When you go to the movie theatre and see those words advertising a new film written and directed by Rob Zombie, do not be fooled into thinking that it might be something interesting, or by any means worth your time or money. The new “horror” film House of 1000 Corpses proved to be anything but, and was a complete and utter waste of time. But according to “fans” that’s just what the film is meant to be.

Having been marketed as a show of grotesque, twisted carnage, packed with things that would make the average person’s stomach turn, House definitely lived up to the hype. Following a typical B-horror film format allows for little to no character development and an extremely sketchy and transparent plot line. Having succeeded in both of these areas, some may think House accomplished their goal.

Set in the 1970s on Halloween eve, the scene is set by two couples on the back roads of rural Texas searching for the oddities found in roadside tourist attractions for a book in the works. Running out of gas would have been the last thing expected to happen, leading them to Captain Spaulding’s, a gas station/freak show/fried chicken establishment. After hearing the tale of a legendary local homicidal maniac, Doctor Satan, their trip home wouldn’t be complete without trying to visit the site of his hanging.

Taking a detour and getting another big surprise in the form of a flat tire, the four travelers fall into the hands of the Firefly family, who live in an old spooky house in the middle of nowhere.

The family is made up of Mother Firefly, played by horror film veteran Karen Black, her troubled children, Baby, Otis, and Tiny, and Grampa Hugo. Sheri Moon, who plays Baby, is new to the screen, but recognizable for her roles in Zombie’s music videos. Bill Mosely plays Otis, who is obviously the leader of the clan, and has also been in other “classic” B-horror films such as The Blob and Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2.

The Firefly clan quickly takes the four travelers captive as they try to leave after having their tire fixed, and the needless gore fest begins. These are not the only victims of the Firefly family—news reports about missing cheerleaders from a local school are also interjected in the background here and there.

What follows is essentially a killing spree. Slashing, scalping, mutilation, disembowelment, and sacrificial rituals to a zombie filled swamp in an underground cavern, inhabited by the undead Doctor Satan and his creations make up the remainder of the film. Boiled down, you’re left with cheap camera footage, lots of special effects, and a cast with extremely strong stomachs.