Quebec legend tells of The Bonesetter, a 19th century man who traveled from town-to-town mending broken bones and sacrificing children. Although he was believed to be killed by angry villagers, every decade The Bonesetter mysteriously reappears in search of more children.

An intriguing legend to be sure, but writer, producer, director and leading man Brian Kelly brings it to video devoid of tension and emotion. Kelly’s competent behind the camera but lifeless characters, an underdeveloped story, unconvincing acting, an inconsistent script and oppressively slow pacing combine to make The Bonesetter a mind-numbing experience that feels much longer than its brief 67-minute running time.

Even if that wasn't enough, one incredibly absurd event sends this film straight down the crapper. We'll get to that a bit later, but first the setup.

The modern-day town of Munster has an abnormal amount of missing children. Madeline (Sherry Thurig), mother of one of the missing, believes that the Bonesetter (Jody Haucke) is responsible but she is unable to convince town librarian, and all-around goofball, Kyle (Brett Kelly).

Soon after the town's mayor - played by Troma's Lloyd Kaufman, who was filmed in his infamous "Hell's kitchen" office - ensures residents that their children are safe, Kyle's daughter is kidnapped. Never trust a politician who delivers a speech in front of a Toxic Avenger poster.

Now a believer, Kyle teams up with Madeline, librarian assistant Mindy (Anne-Marie Frigon) and local cop Jackman (Mark Courneyea) to catch the Bonesetter and save the children.

Kyle devises a plan. He will pace the sidewalk cradling a toy baby, and when the Bonesetter attacks Jackman will ambush him. Unfortunately, Jackman's caught daydreaming and the evil-one disappears into thin air after roughing up Kyle and telling him that the children will be sacrificed tomorrow at midnight.

So here we are, at the dramatic turning-point. All hope is lost unless they find the Bonesetter's lair. Against all odds, Jackman sniffs-out a clue...

Just for review, the Bonesetter is evil. He sacrifices children. He can appear and disappear at will. And he has a big pile of crap on his evil shoes.

Pretty scary huh?

Plain and simple, no one can possibly be scared of a villain with a stinky shoe. It doesn't help that The Bonesetter already looks like a mad hatter reject, but this just turns him into a bumbling idiot. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it was an attempt at humor. But it's completely out-of-place in a serious, straight-faced horror film.

Believe it or not, the events only get sillier from there. You would be better entertained searching farms in your area for something interesting, rather than watching this film's ridiculous conclusion.

Technically, the DVD has sound problems with multiple instances of cut-out and static. The picture quality is good, and any imperfections can be easily attributed to the low budget and the digital camera.

Typical of Tempe Video's independent releases, extras abound with commentary from Kelly and Frigon, cast interviews, behind the scenes footage, outtakes, Splatter Rampage trailers and more.