Suburban Nightmare (2004)

Lack of good storyline.

From my favorite movies..

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

This poor excuse for a "black comedy" is virtually unwatchable for several reasons. First, the supposed dark humor is extremely weak and redundant. Second, the acting is mundane at best. Third, the story of bickering serial killer spouses is like watching an endless family argument. If your idea of entertainment is small talk at the dinner table, then "Suburban Nightmare" is your movie, otherwise steer clear of this shot on video clunker. Speaking of video, technically everything is so dark that there is nothing visual of interest, which only emphasizes the boredom generated by a totally unacceptable screenplay. Not recommended for obvious reasons. - MERK

Trent Haaga and Brandy Little, who are regulars of Troma style b movie horror, prove here that they can handle a serious genre film. The script is top notch, with a lot of dark humor, and subtle commentary on relationships. They act just like any normal suburban couple would, they have a daughter who they love dearly, they fight over everything, but they also generally love each other. The only difference is they kill, maim, and torture people. Bloodletting was a similar film you'd enjoy if you liked this, but I think Suburban Nightmare is the superior film, with the best actors, and social commentary. I actually liked Trent and Brandy's characters' and found myself rooting for them to work things out, I know thats sick, but thats just a testament to there performances. The film has some interesting twists, that I won't spoil, just see this beautiful, blood splattered love story right away. The ending brought a tear to my eye.

I always enjoyed Trent Haaga. Especially his roles as a nut or a nerd. He is actually believable in those roles. He plays a nut in this absurd fiasco, but such a serious nut. He's way to heavy-handed in this role. This movie is an absolute bore, from start to finish. There is nothing for the horror fans, as it has no horror elements. Nothing for the psychological thrill fans, as everything is too melodramatic, and nothing for drama fans because the thing tries to pull itself off as a shocker. This is a disaster. The stupid story could have been brought to life with a better story, more characters and everything else that would make a movie semi-endurable. The story is about a family where the daughter is sick in bed, and the mom and dad kill a few people who come into their house. But the way the story unfolds, the psycho side is kind of secondary, as the husband and wife carry on through the whole shoddy film bickering and swearing at each other. At times this feels like a Lifetime Network TV Movie. There is no suspense, no setting (the whole thing takes place in the family's kitchen and dining room) no special effects, no nothing. The whole thing is just the couple bickering at each other at what amounts to a level of annoyance to the poor viewer. It's obvious that the maker's were trying to show a "normal" unhappy couple on the verge of a break-up, who also kill people in their spare time as a sick way to get close, but this whole movie just fumbled. Director John Keeyes was obviously trying to make a statement but it got lost with the wretched, horribly written story and the shoddy, over-acting of Brandy Little (she's horrible). Not even good for the bad horror buffs. No stars.

What a twisted little flick! Suburban Nightmare tells the story of The Rosenblad's, a husband/wife serial killer team who have a marital spat after one kills some dinner guests out of turn. Call it The War of The Rosenblads. Trent Haaga gives his best performance to date as Charles, patriarch of the family. His demented turn delivers the movies best scenes, and further cements his place as indie film's go to guy for scene stealing prowess.Brandy Little really shows her chops as Deborah, the insanely overzealous, blood lusting "better half" of the relationship. She really struts her stuff near the climax of the flick, keeping toe to toe with Haaga's performance, thus delivering the best on screen psychopathic duo since Natural Born Killers.Jon Keeyes has really delivered with Suburban Nightmare. I look forward to seeing what all involved with this gem has in store next.