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Maybe Kevin Smith's weird dip into horror, "Tusk," was funnier in the first telling on his Smodcast podcast — but certainly the movie is just as talky as two guys on microphones.
The story begins with podcaster Wallace Bryton (Justin Long) leaving behind his girlfriend, Ally (Genesis Rodriguez), to interview an unfortunate viral-video star in Winnipeg. When that story doesn't pan out, Wallace is drawn to an old man, Howard Howe (Michael Parks), who tells tales of his seafaring days, including a bizarre encounter with a walrus. This turns out to be Howard's psychotic obsession, and soon Wallace is his prisoner.
Ally and Wallace's podcast partner, Teddy (Haley Joel Osment, all grown up), go looking for the missing Wallace, aided by an oddball French-Canadian detective (an uncredited Johnny Depp).
Smith's dialogue-heavy script, culled from his Smodcast, abounds with the filmmaker's familiar sardonic humor, much of it directed at Canadian culture. He flounders with the horror elements, creating little suspense or dread while ending up with just an unsettling creepiness.
Despite its interesting premise, "Tusk" feels like Smith is making good on a bet that someday will have Robert Rodriguez directing a stoner comedy.
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'Tusk'
Opens Friday, Sept. 19, at area theaters; rated R for some disturbing violence/gore, language and sexual content; 102 minutes.