REVIEW: ‘Studio 666′ is a Rockin’ Good Time

Foo Fighters plus horror-comedy plus buckets of fake blood gives you STUDIO 666. Released by Open Road Films, the horror-comedy is directed by BJ McDonnell and stars Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, Rami Jaffee, Whitney Cummings, Will Forte, Jenna Ortega, Leslie Grossman, and Jeff Garlin. Based upon a story by Dave Grohl with a screenplay by Jeff Buhler and Rebecca Hughes.

In STUDIO 666, the Foo Fighters move into an Encino mansion steeped in grisly rock and roll history to record their much anticipated 10th album. Pressured by their producer to do something big that brings in the most money, the Foo Fighters have to get, well, weird. Looking to replicate a Led Zepplin castle creative process, the murder mansion in Encino becomes the best choice to create in. I mean, it does have the best acoustics of any space Grohl has recorded in. What started as a one-month creative stay quickly becomes a cultic murder mystery with a very nosey neighbor and a connection to a blood cult once they arrive in the house. As the first song of the album grows in length, Grohl finds himself grappling with supernatural forces that threaten both the completion of the album and the lives of the band.

Buckets of blood, crazy violent and hilarious kills, and a bangin’ soundtrack is all you need to know about STUDIO 666. It’s one of those films that embrace the shock and awe that comes with leaning into absurdity and vulgarity. The dialogue is truly a group of friends talking, grieving, and telling jokes that honestly mean more to them than it does to the audience. It’s that authentic core that makes the comedy in STUDIO 666 work. While it’s clear that the bands aren’t actors, it’s also clear that the dialogue belongs to them, and well, if they were really in an Encino murder mansion together. That being said, the humor will definitely be hit or miss for viewers, especially those who aren’t into vulgar jokes or kills.

That said, for those who are, STUDIO 666 is an absolute blast and a half. The best part of the film is how gory and hilarious the film’s kills are. From a BBQ grill becoming a weapon to a chainsaw through two bodies that are well, connecting, it’s all a bloodbath that puts humor first. The film is a trip that works best for fans of the band and fans of b-horror films. When graded against its subgenre, it comes out on top. There are a lot of flaws with the film, but the fun that the band is having on-screen more than makes up for it. I think it’s easiest to recommend for those in the audience who vibe with Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny.

When you go into a horror comedy, especially one made for our fun and the love of it, you have to be open to the kind of film you’re going to get. For that, STUDIO 666 tells you exactly the kind of film it is in the opening scene, a campy supernatural slasher that is all about absurdity and the fun only horror fans can have. And for that, it succeeds and makes a great watch for Foo Fighter fans and fans of b-horror alike.

STUDIO 666 is available in theaters on February 25, 2022.