Hawk and Rev Vampire Slayers Review: An Irreverent Throwback That Does Not Suck

Release date: March 16, 2021
Running time: 85 minutes        
Starring: Ryan Barton-Grimley (‘Hawk’), Ari Schneider (‘Rev’), Jana Savage (‘Theo’), Richard Gayler (‘Jasper’), Casey Graf (‘Arnold’), Kevin Ocampo (‘Terry’), and Jeff Lorch (‘Deputy Jack Scroggins’)
Written and directed by Ryan Barton-Grimley

HAWK & REV: VAMPIRE SLAYERS tells the story of Philip "HAWK" Hawkins. Hawk doesn't just dream about killing vampires, he eats, sleeps, drinks and freakin' breaths it! After getting kicked out the army for staking a fellow soldier with a blunt two by four, Hawk almost dies of boredom working as a night security guard in his hometown of Santa Muerte, California. Just when it looks like all Hawk's options in life have expired, filthy blood-sucking vampires appear and of course -- nobody believes him! With his back up against the wall, his sweaty Karate Kid headband on and hordes of murderous vampires closing in, Hawk enlists the help of the one person who kind of believes him: Revson "REV" McCabe, a dimwitted, vegan-pacifist groundskeeper. Together they join forces to save the whole entire freakin' world! Well, at least their hometown anyway.

Hawk & Rev has a definite 80s style that is apparent from the start.  It has an old school television or video game logo that evokes a classic, simpler time.  And this is a little hint that writer, director, and star Ryan Barton-Grimley was heavily influenced by old school entertainment.  His character, Hawk, is intentionally a relic, going in guns blazing in a machismo style.  His friend and partner in slaying, Rev, is a fun foil for him. Whereas Hawk is guns blazing, Rev is more of a pacifist.  And when their crew is joined by Theo (Savage) and some other interesting characters, the film starts to show it's ridiculousness and humor.

And this film has a lot of quirk and humor with many laugh out loud jokes and some irreverent humor that will make you smirk.  And the dynamic between Hawk and Rev, and their constantly contrasting approaches, demeanors, and styles, definitely adds some fun to the film.  Even when they are trying to do things in sync, it often ends up out of sync due to their very different characters.  And the 80s style from the intro shines through in the music, which has a definite 80s influence to it.   

And although the film has a lot of funny writing, some of the jokes just don't hit.  There were lots of funny, ridiculous moments but there were just as many jokes that fell flat for me.  Additionally, even though Hawk is supposed to be a relic (or at least that's what it seems like), sometimes he is a little too much.  His character is too thick and some of the judgments towards his companions feel dated.  I think they're supposed to be, but it felt a little odd to have those be focused in this otherwise irreverent and quirky film.  But overall, Hawk and Rev is just a dose of ridiculousness.  The characters are over the top.  The gore is intentionally escalated.  And the situations are ridiculous by design.  

Hawk and Rev Vampire Slayers has an irreverent, ridiculous style, a quirky group of enthusiastic vampire hunters, and a humorous story that does not suck.

Watch it.

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Hawk and Rev Vampire Slayers is available digitally and on demand on March 16, 2021. 

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