Blood Capsule #371

JOE'S APARTMENT (1996)

The reviews in my first book didn't have an overarching theme.  Likewise, the second book (which is being written, like, right now) doesn't stick to a plan, although I have noticed that a certain subgenre is creeping to the fore.  I guess it's more of an idea than a subgenre, but to what am I referring?  Movies that dance on the periphery of the horror genre.  Joe's Apartment is a comedy first and foremost.  Depending on how you feel about bugs, it could be seen as an outright horror romp.  In the roach arena (dear God, imagine a "roach arena"), I consider 1988's The Nest to be the top dog.  Of course, I wouldn't be me if I didn't mention one-fifth of Creepshow.  The gross-out death of Upson Pratt is a high-water mark in my household.  This flick doesn't approach those lofty heights, but it's seriously entertaining.  I'm old enough to remember seeing the original short on MTV in between commercial breaks.  Was there enough meat on that bone to stretch Joe's Apartment into a feature?  Intriguing question.

A fresh-faced Jerry O'Connell plays Joe, an indolent slob who has moved out on his own and chanced into a rent-controlled apartment thanks to the timely passing of...some lady.  Seems too good to be true.  In most cases, that would be the fact of the matter.  But in most cases, Joe wouldn't have to worry about a horde of singing, dancing cockroaches.  My synopsis is far too charming.  The premise of Joe's Apartment tosses believability right out the window.  That only becomes problematic toward the end where it feels like you're watching a cartoon.  But wait!  I did say that I was entertained.  This film is an incredible technical achievement.  The special effects combine CGI, stop-motion animation, and yes, live roaches (there is a "roach wrangler" credited; I sincerely hope he was paid well).  While I wouldn't say that I'm afraid of insects, I'm not immune to heebies or jeebies.  You know what?  Forget what I said earlier.  Put Joe's Apartment directly in the horror section.

Random trivia alert!  There is a one-second cameo by Bam Bam Bigelow.  I'm surprised that his involvement wasn't mentioned in his episode of Dark Side of the Ring.