Blades Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Blades Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 24, 2021

There have been many parodies and knockoffs of the 1975 blockbuster, “Jaws,” with the brand name itself evolving from something terrifying to pure ridiculousness thanks to a steady downturn in sequel quality. 1989’s “Blades” has the imagination to take the premise of an unstoppable killing machine to the open world of a golf course, with the top predator not a shark, but a bloodthirsty lawnmower. Because…why not? Director Thomas R. Rondinella (who co-scripts with William R. Pace) attempt to revive the “Jaws” formula, but they don’t play it completely straight, slipping into lampoon territory with “Blades,” showing some hesitation when it comes to the presentation of a serious killer lawnmower movie. Laughs are limited in the picture, but the setting allows for a different genre energy, adding some “Caddyshack”-style touches and broad daylight to deal with gruesome events and, well, golfing, blending tournament excitement with growing fears of a lawn care machine on the loose.

It’s a new day at the Tall Grass Country Club, with owner Norman (William Towner) taking control of his latest acquisition, excited to handle the details for an upcoming televised tournament that could put the golf course on the map. He’s hired Roy (Robert North) to be head pro at Tall Grass, taking a position originally desired by Kelly (Victoria Scott), who worked her way up from the caddy program, floored that Norman would go outside the business to find help. While their relationship remains itchy, Roy and Kelly are forced to get along for the good of the club, assuming their usual duties as players arrive to tour the greens. However, the future of Tall Grass is threatened when bodies are discovered on the property, with these mangled corpses getting in the way of the tournament, while Roy senses something off about the situation. Setting out to discover what’s behind these murders, Roy is exposed to the ways of Deke (Jeremy Whelan), a former employee turned grizzled old timer who has an idea about what killing force has been unleased on the grounds.

“Blades” takes some time before it fully reveals its intentions to pants “Jaws,” but the opening scene is a good indication that something is a bit odd about this horror film. We meet a group of young people partying on the Tall Grass golf course, with two lovers sneaking off to make love in the rough, becoming the first victims of the lawnmower. Their remains include severed arms still holding hands, which is the first clue than Rondinella is aiming to create something broad with the picture, along the lines of a National Lampoon production. “Blades” takes a break from carnage to establish characters, including Ron, who was once a promising professional golfer before life got in the way, taking a job at Tall Grass to reclaim what’s left of his dignity, soon targeted for seduction by Norman’s wife. Kelly is the real master on the greens, but she’s been passed over for the head pro slot, leaving her resentful, creating tension with Ron as they go about their daily business.

In “Jaws” terms, Ron is Brody and Kelly is Hooper, making Deke the Quint character, with this crusty outsider emerging as the help Tall Grass needs, aware of what’s stalking the property, and he’s eager to catch it. “Blades” slowly pulls this trio together, working in additional “Jaws” fun along the way, with Norman the panicking mayor, and additional victims are adding to the body count, including a young caddy who’s caught by the mower while far away from a distracted crowd. “Blades” is silliness, but it has some bloody events to keep it interesting, and the haunted mower isn’t really on view until the final act, leaving most of the film to crime scene investigation. Moments of panic arrive as well, with Norman creating a hunting party to destroy the menacing machine, with the sequence the most distinct offering of absurdity in the picture.

Blades Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a new 2K scan of the original camera negative. Colors are immediately striking, with the feature largely taking place on a golf course, offering sharp greenery and signage, while obvious autumnal changes are taking place in the background. Costuming favors bright primaries. Skintones are natural. Detail is crisp throughout the viewing experience, with deep golf course dimension and strong facial surfaces, examining differences in age. Interiors are also open for inspection, with tasteful country club additions. Clothing is fibrous, with crisper golfer wear and uniforms. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition, but light scratches are periodically detected.

Blades Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is a little uneven at times, with slight volume fluctuations, and the production isn't always working with superior equipment. Unintelligibility isn't an issue, with dialogue exchanges remaining accessible, and group activity with tournament events and hunting parties is clear. Synth scoring cues are appreciable, with a heavier low-end presence to deepen suspense sequences. Sound effects are direct, mixing horror happenings with golf swings.

Blades Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director Thomas R. Rondinella and writer William R. Pace.

• "Fore! Warning: The Making of 'Blades'" (21:31, HD) features interviews with director Thomas R. Rondinella, writer William R. Pace, and producer John P. Finegan. Rondinella and Pace were recruited from NYU by Finegan, who set out to create "Girls School Screamers," but kept his eye on a spoof of "Jaws." Screenplay construction is detailed, with the writers banging out a first draft in just over a week, inserting specific "Jaws" refences when possible. Finegan shares information about his friendship with a Schmidt's Brewing Company executive, who gave the production access to "Beerworld," a company golf retreat, allowing them to do whatever they needed on the property. Rondinella recalls directorial challenges, including the creation and failure of the killer lawnmower, forcing him to "Spielberg" the movie by including less of the machine. Falling behind schedule, the team was urged to slash scenes, removing more "Jaws" jokes. The release of "Blades" is recalled, with Troma leaving the endeavor untouched, and the interviewees close the featurette with their ideas for a sequel, which is teased during a post-credits scene.

• Still Gallery (2:11) collects BTS snaps and a photo from the premiere.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Blades Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Blades" is livelier when running around the country club, meeting strange characters and setting up future victims. The transition to a "Jaws" finale, with the trio piling into a van to pursue the lawnmower, doesn't escalate the feature's sense of insanity like it should, leaving the endeavor slightly winded while it hunts for an explosive conclusion. The material is much better off with references than a straight lift of storytelling, but this is meant to be "Jaws" on a golf course and Rondinella isn't going to pass on his chance to be a B-movie Spielberg. "Blades" limps to a conclusion, but it's reasonably executed with excitable camerawork and decent performances for this type of low-budget effort. The production also gets some mileage out of the setting, using the country club and golf course to create its own Amity Island, giving the picture some expanse to help detail a ridiculous situation of doom.