The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) is a muted, subtle masterpiece of slow-burn horror, remarkably restrained in showing its violence. Carnivoros aka The Spanish Chainsaw Massacre has none of these traits and manages to be grossly entertaining during its hour runtime.
The plot owes more to Lewis's 2000 Maniacs than it does to Hooper's film. The Cocks of Metal, unable to get a good take of one song, are sent on tour to try and recoup their producer's mounting financial losses. Their van breaks down in a remote village that is prepping for its Saint's Day festivities and murder and mayhem ensue. There's really only one chainsaw scene, FYI.
Despite the lack of chainsaw action, there's still plenty of massacre-ing and filth. Literally every character (save maybe the band's manager) is disgusting and everyone seems to be having a great time. Untamed pubic hair, drug-addicted pregnant women, penis-mangling, coprophagia, bloody manicures, incest, gore-soaked children's plays, a competitive eating contest - it's all here and more. I was torn between feeling like I should turn off this trash immediately and needing to know what else cast and crew would throw at me next. You can tell which impulse won. The closing credit outtakes are somewhat charming as well. If you're looking for serious horror keep right on going, but if you're craving a goofy splatter comedy, Carnivoros just might be your cup of Chef's Chocolate.
The plot owes more to Lewis's 2000 Maniacs than it does to Hooper's film. The Cocks of Metal, unable to get a good take of one song, are sent on tour to try and recoup their producer's mounting financial losses. Their van breaks down in a remote village that is prepping for its Saint's Day festivities and murder and mayhem ensue. There's really only one chainsaw scene, FYI.
Despite the lack of chainsaw action, there's still plenty of massacre-ing and filth. Literally every character (save maybe the band's manager) is disgusting and everyone seems to be having a great time. Untamed pubic hair, drug-addicted pregnant women, penis-mangling, coprophagia, bloody manicures, incest, gore-soaked children's plays, a competitive eating contest - it's all here and more. I was torn between feeling like I should turn off this trash immediately and needing to know what else cast and crew would throw at me next. You can tell which impulse won. The closing credit outtakes are somewhat charming as well. If you're looking for serious horror keep right on going, but if you're craving a goofy splatter comedy, Carnivoros just might be your cup of Chef's Chocolate.
