Director: Matthew John Lawrence

Starring: Chet Siegel, Jeff Riddle, Ruby McCollister, David Littleton, Ryan Conrath

Runtime: 97 minutes

Release Date: May 3, 2021 (UK)

Language: English Stereo PCM & DTSHD surround

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: High-definition 1080p (2.39:1) [*The credits are open matted, so you will notice them rolling through the top and bottom screen black bars*]

Format: Blu-ray (1 disc)

Region: B

[It is also worth noting Epic Pictures also has a nearly identical Blu-ray release: the differences being that it’s region-free, has Spanish subtitles, and a redband trailer]

If band names like DUH, Piss Face, Turd Toilet, Shark Dick, and The Queef Queens seem just a touch too immature for you, this film—Uncle Peckerhead is the name in case you forgot—is probably not going to be your cuppa. For the rest of you fans of campy fun who remained seated for DUH’s first gig, get ready to be covered in demonic diarrhea, vomit, and the viscera of the ungrateful dead. Uncle Peckerhead is a practical effects, bloody, synth/punk scored, campy horror comedy (leaning more towards the latter) that brings to mind films like Deathgasm, The Ranger, Wolfcop, The Greasy Strangler, and Troma style films (such as the diegetically featured The Toxic Avenger Part II). It’s sure to gain a cult following through word of mouth and terrific streaming sites like Tubi and/or Shudder, but it’s certainly only going to be for a particular audience. I for sure would love to see this film also get an eventual VHS release.

Matthew John Lawrence triples as director, writer, and editor for this feature film debut featuring a mostly newcomer cast. DUH, a struggling amateur three member punk band decides to hit the road with a strange older man who goes by the name of (you guessed it) Uncle Peckerhead, but his friends call him “Peck.” After their first atrocious gig, Peck turns out to be some sort of man eating demon who transforms for exactly 13 minutes at midnight sharp. Although with their van repossessed and no money to their name, DUH has no other choice but to continue riding along with Peck and his shady eating habits. But hey, on the bright side, Peck is willing to be their roadie: not only beating up [read: eating] greedy promoters, but also paying for all transportation fees, food, and lodgings at two-star motels that still have payphones outside. Not as gory as I wanted it to be, Uncle Peckerhead is still an interestingly charming splatterpunk story with some better than expected eccentric characters and performances. And hey, it’s “Based on a true story.”

I do respect a movie that throws in a Cat People reference with ease. But what really got me here was oddly fitting chemistry this completely unknown to me cast had. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect with this film—especially given the title—but it gradually won me over with its quirky vibe and strangely wholesome road trip energy. It did help that the bearded vocalist of DUH looked exactly like my metalhead roommate when I lived in Austria, and that the protagonist girl, bassist, co-vocalist looked like an ex, with her Sharon Van Etten haircut. Although initially skeptical of how the acting would be, this underdog tour with DUH and Peck really won me over and had me rooting for them to achieve their dream of opening for The Queef Queens. With some really bizarre edits and fun title cards throughout the film, Uncle Peckerhead really makes for an entertaining watch with a early 90s sounding punk/metal Green Day sound—most if not all of the soundtrack being written and performed by actors and the director of the film, such as Jeff Riddle of The Holy Mess. Riddle who also served as a co-producer also wrote and performed DUH’s songs with his protagonist co-stars Chet Siegel and Chloe Roe also learning to play the bass and drums respectively. Like I mentioned earlier in the review, this is sure to gain a cult low-budget DIY following through recommendations from your cult movie friend or some late night streaming browsing. It definitely feels like something you’d catch coming out of Toronto and London’s respective After Dark and Frightfest Film Festivals. 

B

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MAIN MENU OPTIONS (replay loop of non-spoiler scenes play in the background to the film’s original punk/metal music): 

– Play feature film

– Subtitles 

– Special Features 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

– Cast commentary track

– The Holy Mess music video (including but not limited to ring gag, waterboarding by milk, back rubs, and lots of feces)

– Larry Gone Demon (a bloody fun DIY 14 min Troma style The Exorcist short film)

– Film Trailer

Pre-order your copy from 101 Films HERE

Blu-Ray Reviews cat people chet siegel david littleton deathgasm jeff riddle matthew john lawrence ruby mccollister ryan conrath sharon van etten the greasy strangler the ranger the toxic avenger part ii uncle peckerhead wolfcop