NUTBAG

NUTBAG
By Larra

“I am down on whores and shant quit ripping them.” Jack the Ripper.

You read about them in the papers and hear about them on the evening news, but when do you ever get the chance to venture into the actual mind of a serial killer? Well, boys and girls, here’s your chance! Nutbag takes you on a twisted voyage through several days in the life of a true psychopath.

Based on actual events, and with an approach so unique, Nick Palumbo actually allows you to delve into the demented mind that is “The Killer”. Set against the original ‘city of sin,’ Las Vegas, Nutbag almost poetically sheds light on the lonely life of a serial killer as he struggles daily with his demons. We hear his thoughts; listen to his conversations with his only friend ‘Heinrich’ the Tarantula and watch ringside as he kills his victims. We also get a front row seat during each of his breakdowns, which actually add to the characters depth.

Although a little rough around the edges, Nutbag wasn’t near as graphic as I thought it would be. The effects were pretty blah -- you could actually see appliances in a couple of scenes. The acting, especially on the part of the victims was pretty bad, with the exception of “Mandy” (Renee Sloan) who seemed the better part of scared. Mack Hail (the “Killer”) was just a tad bit too stiff and monotone for me. I don’t know if he was told to be like that or what, but it took a lot away from his character. He was lacking in any depth at certain points but would keep you captivated and almost sympathetic at others.

All-in-all, Nutbag was a great flashback to slasher films of the early 80’s as well as disturbing enough to make you think about it days later (and even possibly watch it again!).