Get Duked! aka Boyz in the Wood is a 2019 British comedy horror film written, co-edited and directed by Ninian Doff. The movie stars Eddie Izzard, Kate Dickie, James Cosmo, Kevin Guthrie, Jonathan Aris, Alice Lowe, Samuel Bottomley, Viraj Juneja, Rian Gordon, and Lewis Gribben.
Plot:
“Set deep in the Scottish Highlands, Boyz in the Wood is an anarchic cocktail of generational politics, hip-hop loving farmers, and hallucinogenic rabbit shites.”
Reviews:
“Even though it is indeed a horror movie, it’s a comedy-horror, and the rarest breed of those: an actually funny comedy horror. It doesn’t have lofty goals, it seeks only to entertain us, and thanks to a wonderful ensemble cast and a cute script that keeps finding fresh directions to veer off into, it doesn’t matter that the film has no compass.” Assholes Watching Movies
“A silly stoner comedy about teen delinquents bumbling their way across the Highlands contains every bit of the stupidity and hijinks you’d expect. All with major style. What you don’t expect going in, however, is the sharp social commentary on the generational divide, shocking bloodshed, tense thrills, and a group of characters that worm their way into your heart.” Bloody Disgusting
“The chemistry and the endearing personalities of the four leads uplift a pretty straightforward premise. All four of them add their own unique charisma and twisted energy. The silliness is infectious. Similar to Taika Waititi’s Hunt for the Wilderpeople, a pair of small-town cops follow the case and provide just as much comedy as the teenagers.” Boom Howdy
” …a rather entertaining, if lightweight comedy that taps into a wide range of other areas (some admittedly better than others). It may take a while to warm up, and take a number of detours along the way, but the incentive visuals (the acid trip scenes are cleverly done on such a small budget) and committed cast, it somehow works.” CineVue
“It’s laugh out loud funny in places, and there’s an endearing earnestness throughout. Even when it seems a little limp it improvises itself back up to speed. Stationery issues aside, this is a film that moves at a fair clip. That does lend Boyz In The Wood a somewhat episodic air, a not uncommon issue as budding talent branches out into features.” Eye for Film
“While not without the odd stumble Boyz in the Wood more often than not finds itself on reassuringly solid ground. The path may be well worn but there are plenty of surprises along the way, from characters who subvert their stereotypes to running gags that pay off in the most unexpected of ways…” Hey U Guys
“Every second of Boyz in the Woods is utterly ridiculous, but the silliness only contributes to how funny it is and as with any action-comedy worth its salt, the dynamic visuals only sharpen the punchlines.” Moveable Fest
“Doff’s witty writing and effective direction enables you to simply relax into your seat. The script has a well-balanced story, is paced to perfection with an effective build from beginning to end, and succeeds at delivering the right degree of both humour and horror.” The Movie Waffler
” …a quirky film with great style and a fair bit of heart. It can’t be let down on predictability either as almost everything comes out of the left field to surprise, it is only let down by clear budget restraints. Some messaging that does lose a touch of subtlety, but I’m not sure I expect subtlety in a film like this. It is loud, proud and utterly bonkers…” Oh Hi! Films
“Boyz in the Wood is essentially undemanding fun, and while it stumbles occasionally, it’s hard to come down on a film which just wants to make you laugh for 90 minutes. A fairly solid thumbs up from me.” Quiet Earth
“Its best moments pulse with creative energy, propelled by a playful cast that includes the great Eddie Izzard. Its worst moments are when you tire of that energy, such as in the film’s many drug interludes and a musical number that I thought might never end.” RogerEbert.com
” …the latest in a successful line of adult minded comedies about kids figuring themselves out. It just so happens that in this one, that involves running for your life while tripping on bunny shit and enough gore to make Tom Savini grin from ear to ear. It’s a fantastic tromp through the highlands…” Screen Anarchy
” …easily combines the macabre and the grotesque with slapstick, situation and even gross-out humour while still telling its story straight and affording its main characters something resembling a heart. And of course, a direction that’s aware of the film’s horror roots and doesn’t just go for the cheap jokes, and a fine ensemble cast make this a pretty fun movie…” Search My Trash
” …all of this is enlivened by a talented cast – including fun supporting turns from Izzard, Kate Dickie, Kevin Guthrie and Alice Lowe – and directed with such gusto that, despite its missteps, Boyz in the Wood’s unabashed silliness and youthful exuberance are hard to resist.” Seen Some
” …oscillates between folk horror comedy and survivalist action movie to eventually wearying results, even before a didactic last act monologue from one of its young leads […] spells out the class and generational warfare themes in a fashion that’s deflating rather than stirring. But there’s a great energy to its better stretches…” Sight & Sound
“Boyz in the Woods is a fast-paced bumper car ride, with great comic timing and a sprinkling of social awareness. The minor misfires and more scattershot moments are made up for by the number of times Ninian Doff’s film hits the bullseye dead centre.” Take One
Release:
The world premiere for Boyz in the Wood was on March 8, 2019, at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas. It will be available on Amazon Prime from August 28, 2020.
Cast and characters:
Eddie Izzard … The Duke – Hannibal TV series; Shadow of the Vampire
Kate Dickie … Sergeant Morag – Prevenge; The Witch; The Frankenstein Chronicles TV series; Prometheus
James Cosmo … Farmer –A Hole in the Ground; Malevolent; Estranged; Dark Signals; Citadel; Hammer House of Horror TV series; The Stone Tape; Doomwatch; Assault
Kevin Guthrie … P. C. Hamish
Jonathan Aris … Mr Carlyle
Alice Lowe … Superintendent – Dark Encounter; Prevenge; Ghoul; Sightseers; Kill List
Samuel Bottomley … Ian
Viraj Juneja … D.J. Beatroot
Rian Gordon … Dean
Lewis Gribben … Duncan
Producers: Matthew Plouffe, Tobey Maguire, Brian Coffey, Laura Tunstall
Cinematographer: Patrick Meller
Editors: Ross Hallard and Ninian Doff
Production Designer: Tom Sayer
Music: Alex Menzies and S-Type
Production companies:
- Highland Midgie
- Material Pictures
- Nowhere
Related:
https://moviesandmania.com/2015/04/30/horrorcore-how-hip-hop-met-horror-article/
