Bones MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +1 1/2 Content: -4

With Halloween upon us, film studios are rolling out the horror films like clockwork. The latest such offering is BONES, set in a dilapidated, inner-city neighborhood that was once a decent place to live. At least, when Jimmy Bones (Snoop Doggy Dogg) ran the streets. However, Jimmy mysteriously disappeared some twenty years earlier and since, according to legend, has been haunting his former abode. This legend comes to life when four young people decide to open a nightclub in Jimmys old house. Soon enough, they have the place up and running, but as they occupy the house, Jimmys spirit becomes stronger. Eventually Jimmy seeks revenge first with the nightclub owners violating his house, then those responsible for his death and disappearance. While the film has an interesting premise and a feel that hearkens back to the blaxploitation films of the seventies, it really relies on excessive gore and tired plot tricks that are more laughable than scary.

When the owners of the nightclub appear ignorant of the houses history, the local psychic immediately approaches them, delivering a warning to stay away from the house. She regularly appears in the story, attempting to give counsel and also receiving messages from beyond the grave. However, the movies excessive foul language and gore are the main sticking points. The violent content stands out though, with more blood and guts in scenes than the director seems to know what to do with. Unlucky victims are impaled, beheaded, mauled by a ravenous dog, and bludgeoned to death. While gory scenes include plenty of blood, many are laughingly over the top, weakening any desire to scare. That said, the foul language, gory violence, and some female breast nudity should keep BONES buried.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: New Line Cinema, 888 7th Ave., 20th Floor, NY, NY 10106