My Name is Bruce - Hail to the chin, baby!

‘My Name is Bruce’ is one of those films that was definitely made for a niche audience – namely fans of Bruce Campbell.  Now, if your reaction to that statement is ‘Who?’ then you’re probably not going to get that much out of this film.  Unless you really love horror/slasher films, then there’s probably just about enough here to keep you entertained.  But then, if you’re really that much of a fan of the genre, you should definitely be aware of Bruce Campbell by now!  But, for those of you who don’t know, Bruce ‘the chin’ Campbell is primarily-known for his B-movie films and the ‘Evil Dead’ franchise in particular.  He normally plays a cocky, slightly  stupid hero who triumphs partly by luck and audience-love, rather than skill or virtue.  In short, he’s a bit of a clutz.

However, as the title suggests, his name – also – in the film, is ‘Bruce.’ And that’s because he’s effectively playing himself.  Or at least the version of himself that has become his trademark over the years – namely the annoying, smart-a*se we see on screen.  He’s an alcoholic, womanising, foul-mouthed idiot (who just so happens to be a B-movie star).  However, despite his on screen persona, he has built up a loyal following of fans – all of which he treats like absolute dirt (I’m pleased to say that in real life Bruce is a great bloke and loves his fans!).  So, when a town comes under attack from a particularly angry Chinese demonic bean god (yes, seriously) then one starry-eyed young lad who’s seen all Bruce’s films decides that his idol is the only person who can save the locals.  How wrong he is.

What you have is a pretty normal horror film – a largely cheap-looking monster runs amok in a small American town, slashing up anyone who isn’t really a main character.  You’ve seen it all before and you’ve even seen Bruce Campbell in these types of films.  However, what sets this one apart is Bruce himself.  Naturally, whether the film succeeds or fails rests on his shoulders (or chin!) and, I’m pleased to say it does.  The jokes are based around on the clichés you’d expect from not only the horror genre, but the types of films he’s starred in.  He seems well up for running himself down and playing a particularly unlikeable version of himself in order to get the laughs.  And fair play to him.  He shows us what most celebrities are probably like in real life.

The special effects aren’t that special.  There’s not that much gore.  And the sets look like… well, sets (but that’s probably to highlight just how much of a cheap B-movie you’re watching – or at least that’s what I tell myself).  So, overall, you have a pretty average horror movie.  Therefore, you’re only going to truly enjoy it if you’re a fan of Bruce himself.  I’ve only just got round to reviewing this and I haven’t seen it for a few years.  Since I last watched it I’ve also invested my time into Bruce’s current project – the TV series ‘Ash vs The Evil Dead.’ I can’t help but notice how some of the early episodes actually recycle a few jokes and situations, but that’s really for a review of the TV series (which I also recommend you watch if you like your horror gory and cheeky!).

So, as I first said, what you have here is a film with a real niche audience.  It’s not horrific or original enough to be remembered due to the content of its genre alone, only for Bruce Campbell’s input.  Without him it would be nothing.  However, luckily it does have him, so it’s awesome (like most things he’s in).  Enjoy a nicely self-knowing so-bad-it’s-good little horror flick (and then watch Ash vs The Evil Dead!).

8/10 The Force is definitely strong with this one