While many B horror movies have failed in the 21st century, the latest addition to the sub-genre, PG: Psycho Goreman, excels with its use of classic 1980s motifs that have helped some of the most iconic B horror movies become cult classics. PG: Psycho Goreman was written and directed by Steven Kostanski, who's known for his incredible special effects with credentials that range from horror flicks such as IT: Chapter One to action-packed movies like Suicide Squad. PG: Psycho Goreman showcases how to make a proper B horror movie in 2021 through the creator's talents in practical effects as well as the movie's dialogue and hilarious situations, which could spark a rising trend in this often overlooked sub-genre.
B movies are largely defined as being low budget features that are less publicized than others. Aesthetically, they often feature practical effects, which have become a mainstay of the horror sub-genre, especially when Sam Raimi's The Evil Dead showcased just how powerful makeup and a low budget could be. It is often regarded as having some of the most unsettling uses of practical effects due to how gory it is. The most popular B horror movies came from the 1980s, including Killer Klowns from Outer Space and The Toxic Avenger. While movies in the sub-genre are still being made today, it's rare to find one that succeeds, as it's relatively difficult to manufacture the tonality of classics today.
Numerous B horror movies have attracted impressive cult followings. Often, they are enjoyed by fans for being "so bad, it's good" and, other times, it's out of sheer appreciation for the craft. B horror movies have created some of the most iconic creatures, monsters, beasts, and killers in the genre with low budgets and a uniquely creative team of special effects artists. The same artistry and treatment was given to PG: Psycho Goreman from Kostanski. While contemporary attempts at making the next great flick in the sub-genre tend to fail, PG: Psycho Goreman showcases how it can be properly done in 2021, and could end up kickstarting a new trend as a result.
Kostanski has devoted his career to practical effects; PG: Psycho Goreman is the director's full immersion into it. There are several instances where Psycho Goreman's actions and fight sequences resemble low budget B horror flicks in the best way possible. He oozes purple sludge, creates his own disturbing creatures with his dark powers, and lets Mimi take control with his gemstone. Perhaps the most tonally significant scene happens to be when Psycho Goreman is fighting his traitorous legion of the dark. It's an overly comedic scene with gore that can only be compared to the Deadites in The Evil Dead.
While B horror movies are regarded as cheap or somehow inferior to other horror movies, their tone is entirely intentional, which is seen throughout the entirety of Kostanski's movie. Instead of being inferior, one may venture to say that this movie stands above the rest of contemporary B horror flicks with its gory practical effects, comedic tonality, and underlying sincerity. The acting is nothing short of incredible as well, as Mimi, Luke, Susan, and Greg find themselves in a situation where an inter-dimensional monster has entered their lives and, in turn, teaches them about love while they also teach Psycho Goreman the same. The execution of the movie is nothing short of impressive, and the artistry behind the special effects crafted some truly scary, funny creatures. It even calls attention to the fact that practical effects are often superior to CGI in horror, despite being viewed as somewhat outdated. This is often the case with 20th century B horror movies.
Other B horror movie creators can learn from PG: Psycho Goreman, especially in regard to how attentive Kostanski was to past movies, effectively reinventing what's good about them for contemporary audiences to enjoy. He employed 21st century humor, classic 1980s practical effects, and a sincerity that's rare. All of this makes PG: Psycho Goreman a proper B horror movie that proves the sub-genre can be as great in 2021 as it was in the 20th century — maybe even better.