Let’s cut to the chase, first.
This is a sequel-ish film that references an aspect of the original 1980s grind-gore classic STREET TRASH.
Fans of the original are going to want to know one thing – is it as gross as the original?
Oh, brother, is it.
If you are looking for a weird, gross, silly, and often fun movie then friend, read no further. You found what you’re looking for.
Now then, on to the show.
For those that may not remember it, the original STREET TRASH follows a ne’er-do-well homeless scamp and his friends as they try to survive life on the streets. Unfortunately, there’s a new cheap liquor on the streets and everyone who drinks it melts from the inside out. It’s a gross and gory comedy with something to say about how society views the homeless. The new STREET TRASH takes that foundation and builds upon its own story seemingly set in the same universe and with similar sentiments.
STREET TRASH ‘24 focuses on a group of homeless friends that are scamming and stealing to survive a world that is crumbling. Despite failing infrastructure and city waste, the mayor of Cape Town (where it was also filmed) is insistent that the homeless be eliminated by any means necessary. As these friends struggle against a brutal crime lord they must now contend with government issued police sentries that are spraying the homeless with a gas that melts them into muck. These street-smart street-people must find a way to stop the mayor’s fascistic plan or all of them will be little more than street trash.
With a free-wheeling story and some really game performances, this is a hoot. It definitely has the vibes, and color palette, of the original while adding its own twist. The over-the-top gore and violence will keep old-school fans happy and the really fun acting and dialogue will keep new fans laughing.
Much like the original, your mileage will vary on the film. If you like the original, you should like this new one, if not, there’s nothing here that will change your heart. I enjoyed it but found the original to have a little more charm, though the actors here are much more fun than in the original, for my money.
It’s a very low-budget affair but it doesn’t hinder the film. It’s made well, with colors that pop, and it has a fun soundtrack as well. They knew what they wanted to make and nailed it.
Gooey, gross, funny, and outrageous, if you are looking for a nod to the classic original, this will fill the bill.
3 out of 5
The Spooky World of Chris Ringler 