Fans of Stuart Gordon's previous cinematic output (Re-Animator, From Beyond, Dolls) are likely to be taken by surprise from a screening of King of the Ants. Truthfully, it's about as much of a Gordon film in retrospect, than it really isn't. If this statement doesn't make a whole lotta sense to you right now, hopefully by the time you are done reading this, it will.

The wonder of Stuart Gordon and his films, lies in the fact that he is such a spectacular cinematic storyteller. Through proper use of his characters, storyline and surroundings, Gordon manages to craft an engrossing cinematic experience nearly every attempt. Famous for his genre films, Gordon usually employs tricks that are mostly outrageous, disgusting and quite often slimy. King of the Ants is slightly more subdued in its outrageousness. And while there isn't so much of the slimy to be found here (save for a few bizarre dream sequences), I honestly can't tell you the last time that I squirmed as much in a movie theater in utter discomfort than I did here.

The story is simple and basic, however, applied and presented in such a way, a story like this has never seemed so real, until now. Sean (Chris Mckenna) is a young guy, trying to make a buck in this world, anyway he can. When we are first introduced to Sean, he's taken the role of a house painter, although it's obvious from the start that this isn't his true calling in life. When an electrician named Duke (George Wendt) stops by, Sean's life will forever be changed in the blink of an eye. Duke makes the offer; to keep an eye out for work, and to contact Sean should something (anything) come up. It isn't long after Sean makes it home that day, when he gets the call.

Duke introduces Sean to local contractor Ray (Daniel Baldwin), who may just have a bit of work for the all to willing house painter. Sean's assignment is to trail a city hall accountant, reporting all of his activity back to Ray and his cohorts. Needless to say, Sean is not a very good spy. He doesn't have a car, so he trails this guy while riding his bike, quite often staying right there in plain sight and his Polaroid camera in hand. Things don't get much better after a hilarious drunken encounter with Ray. Ray convinces Sean to get rid of the accountant once and for all, any way he can. Not much of a spy, you can only imagine that Sean is even less of a hit man. Clad in black, and a bikers helmet, Sean arrives at the young accountant's home, to perform the devious act. I can only say that if this event had indeed happened under these circumstances, Gordon captured it perfectly, this IS the way that it most likely would have gone down. It's right on the money.

Once the deed is done, Ray and Duke turn the tables on Sean, in an attempt to run him out of town. Sean threatens blackmail, and is shuffled off to a remote location, where he is isolated and subjected to daily beatings that are so brutal; he's unrecognizable in the end. Through a bizarre turn of events, Sean manages an escape, and eventual recovery. To say what happens next would be criminal, but rest assured, the film isn't over. In the end, it's not just the deplorable violence that's going to make you squirm either.

Not only does King of the Ants sound like familiar territory in theory; it really is familiar territory in actuality. However, when you see what Gordon has managed to with his material, no apologies are necessary. The thing about King of the Ants is that nothing's really outstanding about it, which seems to work towards the films' full advantage. Everything just seems to fit, and it's a very comfortable feeling for the viewer despite the atrocities being shown onscreen.

Once you get past that comfortable feeling, you're hit with what can only be described as one of the most disturbing cinematic whoop asses I've ever been dealt. King of the Ants is uncompromisingly brutal in its depiction of man on man violence, if you don't leave this film affected, there is definitely something wrong with you. Rest assured, there is a whole lot going on in this film that is not easy to watch. I'm trying not to give too much away here; it's best to go in fairly fresh. With a great independent look, a fantastic ensemble cast, and a nude Kari Wuhrer wearing a fake penis, this film has a little bit of something for everyone. Brutal, inventive and highly entertaining - King of the Ants is one of the best American Independents I've seen in quite some time, needless to say it comes highly recommended.

Thumbs Up for the opportunity to witness Kari Wuhrer doing what she does best. Stripping down to nothing and strapping on a dildo, bravo!