Winners Tape All: The Henderson Brothers Story

Winners Tape All: The Henderson Brothers Story is an exciting journey into the world of indie horror film-making, with an undercurrent of commentary on the evolution of the genre itself. Released in 2016, the film is a comedic mockumentary that showcases the fictional amateur film-making efforts of the Henderson brothers, Michael and Richard, played brilliantly by Zane Crosby and Josh Lively, respectively. Their works, while obscure and relatively unknown, are reminiscent of the iconic raw horror films of the 1980s that characterized the VHS era.

The story unfolds through the lens of Chris LaMartina's character, a filmmaker who is captivated by the Henderson brothers' crude yet oddly compelling horror films. Presented in documentary style, the film includes interviews, commentary, and behind-the-scenes insights into the unconventional and sometimes disastrous methods the Hendersons used to shoot their homespun horror epics, "The Curse of Stabberman" and "Cannibal Swim Club." All these bring the viewer to the heart of the Hendersons' strange, hilarious, somewhat dysfunctional, yet endearing brotherly dynamics.

Zane Crosby's Michael is the younger and more idealistic Henderson brother, always chomping at the bit to create the next big horror film. He is the dreamer, the one who pushes the boundaries and seeks new ways to express his peculiar brand of horror. His elder brother, Richard, embodied convincingly by Josh Lively, is more grounded and pragmatic. As the one who usually ends up involved in the more outrageous on-set incidents, he serves as a foil to Michael's ambitious visions.

The cameo of Chris LaMartina, who not only stars but also co-writes and directs the film, adds an extra layer of humor and authenticity to the cinema verité style mockumentary. His character, an aspiring filmmaker himself, is sympathetic, eager, and somewhat naive, often caught off guard by the eccentricities of the brothers, their cast, and their film-making methodologies.

The film also pays a loving tribute to the low-budget horror films of the 80s and 90s, recapturing the DIY ethos that characterized the era, before digital technology changed the game. With references to both well-known and obscure horror flicks, Winners Tape All: The Henderson Brothers Story might not only tickle the funny bone but also prompt a wave of nostalgia among genre enthusiasts.

Alongside the comedy, the film also serves as a study of the DIY film-making process, full of ups and downs, hits and misses, comedy, and drama. It gives the audience a behind-the-scenes view of video store era horror and the itching fervor that drove amateur filmmakers of the time, a love letter to a bygone age of horror.

Despite being a mockumentary, Winners Tape All: The Henderson Brothers Story weaves a narrative that allows the audience to invest emotionally in its lead characters' journey. The relationship between the Henderson brothers forms the backbone of the film, and the performances of Crosby and Lively evoke an engaging chemistry that keeps the audience hooked, despite the mayhem that surrounds their filmmaking endeavors.

Overall, Winners Tape All: The Henderson Brothers Story is a fascinating blend of horror, comedy, and documentary that is as endearing as it's entertaining. The movie's tongue-in-cheek humor, combined with horror elements, and an exploration of the passion behind independent filmmaking, makes it a treat for horror enthusiasts, indie film lovers, and anyone who enjoys laughter with a touch of the absurd.