This week on the B movie docket is Rubber

B movies are the glue stuck in between all the other genres, oftentimes refusing to conform to any particular genre presets. Some but not all of the hallmarks of a B movie include scripts that read like they were written by a room full of eighth-graders, poor visual effects, cringe-inducing dialogue, low budget production design, and zany plot contrivances. You’re aware of the hallmarks, right? B movies often reek of amateur flair. Thought you were about to watch a great white shark hunted in dramatic fashion like only Steven Spielberg can deliver? Nope, this is Sharknado.

Why do we love B movies? I think B movies are comforting. You know what you’re about to watch is bad. If you’re fortunate it may be so bad that it’s good. You’ll often scratch your head trying to work out the plot. Out of the many good films you’ve seen, I bet you can talk with more vigor about the worst ones you’ve seen. They’re unforgettable. There’s something comforting about that I think. Besides they’ve been around just as long as the movie industry.

Believe it or not, chances are there’s a B movie for you. So I compiled a list of 50 B movies you must see before you die. No decade is off-limits. No rating is too taboo. For the next 49 weeks, I will introduce and recommend a B movie for your viewing pleasure. Yes, these are exciting times indeed my fanatical friends.

WEEK 27 – Rubber  

For week 27 of 50 B Movies I am rolling out Rubber. This B movie was made in 2010. It also has the distinction of being the first film covered here at 50 B Movies that features an inanimate object as the main character. The big draw in rubber is not some dashing actor or actress. Nope, the show is all about an evil sentient tire. It might sound ridiculous. The concept is as far out there as The Human Centipede. But thankfully the filmmaker is witty enough to keep the wheels from falling off this fun ride of a B movie.

A Title

Rubber is a suitable title. It is sort of meta, as are many scenes in the movie. I would have preferred something more along the lines of Rolling Massacre. But the thing about Rubber’s filmmakers is that they are deconstructing the dreaded nemesis of the movie.

A more apt title may have been, Return of The Living Tire. But don’t let that deter you. This rubber tire is filled with just as much delicious cheese as the previous 26 B movies covered. Just wait until you see a rubber tire use telekinesis to pop heads faster than a tire in a New York pothole.

The Story

First some preamble. Here is the synopsis: A car tire comes to life with the power to make people explode and goes on a murderous rampage through the Californian desert.

The story starts off in a desert. We are dropped off right in the middle of a desert. The scene is filled with onlookers. They are both young and old. Each of them is also wearing binoculars. And they are enthused to watch the mayhem unfold. The protagonist rolls around committing one murder after the other, and outwitting police along the way for their bemusement.

It’s a brilliant deconstruction of horror movies like Friday The 13th, and Nightmare on Elm Street. In addition, the story is moved along with the aid of some meta-commentary aimed at the viewer. This comes from a character playing both a director on the outside and a sheriff in the inside of the film.

If all that meta leaves you scratching your head confused. Do not worry, Rubber’s filmmakers help you navigate the plot with little confusion. Don’t get me wrong, there is some bewilderment. And you may even scratch your head when you see a tire reincarnate as a tricycle. But take my word, Rubber is a solid B movie. It’s well worth your time.

Scary

Rubber is not a scary movie. But if you are a fan of scary movies and can easily recognize horror movie tropes, then Rubber is for you. I must admit I grew elated watching as a killer rubber tire stalked a young starlet in her motel room. There were so many questions racing through my head. Thoughts like will she spot the tire, and if so will she foil the killer ending it has planned for her? And if not, just how does a tire commit murders?

But thankfully, the friendly meta espousing sheriff interrupted to point out the absurdities. Rest assured Rubber may not be a heart-racing ride to the finish. But it is a lot like Behind The Mask – The Rise of Leslie Vernon. It just so happens to feature a Rubber tire.

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