Slither

Slither is easily one of the best horror movies to come along in a very long time. It’s gory, funny and hits all the right notes. Nathan Fillion, fresh from his star flight aboard Serenity, is more grounded as a local sheriff who leads the townsfolk in a battle against an invading force of body snatching alien slugs. Fillion’s nemesis is local businessman Grant Grant (Michael Rooker), who is the first person infected and the chief slug breeder. Director James Gunn, who previously scripted the surprisingly decent Dawn of the Dead remake, has an obvious love of movies like Cronenberg’s The Fly, Evil Dead, The Thing, Toxic Avenger (which can be glimpsed in a cameo on a TV screen) and Re-Animator (even before he reveals it on the "making of” doc in the bonus material). He infuses a standard ’50s B grade invasion movie with a modern comedic edge and grizzly special effects. Bonus material includes standard "making of” and special effects docs, as well as on-set reports from Fillion and Trauma Films boss Lloyd Kaufman, which are fun but not terribly informative, and extended and deleted scenes. The commentary track with Gunn and Fillion is far more informative. Even without the extras it would be a worthwhile addition to any horror fan’s collection. Besides, how can you not love a movie that includes Corb Lund and his Hurtin’ Albertans performing at a barn dance?