Customer Ratings & Reviews

In 1988, Greenville, Ohio native Jim Van Bebber released what may be the absolute pinnacle of low budget DIY films with DEADBEAT AT DAWN. What it lacks in polish, budget, and performances, it more than makes up with energy, charisma, and determination. Reportedly shot over the course of four years in Dayton, Van Bebber wrote, directed, edited, choreographed fight sequences, and performed as lead actor as well as an obviously brash stuntman. If you know anything at all about making your own movies, you have to come away impressed. It's an absolute blast of a late period grindhouse actioner that takes its cues from ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 and THE WARRIORS. Van Bebber plays Goose, the leader of a Dayton street gang known as the Ravens. His gang is at odds with the Spiders. After one too many knife fights, Goose's girlfriend, Christy, convinces him to hang up his nunchucks for good. As an aside, Van Bebber is a legit martial artist and he never lets a chance pass by for him to show off his skill with said nunchucks. It's one of many impressive details that add up to make this film so great. Anyways, Christy is soon murdered by a member of the Spiders while Goose is out doing one last drug deal. His revenge will have to wait, though, as in his absence, the Ravens and Spiders have decided to join forces for an armored truck robbery. When he's finally given the opportunity to strike back, the film erupts in an awesome explosion of low budget gore and violence. With plentiful drug use, a thin veneer of mysticism, and grimy locations in seemingly plentiful supply, Van Bebber creates a sleazy underworld that seems just this side of believable. The alleys and abandoned industrial sectors of late '80s Dayton are a character unto themselves. The kaleidoscopic interludes lend to the burned out trashy metalhead aesthetic in an extremely palpable way. With dangerous stunts performed by amateurs and the commitment to splatter effects, Van Bebber shows a dedication to craft that can't be understated. Though the budget was most assuredly minuscule, Van Bebber spares no detail with costumes, props, or camerawork. DEADBEAT AT DAWN is an inspiring example of what can be done outside of Hollywood or even the traditional independent film mechanisms. It is nothing short of a trash film masterpiece. Van Bebber kicks, shoots, and gouges his way to the despondent and gore filled finale that'll leave you breathless. The Arrow special edition blu ray is loaded with great special features, including a handful of Van Bebber's shorts. I actually briefly met the man himself at an art show and film screening in Dayton in the mid '90s. It was only within the last five years that I discovered he'd made many other films and that he grew up in the small town next to mine. I've become a huge fan, to say the least. I highly recommend this for folks who don't mind a flick that's a little rough around the edges.