltered a bit and wobbled about, but in overall then writer Joshua Hull did a fair enough job. I was actually adequately entertained throughout the movie, even with the occasional slump in the pacing.

Needless to say that I was not familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie, not a single one. The acting performances were okay. Again, it is obvious that it is not top notch, nor award-winning performers, that participated in the filming of the movie. But the actors and actresses did okay, taking into consideration the type of movie and the level of production that it was.

Visually then the movie was actually okay. Sure, it was low-key special effects, and they were campy and cheesy at times, but it worked out well enough for the movie, as the low budget effects complimented the low budget production and performance.

If you have 82 minutes to spare and enjoy horror comedies, even low budget ones and ones that look and feel like they were made by a group of friends with someone's dad's VHS camera, then give "Chopping Block" a chance.

I was adequately entertained throughout the course of the movie, though it is not a movie that will grace my screen a second time.

My rating of writer and director Joshua Hull's 2016 movie "Chopping Block" lands on a five out of ten stars.

Yet another obscure little horror flick recommended to me by Ewen MacIntosh (Big Keith from The Office UK). Judging by the title and the poster, you'll probably be expecting a gore-fest, but it's actually more of a black comedy along the lines of HORRIBLE BOSSES. I'm not sure if it's the acting, the direction or the script that lets it down a bit but essentially the characters are fairly well-drawn, there's a smattering of witty dialogue and the odd laugh-out-loud moment. It also reminded me of an obscure little gem called SEVERANCE... but if you've already seen that... and you're in the mood for some mindless black humour... you could do a lot worse than CHOPPING BLOCK.

For more suggestions, check out my list: HORROR/THRILLER: OBSCURE, OVERLOOKED & UNDERRATED http://www.imdb.com/list/ls008092160/