Teeth – DVD Review

Film, Reviews

teeth
Available at Amazon.com

Since the early days of horror, the killer has always used sex to his advantage. Wherever there are teenagers having pre-marital sex, there you will find the killer. Sometimes they’re even killed in the middle of the act with whatever weapon of choice the killer happens to prefer. But never before has sex been used as the weapon quite like it is in Teeth.

Dawn is the picture of adolescent perfection. She’s tall, blonde, smart, and happens to be a part of the save yourself for marriage group called “The Promise.” She’s so involved that she regularly speaks at meetings and she and her small but close group of friends wear abstinence T-shirts every day, proclaiming their purity. Dawn develops an innocent crush on a new boy at school, Tobey, and the two become inseparable. While swimming one day at a local swimming hole, Dawn and Tobey naturally start getting physical. When Dawn says no, it’s not just Tobey’s pride that’s ruined.

Teeth has been the movie to talk about since its premiere at Sundance in 2007 due to its controversial subject matter. The v-word is not shied away from here, the prude need not apply. The subject at hand is vagina dentata, meaning literally “toothed vagina”. It represents female empowerment, as Dawn has the power to overcome a male in the place where he fears harm the most. She has it all: she’s a beautiful virgin easily taken advantage of, but the secret that she carries can turn the tables on her attacker.

Jess Weixler plays Dawn with the perfection that her character requires. She’s gorgeous and she brings so much humor to her character. Her facial expressions alone were just hilarious. John Hensley (Nip/Tuck) brings some familiarity to the film as Dawn’s troubled step-brother. He serves the film’s purpose well, but at times seems like he’s overacting. Maybe he’s having too much fun. The rest of the cast is unrecognizable, but their job is to support the character of Dawn and give her the limelight. In that, they work very well.

Teeth may be controversial, but it’s a very well-made film with an engaging story, a wickedly funny script, and characters that we care about. Dawn’s abnormal coming of age story is a treat to watch and when her transformation is complete, she becomes a character of female empowerment that’s one for the record books. Beatrix Kiddo would be proud.

Presented in widescreen with optional Spanish or English subtitles.

Behind the Scenes of Teeth – A painfully long (25 minutes) “behind the scenes” featurette that’s really not behind the scenes. This is mostly the cast and writer/director going through the entire length of the movie. We just watched it! The only behind the scenes info that is given is a look into making the prosthetics involved in the severed penis scenes. They also show the blood squirter. Then they go back to telling the story of the movie that we already watched.

There are several deleted scenes, but they are all very short. It’s quite obvious why they were cut as they have absolutely nothing to do with the progression of the story.

Also included is the original theatrical trailer with the best tagline ever: Every rose has its thorns; and a TV spot, though I wonder what network aired that.

Previews on the DVD are: Diary of the Dead, WΔZ, Awake, and Storm Warning.

As disappointing as the extras were, this movie was really great. The blood and gore were minimal for a horror movie, but it was very effective. Not for the squeamish, Teeth has successfully breathed new life into indie horror.

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The Weinstein Company presents Teeth. Directed by Mitchell Lichtenstein. Starring Jess Weixler, John Hensley, Josh Pais. Written by Mitchell Lichtenstein. Running time: 94 minutes. Rated R. Released on DVD: May 6, 2008. Available at Amazon.com

Jenny is proud to be the First Lady of Inside Pulse Movies. She gives female and mommy perspective, and has two kids who help with rating family movies. (If they don't like 'em, what's the point?) She prefers horror movies to chick flicks, and she can easily hang with the guys as long as there are several frou-frou girlie drinks to be had.