Studio 666

Whoever had “Foo Fighters make one of the year’s most entertaining films” on their 2022 bingo card is currently doing mighty fine.

Though the rock band’s horror/comedy Studio 666 would have made for a great Halloween movie, its steady stream of jokes and a sense of humor that’s consistent through practically each grisly death make it a superb tonic for, uh, times like these and a strong argument for director BJ McDonnell as the next Sam Raimi.

It’s also a tremendously pleasant surprise: the simple premise of Dave Grohl & Co. holing up at an Encino mansion to record their next album and dealing with the fallout of the abode being unexpectedly haunted feels like direct-to-DVD fodder or, at best, a one-day Fathom event. Furthermore, go-to steadicam operator McDonnell’s directorial efforts are largely limited to Slayer videos, and while the Foos’ videos often feel like smart short films, their acting credits don’t much extend beyond Grohl playing Satan in Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny.

None of the musicians turn in what might be mistaken as great performances in Studio 666, but they get the job done — many with surprisingly sharp comedic timing. Supporting turns by Whitney Cummings as a nosy neighbor and Will Forte as a delivery man and aspiring musician add some welcome professionalism, while John Carpenter and Lionel Richie cameos elicit additional smiles.

But as the situation inside the house unravels, murders become increasingly frequent and McDonnell and his effects team get to shine, unfurling hilarious, carnage-filled, Evil Dead-esque ends as the cast of characters shrink in classic Agatha Christie style. Writers Jeff Buhler (The Midnight Meat Train) and Rebecca Hughes (Cracking Up) deserve plenty of credit for helping blend genres so seamlessly, yet with Grohl carrying “Story By” status and considering the band’s long-running rapport, there’s a feeling that some inspired on-set improv likely made it to the screen. 

This being a Foo Fighters film, there’s also a healthy amount of top-notch music, and anyone who’s been in a band or has even the slightest interest in dynamics between musicians will have fun with the exaggerated inner-workings on display.

As for the group’s fans concerned about Studio 666 being too scary, some imagery and timing could indeed prove to be nightmare fuel, but with amusement the clear driver of this lark, if you can stomach a little Tarantino-like violence and a few startling moments, the overall good times are well worth the risk.

Grade: B. Rated R. Now playing at AMC River Hills 10, Carolina Cinemark, and Regal Biltmore Grande.

(Photo: Open Road Films)