STREET TRASH ENJOYS PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF TASTE

In Street Trash, we follow the lives of a bunch of disgusting but interesting homeless people. Meanwhile, cheap, 60 year old hooch (called Viper) is being sold to the homeless population, the seller and buyers unaware that one sip causes instantaneous melting.

Street Trash is a film that could never get made today. It's so the opposite of PC that it hurts. There are casual (even humorous) depictions of necrophilia, rape, forced gang bangs, racism, and more...it's pretty abhorrent. Memorable characters include Doorman (James Lorinz), Fred (Mike Lackey, our protagonist), Pat (Frank Schnizer), and Bronson (Vic Noto). Most of the characters are unlikable (except for Kevin and Wendy, portrayed by Mark Sferrazza and Jane Arakawa, respectively.) The best character is Bill (Bill Chepil), a mean but bad-ass cop.

Luckily, the production value on display is surprisingly superb for what was clearly a low-budget production. The effects work is impressive and memorable, especially the numerous melting scenes where the homeless melt into vibrant, multi-colored, acidic goo (a real treat for the eyes). Some of the set design and lighting is damned great as well, and the costumes for the numerous homeless people that pepper the film are eclectic and memorable too.

For a film that's main selling point is Viper and it's effects, there is sadly very few melting scenes until the final 30 minutes or so (There are only a grand total of two meltings within the first two acts or so of the film). That leaves us with a good 50 minutes of following disgusting and fairly despicable characters around as they do their thing. It's entertaining, but also not.

If you are sick and tired of the current PC culture today, then Street Trash just might be your cup of tea. If offensive material isn't your kind of thing, it's still worth a watch for the special effects and production value on display. That said, I can't exactly recommend this film to everyone. It's made for a very specific, niche crowd and if you aren't part of said crowd then Street Trash very likely won't be for you. In the end, Street Trash works best as a special effects showcase and as tasteless, in-your-face schlock.

2.5 STARS