Black Sheep...cult classic

Occasionally - at the witchin' hour - I suffer from an extreme case of the munchies or incurable insomnia.

So, some Friday nights I leave the tossin' and turnin' behind to take in a midnight movie at the Regency's "Insomniac Cinema" (Fairfax District).

Recently, I caught two offerings.

For the most part - trendy starry-eyed movie-goers were queuing up for the screwball comedy - "Spaceballs".

Ah, Mel Brooks!

Years ago, I wangled my way onto a set and managed to sidle up close to observe his innovative directing style. While going through the "motions", the celebrated icon often puffed on a stogie rigorously, spit out a rapid-fire string of off-color jokes, and likewise, was prone to cuss up a mean streak.

Mr. Brooks loved to shock. But, the man has a heart of gold.

It's difficult to fathom sometimes how he came to be paired with his lovely elegant wife. The twosome remind me of that other celebrity couple - Shirley Jones - and what's-his-name!

In spite of the fond memories, I headed into Theater 3 for parts unknown.

I guess I was drawn to "Black Sheep" because of a clip I stumbled across somewhere, the contents of which I cannot recall, which now remain forever stuck in the foggy recesses of my noodle brain.

The feature opens on a breathtaking panoramic view of an awesome pastoral scene which belies the horrors yet to come.

The premise goes something like this.

A young man traumatized in his youth returns home to exorcise past ghosts and settle accounts with an older brother handling matters of their father's estate.

Soon, it becomes evident that somethin' is amiss.

The sibling has been genetically-altering the livestock with disastrous results.

There's something about a deranged flock of woolly-white sheep on the rampage on the range which jars the sensibilities.

In fact - the director has deliciously juxtaposed an uncanny montage of comic moments with a splash of squeamish images - with gut-wrenching effect.

Yes, there are buckets of blood and guts and unimaginable gore.

Indeed, the audience is sent on a roller-coaster ride of conflicting emotions from one scene to the next.

If you like your popcorn soaked in horror, this is the flick for you!

My favourite character in the film is the new-age activist who can sense when out-of-whack feng shui may pose a potential imbalance to a harmonious state or adeptly quote the percentage of animal flatulence which may contribute to greenhouse gases.

In one scene, the brother ushers his prize sheep into the den and quickly bolts the door. Later, we catch a glimpse of him in his boxers taking a drag on a cigarette - at which point - the tale takes a macabre turn.

Well, we've all heard about cowboys and those seemingly endless lonely nights. Here, there's a bizarre twist that just might tickle your funny bone or make your stomach heave-ho.

Not for the squeamish or the faint of heart.

Black Sheep is headed for cult classic status.

I feel sheepish sayin' it: not baaaaaaad!