'Bloodstream' is another in the latest line of new genre productions from production house Cinematrix and a welcome curious one too...the film opens with corrupt lab scientist Catherine Hayden as she meets up with a lurking shadowy figure to sell him a stolen parasite sample from the lab where she works. Poor Hayden though gets payment in a form she never expected as her assailant slashes her throat open in bloody style (ala Friday the 13th).
The film then cuts to a small town local bar where a talent contest is in full swing. School chums G.I. Bill and his girlfriend Andrea, school rag reporter Marty and his bumbling camera wielding chum are there to support their friend Sandy as she competes publicly for the first time (though it doesn't look like there will be much competition as the rest of the contestants are a hilarious mix of the most untalented geeks and freaks you're ever likely to come across). Sandy's sister Pamela even shows up to support her sisters endeavour but the ensemble of chums start to worry when the star of the evening doesn't arrive to perform.
We soon discover that poor Sandy has been abducted by the sadistic barman when she arrived earlier and he has here tied and secreted in the boot of his car. When he takes her to his lair for some terrifying abuse she manages to free herself but when he follows in pursuit they both fall victim to the real psychotic protagonist and they'll both soon wish that their deaths where swift and painless. But as our mysterious killer dons his surgeon mask and lifts his power drill they realise that the suffering is about to begin...
No knowing what has happened to her missing sister Pamela Miner is soon hot on the trail. Not getting much joy from a somewhat disinterested local police force she brings on board Sandy's school friend and budding investigative reporter Marty. They get hold of the photographs that were taken at the talent evening to see if there are any clues that may help them to find out Sandy's whereabouts and enlisting the help of the rest of Marty's school friends they all get together and pursue the case in true Scooby Doo stylee, albeit this one is strewn with gore!
Who is behind the growing numbers of killings? Is it Sergeant 'Psycho' Stryker the Nam scarred history teacher or could it be the sleazy English teacher Richard Ward who sees all his female students as potential sexual conquests or even the hapless geek that is seen skulking in the shadows? Who knows! The go getting kids certainly don't as our psycho killer continues to go about his bloody carnage...chopping up limbs, gouging out eyes and so on much to many gore loving viewers delight!
'Bloodstream' is a thoroughly satisfying slice of new wave genre viewing. Dennis Devine and Steve Jarvis have came up trumps with what is a very surprising fresh and entertaining horror romp. That's not too say it isn't faultless though, the bulk of the cast are solid enough performers but at the same time not greatly convincing. That is apart from the beautiful Meredith Mills who shines as Pamela and Joe Decker who steals the show during the films last reel as GI Bill (and I have to make mention of one of the best geeks gone mad moments to be captured on film - you'll know it when you see it!).
But there's plenty to be happy about with this fine production also. As well as Jarvis and Devine's admirable script and direction (I had absolutely no idea who the real killer was until the finale reveal), the gore effects by Christien Tinsley are amongst the best I've seen in quite some time and very reminiscent of the heydays of the eighties US splatter classics. Also, the score by Jonathan Price is equally impressive and adds to the films atmosphere no end.
'Bloodstream' is not a classic as such but a very impressive production nonetheless. I enjoyed this one a lot and will look forward to future forays into the genre by all involved - check it out!
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