Horror Movie Review: Night of the Tommyknockers (2022)

Directed by Michael Su, written by Rolfe Kanefsky, with a story by Michael Mahal and Sonny Mahal, Night of the Tommyknockers stars Richard Grieco, Bill Victor Arucan, Wesley Cannon, Angela Cole, Tom Sizemore, Robert LaSardo, and Michael Beran.

A western horror blend, Night of the Tommyknockers tells a tale as old as time. A load of monsters are unleashed when greed gets the better of man. The only way anyone is going to survive is to team up, regardless of what kind of person they actually are.

In this case, we have the villainous Dirt Gang. A group of outlaws who terrorise the Old West as they move from town to town, robbing banks, and killing anyone that gets in their way. This is how we’re introduced to them as they cause some chaos and carnage, and walk away that little richer.

Their reputation and their level of villainy is beginning to catch up with them though. They’re being trailed by a bounty hunter. Someone who plans to put an end to the Dirt Gang once and for all. Their days are numbered, something that their leader, Dirk is all too aware of. So, suggest they do one last big score.

One that takes them to the town of Deer Creek, which currently has a bigger problem, as some local miners unleashed a horde of ravenous monsters from the nearby mine.

Night of the Tommyknockers might be a horror movie at its core but a lot of effort was put into making it feel as authentically western as possible. This is reflected in the first half of the movie (aside from the opening) where action and old west atmosphere dominates. That’s not a negative though, as it makes the tone much more believable. Especially when it switches to being a more traditional horror movie.

The word traditional is important here too because Night of the Tommyknockers monsters is akin to any other wild beasties that gets unleashed upon unsuspecting humanity. That does make them a little forgettable, even if the costumes and make-up are decent.

Not that you might notice though as the second half of the movie is extremely frantic, fun and gory. If you weren’t that into the first half, hoping for more blood and guts, the second half will certainly sate your thirst. Especially as there is a substantial cast for the monsters to pick off.

Of course, this does mean the quality of acting ranges. The main cast are all pretty good and get into their roles with a decent amount of gusto. Some of the supporting and background cast though? You’ll notice them, but not in a positive way.

Thankfully, complaints like this are small issues in a film that delivers plenty to enjoy. A decent story, an authentic western/horror hybrid feel, exciting action, and fun amounts of gore.