Quite a different take on a horror feature, the movie The Black String tells the tale of witchcraft and sex. Nicely directed, cool special effects and good acting, the creepy story keeps itself a good measure above average. Now on DVD, Digital HD and VOD access to the film should not be a problem.
Jonathan Marsh (Frankie Muniz) assistant manages a Stop and Go liquor store and draws cartoons in his spare time. He hangs out at a teen skate parking lot drawing the skaters and is very personable. He gets regular calls from this mom and he keeps fit by jogging. He’s just a regular guy, except for one thing, he’s shy when it comes to asking a woman out on a date.
However, he won’t stop at trying to elevate his sex life from zero and therefore seeing an ad on TV to meet hot chicks is something that’s up his ally. Still a virgin his night manager Eric (Blake Webb) mentions that if he’s going to see a hooker to wear a condom. When he connects with Dena (Chelsea Edmundson), a lovely looking woman however, he takes a chance on unprotected sex. When he develops a strange rash the next morning that starts to spread quickly, he starts looking for a way to stop its progress.
Director and co-screenwriter Brian Hanson dives right into the story working quickly to show Jonathan’s predicament early on. He then introduces characters that Jonathan gets advice to go to help rid him of the growing skin disorder. Just when he’s about to give up, he finds a Tarot reader Melinda (Mary K. DeVault) who gives him the bad news.
There’s a lot going on in the film and scene after scene gets more gruesome as the film progresses to near hopelessness for Jonathan. I like Frankie Muniz in this role. He makes his character this nerd who wants to escape living with his family, gets any job he can, and thinks the way to meet women is an on line dating system that offers a sure thing. He makes the film work and keeps us laughing at times to the dark comedy until it takes and evil turn that changes Jonathan into a walking infection. You’ll recognize Muniz right away if you have ever watched TV’s “Malcolm in the Middle”.
BONUS FEATURES
DVD / DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES
“Audio Commentary with Director-Cowriter Brian Hanson and Producer Charles Bunce” “String Theory: The Making of The Black String” Featurette
“Deleted Scenes and Alternate Takes”
The Black String has been rated R by the MPAA for violence/disturbing images, language throughout, some sexuality and drug use. Now on DVD, Digital HD, VOD for an evening of laughs, being grossed out and frequently amazed. If you are not easily queasy by the sight of hideous scenes, then you should do well with the film.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Nicely acted and excellent use of gore and goo. (4 out of 5 Stars)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Frankie Muniz, Jackie Moore, Cullen Douglas, Alexander Ward, Chelsea Edmundson, Ravi Patel, Blake Webb, Richard Handley, Mary K. DeVault
Director and co-writer: Brian Hanson
MPAA Rating: R for violence/disturbing images, language throughout, some sexuality and drug use.
Genre: Thriller, Horror, Dark Comedy
Running Time: 1 hr. 33 min.
Video Release Date: September 24, 2019
Original Theatrical Release Date:
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: Widescreen 16×9, Aspect Ratio 2.10:1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish Subtitles
Number of Discs: 1 disc
Distributed by: Lionsgate
Released on: DVD, Digital HD, VOD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
