THE NIGHT WATCHMEN (2017)

Directed By: Mitchell Altieri 
Written By: Dan DeLuca & Jamie Nash 
Story By: Ken Arnold & Dan DeLuca 
Cinematography By: Amanda Treyz 
Editor: Brett Solem 

Cast: Ken Arnold, Dan DeLuca, Kevin Jiggetts, Kara Luiz, Rain Pryor, James Remar, Tiffany Shepis, Max Gray Wilbur, Diona Reasonover 


Three inept night watchmen, aided by a young rookie and a fearless tabloid journalist, fight an epic battle to save their lives. A mistaken warehouse delivery unleashes a horde of hungry vampires, and these unlikely heroes must not only save themselves but also stop the scourge that threatens to take over the city of Baltimore.

This is the type of low budget comedy/horror that One has missed. I will admit for having a soft spot for these seemingly do it yourself productions. As here films seem to have a camaraderie energy and spirit. That at least feels somewhat creative even when they might not have the funds to support that creativity.

I’m not saying this is the birthday of a great filmmaker but having seen director Mitch Altieri’s previous films. I will say this is one of his better films.

While the film isn’t hilarious. It is humorous and has one recognizable star I think the film in a rare comedic role that is shockingly small. The films humor is more juvenile but as the film goes along you get into it’s rhythm.

The films two screenwriters also have lucrative roles as the lead and the other an Important supporting character. Which might make the film seem more a vanity project to start their acting careers, but both create believable characters and performances. So no one embarrassed themselves nor does the quality of the film go down because of it. The film actually feels more like a product of a comedy improv team deciding to make a film that features each members strengths. Sort of like Broken Lizard and their films. As this seems to be the Cast’s Club Dread type film. Only this film is actually better with a lower budget than that film was

There is an excess of blood and gore. I think his tale of vampires and a team of night security guards who must survive the night against them. The film has plenty of drug humor and fart jokes that seem unneeded but add to the overall attitude of the film.

This isn’t going to be your favorite movie but it’s a good time and something you will probably forget immediately after.

Though it does give me confidence that another generation of filmmakers will remember these types of films and aspire to continue the more low brow but fun comedy horror films that more or less gain a certain cult audience.

This is a film for an audience More looking for fun entertainment in the genre. Rather than looking for art or a film that will move them from the technical filmmaking. Some might find the film corny or in love with it’s own characters and humor. While one can agree it is more full of jokes than scares. It does involve plenty of violence and some action that is more small scale yet effective enough. Especially as the characters are far from being the typical action heroes you would expect.


Grade: C+