Since the release of “Scream” a few years back, there has been a whole slew of hip slasher films, few of them having any real originality. New from Lion’s Gate is “R.S.V.P.”, from writer/director Mark Anthony Galluzzo. Like most of this new breed of ‘body count’ flicks, it stars a bunch of hot young stars, ripe for the picking. The main premise of the film centers on a college student (Rick Otto) who throws a party to test a theory he’s learned about the morality of murder. You see, this party is meant to be everyone’s last. The film, though not necessarily original in plot, certainly pushes the envelope in the creativity of the killings. Several of the film’s up and coming stars and starlets are recognizable from various movies and TV shows, most notably Majandra Delfino, who made her mark in the series “Roswell.” The film also stars Glenn Quinn (“Angel”, “Roseanne”), who recently passed away, as the professor who plants the idea in poor Nick’s head.

You’ll also find amongst the familiar faces Grace Zabriskie (Twin Peaks”) and Jonathan Banks (“Wiseguy”).

The most interesting bit of casting though is that of Jason Mewes. Don’t know the name? How about the name ‘Jay.” As in Jay and Silent Bob? Ahhh, I thought that might jog your memory. This is one of the first times I’ve seen him in a role other than Jay, and hopefully we’ll get another opportunity. Of late, he’s been having more problems with drug abuse, and unless he can get himself clean, any future film career may be non-existent.

Anyhow, “R.S.V.P.” itself is rather convoluted, but the production value is rather outstanding. And as I mentioned before, the deaths (which is really what we want to see isn’t it?) are highly imaginative and occasionally a bit perverse.

The extras are okay, but don’t really offer much. The commentary is pretty good, the deleted scenes are pretty much throwaways, and the behind the scenes footage is rather hard to watch.

“R.S.V.P.” is much better than most of the newer ‘slasher’ flicks, and I do recommend it to fans of the genre, just don’t invite me to any of your parties…

Directed by: Mark Anthony Galluzzo
Starring: Glenn Quinn, Jason Mewes, Brandi Andres, Reno Wilson, Daniel Joseph, Majandra Delfino, Grace Zabriskie, Jonathan Banks
Extras: Production Commentary, Deleted Scenes, Behind the Scenes
Specifications: Widescreen Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Lion’s Gate
Release Date: 8/26/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R (Violence, Language and Drug Use)
Website 1
Website 2

We'll give R.S.V.P. a B.