This movie is a comedy about misconceptions, stereotypes, and how the tropes of horror might be one giant misunderstanding. The movie follows a pair of young men who are considered hillbillies named Tucker and Dale. Dale is a big goofy guy who wants some friends, and possibly a girlfriend. Tucker is a man with a plan, and he just wants to fix up his vacation home and relax. They both fall prey to the hands of a group of unruly college students who decide that they are homicidal maniacs and must be stopped.
This movie was really quite funny. It reminded me of CABIN IN THE WOODS a little in the idea behind it. It was making fun of the horror genre, just like CABIN IN THE WOODS does, but it isn't disrespectful towards the horror genre. There are some movies and books out there which I feel take advantage of the horror genre and twist it into something disingenuous (to me the entire TWILIGHT series made fun of the horror genre and was disrespectful). I found TUCKER AND DALE VS EVIL humorous and delightful, although it had me questioning if other characters could have become accidental serial killers.
Was Leather face just a misunderstood chainsaw artist? Was Freddy actually an awesome hairstylist who got caught in someone's revenge fantasy? Did Michael Meyers just get frustrated because his sister wasn't taking him trick-or-treating when she promised she would? Now I know that the answer to these questions are all no, but it was fun to think about.
The characters of Dale and Tucker, just happen to be around while students fall prey to misadventures. In fact the first death is quite humorous and shocking, but also hilarious. It was unexpected and yet expected all at the same time. This movie also made me think on my own misconceptions and stereotypes. This movie takes it step-by-step as each student accidentally dies through mistakes they make or accidents when the timing has to be just right.
It was an inventive movie and I wish I would have watched it sooner. While it was a gore fest I wouldn't classify this as a horror movie. It was more in the vein of SHAUN OF THE DEAD or DEAD ALIVE, which are classified as dark comedy. I think maybe this is might be a dark comedy, but in reality it is just a comedy where death can happen.
So, do I recommend this movie? Yes. In fact I am thinking of showing it in one of the English classes I teach because it is full of stereotypes and misconceptions, which is something we look at in a character analysis. So, yes, watch this movie, and you really should watch it more than once so get all of the humor.