DIrtbags

Dirtbags: Evil Never Felt So Good (2009)

So if you guys have hung out here at Gutmunchers at all you will realize that I’m a big fan of independent cinema and the creative filmmakers that it spawns. But if you are going to be into independent cinema then that means wading thru a ton of really bad movies from guys with cameras but no talent or inspiration. Sometimes that dedication pays off and you run into a filmmaker like Bill Zebub.

In Dirtbags Bill not only directs but plays the lead character of Bill. Actually I don’t know that I would call Bill the lead, but the action revolves around his character. The point of the movie is setup when we are introduced to a goddess from an alternate reality or universe (who cares she is really hot!) that gives us some confusing philosophy that being a jerk could actually be just as “good” as being nice. This really is just an excuse (albeit a funny one) to look in on the lives of some “dirtbags”. There are several storylines including a jealous boyfriend, a creepy guy from a health spa, and of course good old Bill himself. The key is that all of the story lines tie in somehow with the Bill character, which ties the movie together.

This isn’t my first Bill Zebub movie and it won’t be the last. With Dirtbags Bill works his magic creating characters and a story that ties together a really funny and offensive series of set pieces and characters that had me laughing from the beginning of the movie until the final credits. Nothing is sacred as the movie pokes fun at Christianity, homosexuals, women, and yes there is even a terrible bit with a character in blackface. So like I said nothing is sacred and the movie seems to go out of it’s way to offend as many people as possible. Not only does that appeal to my sense of humor (which I suppose might just be a bit twisted) but the movie is well made and entertaining. I’ve seen other low budget flicks that try and do the same thing as Dirtbags, but fail because it comes off awkward and is poorly put together. But like him or not Bill Zebub can make a movie and knows what he is doing. In addition to being a good filmmaker Bill Zebub also is really funny on screen and has some decent acting chops. In particular he has a rant about Santa Claus that I found really funny. Now the rest of the cast does a fine job in their roles, which are really just kind of silly. And while we get a few instances of wooden delivery and some lines are stumbled over a bit I just didn’t mind.

So if you can’t tell yet I had a blast with Dirtbags: Evil Never Felt So Good. I think it is a really funny, well made, and creative low budget movie. Now if you are easily offended or lack a sense of humor then I suppose you should save yourself being angered and skip this one. Personally I can’t wait to see what he does next. For more information on this and Bill’s other movies head over to http://www.billzebub.com

3 out of 4

reviewed by John Shatzer