It may seem like an odd adjective to use, but there is something charming about the Foo Fighters‘s horror film “Studio 666.”  Born from the mind of Dave Grohl, the story kicks off with the band contemplating the two greatest movies of the 80’s & 90’s when they are supposed to be discussing their overdue 10th album.  Grohl and company are dedicated to producing something truly worthy of this milestone album but have no idea where to start. Their exasperated producer (Jeff Garlin) suggests they rent out a nearby home that was the site of a grisly murder/suicide decades ago.  The band is skeptical at first, but the demonic acoustics of the house are impossible to deny.

The band decides to move in for a month and knock out a full album all at once.  It’s not long before strange occurrences begin.  They start out mild enough, with a creepy/hot neighbor and an uber-fan delivery man, but soon escalate into the supernatural and deadly.  There’s nothing new or surprising in the narrative, in fact, it’s mostly a collection of tropes.  But, instead of feeling like a collection of cliches, they are all delivered as a loving homage.  These guys are obviously fans of rock and horror films and are just having a good time making a movie of their own.  The closest movie I can compare it to is “Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny.”  Ironically, Dave Grohl was in that movie as well, playing Satan. “Studio 666” has far less sophomoric humor in it, instead swapping it out for some truly wicked gore.  There aren’t many kills in this film, but the ones we do get are exceptional!

“Studio 666” might not re-invent anything, but if you are a fan of the Foo Fighters or low-brow demonic horror, then you’ll likely have a good time.  One thing that can transcend film genre and budgets is fun, and these guys are definitely having a lot of it.

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