Idle Hands (1999)

(On VHS, September 2000) Even staunch civil-right defenders might admit that the current plague of would-be cinema censors might have a point after watching Idle Hands. Depictions of violence, drugs and sexual content are not bad things in themselves, but when they’re used to such juvenile goals, they’re definitely not as morally acceptable as in the context of, say, an anti-war drama. To put it simply, Idle Hands is a meaningless teen film that wallows in the gratuitous use of the afore-mentioned violence, drugs and sex. There are stupid moments everywhere, insipid jokes and inane plotting everywhere you care to look. Chances are that you won’t because this slasher is pretty stupid even as slashers goes. (Yes, that includes I Still Know What You Did Last Summer) What’s even less funny is how Idle Hands drapes itself in the excuse that “it’s a comedy!” to feebly justify it. There are, granted, a few bright spots: Devon Sawa does a good job (especially in the “fighting his hand” scenes) and Seth Green is his usual scene-stealing self. There are a few good jokes. But they’re not enough to bring this film much above mediocre ratings.