Boobs, booze, Robert Englund and a pet-eating Mole Man. What more could one want from a horror film?

THE MOLE MAN OF BELMONT AVENUE, which has its Midwest premiere this Saturday, August 13 at Chicago’s Flashback Weekend, is the story of Marion and Jarmon Mugg (Mike Bradecich and John LaFlamboy, who also scripted and directed), two brothers with a big problem. Their apartment complex is failing, tenants are leaving and, most distressing, every pet in the building seems to be disappearing mysteriously. While working on refurbishing the building, the Mugg brothers discover that the place is inhabited by an animal-eating creature (Justin DiGiacomo) that can only be described as some sort of Mole Man. In their attempt to salvage what is left of their dying business, the Muggs keep the critter a secret from the remaining tenants and attempt to capture it on their own.

What follows is a hilarious romp charting one failed attempt after another to eradicate the Mole Man. The chemistry between the two leads and the zany antics of the colorful cast of tenants are what makes this film successful. Robert Englund plays Mr. Hezekiah Confab, an eccentric, horny old man who would rather go out to get some than protect his dog Peanut from the Mole Man. Mary Seibel is Mrs. Habershackle, the grumpy old cat lady who has no problem pointing out every single fault the apartment building has to the Mugg brothers. Greg Holliman portrays Robert the cop, who immediately takes a disliking to the colorful Muggs and vows to make their lives a living hell.

But the guy who stands out the most is Paulie, played by T.J. Jagodowski (best known for his appearances in Sonic Drive-In commercials). Every single line and appearance by Paulie is a guaranteed laugh-out-loud moment, and you can’t help but fall in love with this stoner’s stupidity. Then there are many other fun characters, including a prostitute, neighborhood bartender and Mole Man expert, who help make THE MOLE MAN OF BELMONT AVENUE a perfect comedy/horror flick.

Yes, comedy comes first and horror second in this feature. Although some may find stealing electricity from a church and buying dogs and kittens from a shelter to feed to the Mole Man pretty horrific, the overall tone is humorous. Yet while some films of this type fail in their attempts to emphasize laughs over scares, THE MOLE MAN OF BELMONT AVENUE succeeds with smart writing and precise execution.

If there’s one thing viewers might not enjoy about this film, it would have to be the score. This writer found the music entertaining—even days later when it popped into my head. But many people don’t like little ditties echoing in their minds for no reason, and MOLE MAN’s music does just that. At least that’s one way the film might stay with its viewers long after it’s over…

THE MOLE MAN OF BELMONT AVENUE is a delightful, sidesplitting experience that should be placed on the shelf next to such favorites as TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL and SHAUN OF THE DEAD. If Bradecich and LaFlamboy keep it up, they may soon become household names in the genre-movie industry.

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