4) John Dies At The End
I know some sites mark John Dies At The End as a 2012 movie, but since I didn’t catch it until its glorious “wide” release (and neither did you), it’s absolutely a 2013 release for me. Actually, this is exactly how I started off my 2013, watching John Dies At The End while vacationing in bumblefuck New Hampshire for New Years, and boy did I start the New Year off on a high note. I hadn’t read David Wong’s (Jason Pargin) book before tackling Don Coscarelli’s cinematic adaptation, but I think that made my viewing all the more entertaining. This is an oddly obscure film that takes extreme pleasure in being nothing but unfiltered weirdness, from meat monsters to phallic doorknobs, and this is where Coscarelli’s ingenuity shines.
In mentioning the unfiltered weirdness, I also have to say that John Dies At The End is a strategically planned out story that’s both twisted and hilarious, turning two burn-outs into unlikely heroes. After taking a fantastical drug called Soy Sauce, Dave (Chase Williamson) and John (Rob Mayes) become a confused demon fighting duo who can see and experience a whole other world most people can’t perceive. This gives Coscarelli the ability to play around with inventive monsters and wonderful horror elements, but it also gives our lead actors the perfect opportunity to suck us in with top-notch performances. I’ve already stated that I’d love to see Dave and John again, as these two were some of my favorite horror characters of the year.
Don’t think the title is a spoiler, because I guarantee your brain will not be ready for John Dies At The End – even if you read the book. Also, a shout-out to Paul Giamatti for being a producer/actor on this flick, showing his love for the literary incarnation and his faith in Don Coscarelli. Good move, sir.