Studio 666 is something we haven’t really seen in a long time – a film led by a rock band playing themselves. In the tradition of films like Rock ‘N’ Roll High School, Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park, and Tenacious D In The Pick Of Destiny, The Foo Fighters take center stage as themselves trying to get their tenth album recorded, and doing so in a dilapidated Encino mansion with a dark past. Dave Grohl becomes obsessed with the place, but finds himself struggling to create the perfect sound. That all changes when a supernatural force takes hold, and creates total carnage.
Obviously, folks who are fans of the band will be the ones who are more likely to find some immediate appeal here. My appreciation of the band is fairly casual at best, but I was still able to get a clear grasp on all the members and their dynamics with one another, which is naturally played up for comedic effect. However, I was surprised at how the film keeps in-jokes at a bare minimum, trying to remain as accessible as possible. In doing so, they place their focus on a different aspect of the film entirely, which is the horror side.
It’s obvious from the get-go that Dave Grohl (who has the sole story credit), screenwriters Jeff Buhler and Rebecca Hughes, and director BJ McDonnell are huge horror fans, and the film itself feels more catered to that fandom as opposed to the band’s. It features some references to some classics, fantastic kill sequences and gore, as well as a sick opening theme from John Carpenter (who also has a brief cameo in the film as a mixer). Granted, the film has its tongue firmly planted in its cheek, being unafraid to get really goofy, but it commits to the bit, even to the ending, which I did not see coming.
Sure, none of the Foo Fighters are the most gifted actors out there, but this is a case where a flaw works to the film’s advantage, further deepening its midnight movie sensibilities. In fact, some of the downplayed reactions to some gnarly stuff is a huge part of what makes a lot of this funny. Plus, little moments like Grohl saying the sentence, “you can never have too much ranch” as sinisterly as possible. It’s going for pure fun, and everyone is seemingly aware of the tone that the filmmakers are aiming for.
It also helps that there are clear signs that genuine effort was put here. Only a few VFX don’t fully convince, but the design of these demons, which seems like someone pulled right out of Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, are really effective. There are some sets with some really solid designs. The makeup work is terrific, and the gore effects are outstanding as well. Who would’ve guessed that the Foo Fighters horror-comedy would have a better chainsaw death than anything from the new Netflix released Texas Chainsaw Massacre? Not this guy.
I ultimately had a lot of fun with Studio 666. It is by no means something I’ll be revisiting over and over again, but it’s a totally worthy addition to the list of genuinely fun rock movies starring real bands. It’s a good time from start to finish, and it gives each band member a moment to shine, as well as showcasing some funny supporting performances from the likes of Jeff Garlin, Whitney Cummings, and Will Forte. It also notably has a very brief performance from Jenna Ortega, who is having a killer year between this, Scream, The Fallout, X, and that Tim Burton Wednesday Adams series for Netflix. As someone who doesn’t actively follow the band, there’s still a lot to appreciate here if you enjoy unabashed B-movie schlock and blood soaked mayhem. Take that for what you will.
Studio 666 is now out in theaters.