"The Backlot Murders" tells the story of a rock band shooting a video on the back lot of a studio, and after the shoot, crew, band members, and girlfriends alike fall victim to a psychotic killer. As has been pointed out, this is more dark comedy than real horror, and it has a very self aware quality to it, dropping names of classic horror films and quite conscious of the clichés that mark the screenplay. Its kills are never as gory as some fans will like but there is a decent amusement factor to them just the same, especially the "Colombian necktie" business. One stabbing sequence occurs, appropriately enough, outside of the iconic Bates house from "Psycho". And those familiar with "Friday the 13th Part 2" and "A Bay of Blood" will experience deja vu when they see another kill. Everything about this is trite, and the movie is sometimes tiresome; it's nothing that experienced genre fans haven't seen before. The identity of the perpetrator is not hard to guess. That said, it's not as if it doesn't have its moments along the way - such as demonstrating an obvious generation gap when a record label executive waxes nostalgic about "Psycho" and his daughter quips, "Is that the one with Anne Heche?". There is some entertainment to be had in seeing various murder set pieces staged amid movie sets, and there are some rather witty lines sprinkled throughout. The biggest treat is in seeing veterans Priscilla Barnes (looking as foxy as ever), as the bitchy band manager, and Charles Fleischer (who's very funny, especially when he gives direction) as the director of the music video. Be warned that if you're a Corey Haim fan and are watching this for him, that he's basically here for name value and his role truly is a (small) supporting one, as the band guitarist. Brian Gaskill gets a good showcase as the egocentric singer, and it's fun to see actress Jaime Anstead, as Janey, on the run; you'll know what I mean there if you see the movie. Ken Sagoes, whom you may recognize as Kincaid from the 3rd and 4th "Nightmare on Elm Street" entries, has a small role as well. The movie in general is reasonably amusing, although it could have used a much better ending. In any event, the body count is fairly high and the sex and violence make this enjoyable. Stay tuned through the closing credits for outtakes and other behind-the-scenes footage. Six out of 10.
Review of The Backlot Murders
