I guess there’s a couple of ways I could approach this review for Steve Rudzinski’s “Wolfster Part 1: The Curse Of The Emo-Vamp”. First off, I could act like your standard self-important film critic, droning on about how I was shocked by the film’s racist, homophobic, misogynistic humor and recommending it might somehow ruin my reputation, or, *or*, I could be totally honest, and admit that this was, far and away, the funniest micro-budget movie I have ever watched. Director Rudzinski is a smart and angry young man, who seems intent on making the most offensive non-PC vampire/werewolf feature ever. As far as I’m concerned, he succeeds. Over the years, I’ve found that when independent filmmakers, working on a micro-budget, try to be funny, the results are often a mish-mash of flat jokes, awkward set-ups, and bad dialogue, that come off more groan inducing than laugh out loud hilarious. Rudzinski, on the other hand, has such a distinct understanding of the genre, and micro-budget movies in general, that he pulls it off seamlessly.

The film involves an emo-vampire. Wait, what’s an emo you ask? An emo, or emo-goth, is one of the black clad pseudo-goth types, although more sensitive and with an unusual haircut. When one of these emo-goths, Nathan Sloan (Shawn Shelpman), who is also a vampire, moves into town, he immediately searches out a pair of helpers -- his own personal Renfields -- to help watch over him day and night. After snagging one, in a rather funny opening send up of every 80s slasher film ever made, the Emo-Vamp seeks out a second. He leaves that up his new helper, Barry, played by Keegan Teel. Across town, Dave Collins (Steve Rudzinksi), is preparing to go on a blind date with the friend of a friend. The pair meet at the park, where upon, the girl, Jessie, played by Christine Schwesinger, describes a good portion of her sexual history for an astonished Dave in a funny scene mindful of early Woody Allen. At the same time, Barry, the helper vampire, spots Dave and decides that he would make a perfect pet for his boss. In the middle of casting the spell, Barry becomes quite emotional, and accidentally reads the wrong verse from his book of spells and bad poetry. The results don’t bode well for Dave, who is turned into a combination of a werewolf and someone who is explicitly aware of the forth wall i.e. Dave knows he’s in a movie. While Jessie is taken hostage, Dave is able to get away. Back at his pad, he calls upon Deacon Sloan, a character introduced in Henrique Couto ‘s “Marty Jenkins and the Vampire Bitches”, to help train him for his final hilarious confrontation with the Emo-Vamp and his helper.

The jokes come fast and furious, and Rudzinksi pulls no punches either. Nothing is off limits including jokes about Jews, Asians women and gays. What would one expect from a guy who’s earliest film was “KKK vs Neo Nazis”. Rudzinksi even gets in a few pokes at Quentin Tarantino, and his splitting “Kill Bill” into two parts in order to attain a bigger profit – a gimmick Rudzinksi utilizes himself with Wolfster. Also, watch for the training montage, put to the cheesy, but inspiring, music of Bezo. This had me on the floor. The script is quite brilliant, and there’s this interesting self-awareness at work here, as Dave is alert to the camera and the various conventions of the genre, all of which come into play throughout the film. I was totally impressed. At times, he even invites characters from other movies into his world, as in the case with Nic Pesante, who actually reprises his role of vampire hunter Deacon Sloan from “Marty Jenkins and the Vampire Bitches”. This is awesome in so many ways.

The only downside of the film is in the acting, and, in the style of the movie, it’s hard to tell if it’s not what Rudzinksi actually wanted. Keegan Teel, as Barry, is the biggest offender. He comes off as if he’s reciting his lines from a cue card… and probably is. However, he all but makes up for it, appearing in film’s end as the most politically incorrect character of the film, Big Gay. Jessie Deep, as Beth, Dave’s best friend, is quite impressive as she reflects on the state of mainstream cinema, and the burgeoning micro-movie scene. I could marry this girl. Christine Schwesinger, although quite beautiful, has a hard time keeping a straight face, even when she’s supposed to be squirming in horror. Shawn Shelpman, as the make-up wearing Emo-Vamp, was my favorite of the cast. With his fake vampire teeth impeding his ability to talk, Shelpman is forced to slur his words, while trying to act scary. He’s positively riotous. Brilliant and hilarious, “Wolfster Part 1: The Curse Of The Emo-Vamp”  is one of the few independent films that gets it right. I highly recommend seeking this out.

With news of a "Wolfster 2" being released, I can't wait to get my grubby hands on it. To buy this, or any of the other Dark Mullet Cinema movies, go here.