Johnny Gruesome (2018): Cast & Ratings
Johnny Gruesome is a 2018 horror film directed by Greg Lamberson, starring Anthony De La Torre as Johnny Grissom, Michael DeLorenzo and Byron Brown II. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes and was made on a reported $240,000 budget. Its Echo Score is 54/100.
- Echo Score
- 54
- budget
- $240K
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 30m (90 min)
- Director
- Greg Lamberson
- Genre
- Horror
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Red Hill Movies
- Budget
- $240K
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Johnny Gruesome About?
The premise of Johnny Gruesome without spoilers.
Rebellious high school senior Johnny Grissom is killed in a reckless accident. As his classmates begin to die, each murder echoing Johnny’s own demise, his best friend Eric becomes increasingly convinced that Johnny has returned from beyond the grave. Haunted by suspicion and fear, Eric must uncover the truth behind the vengeful killings before he becomes the next victim.
Johnny Gruesome Themes & Keywords
· 1 tag- zombie
Johnny Gruesome Cast & Characters
Anthony De La Torre leads the cast as Johnny Grissom, with Michael DeLorenzo as Charlie Grissom and Byron Brown II as Eric Carter. Directed by Greg Lamberson; 15 actors are credited in all.
- Director Greg Lamberson
- Anthony De La Torre as Johnny Grissom
- Michael DeLorenzo as Charlie Grissom
- Byron Brown II as Eric Carter
- Rich Lounello as Matt Crane
Also Starring in Johnny Gruesome
· 11 more- Tim O'Hearn Bobby
- John Renna Mr. Milton
- Kim Piazza Carol Crane
- Alexander S. McBryde Ross
- Kaelin Lamberson Tammy
- Jon Cesar Blind Bill
- Nelson Wakefield Dr. Beelock
- Chris Modrzynski Gary Belter
- Aprilann Karen Slatter
- Madison Amey Rhonda Young
- Travis Torlone Todd Kumler
More from Greg Lamberson
More films directed by Greg Lamberson: Widow’s Point, Killer Rack, Dry Bones and Slime City Massacre.
Johnny Gruesome Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 54/100, strongest in story & flow (60) and weakest in character & emotion (35).
Johnny Gruesome Echo Score Breakdown
Johnny Gruesome presents a mixed cinematic experience that leans toward the low‑budget indie end of the spectrum. Critics and viewers note that the film's ambition to blend adolescent drama with horror is uneven, with notable strengths in its inventive revenge premise and occasional effective soundtrack moments. However, pervasive issues such as weak performances, inconsistent sound design, and a meandering plot undermine its overall impact. The net impression is that the film offers niche appeal for irony‑savvy audiences but falls short for broader viewers.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 55
In terms of art and craft, the film exhibits a blend of competent and subpar elements. Reviewers acknowledge moments of decent cinematography and professional editing, yet repeatedly cite hollow audio, low‑budget makeup, and uneven visual cohesion. The limited resources are evident in the special effects, which some describe as passable while others find them weak. Overall, the technical execution hovers around an average level, reflecting both modest strengths and noticeable shortcomings.
- Character & Emotion 35
When examining character and emotion, the consensus points to largely ineffective acting and weak character depth. Multiple reviewers label performances as forced, amateurish, and detrimental to audience investment. A minority view the over‑the‑top style as intentional irony, yet this perspective is not widely shared. Consequently, the film's emotional resonance suffers, resulting in a low character score that mirrors the general dissatisfaction with the cast's capabilities.
- Story & Flow 60
The story and flow receive mixed feedback, with some praising its unique revenant premise and engaging revenge arc. Critics note occasional solid pacing and inventive dialogue, whereas others highlight plot holes, meandering pacing, and a lack of cohesion. The divergence suggests that while the narrative has a core appeal, its execution is inconsistent. This balance of strengths and weaknesses places the story score in the moderate range.
- Sensory Experience 55
Sensory experience, encompassing soundtrack and sound design, is polarized. Positive comments emphasize a brilliant, ironic soundtrack with effective musical motifs, while negative remarks point to hollow audio, amateurish sound effects, and inconsistent cinematography. Visual style suffers from budget constraints, leading to occasional odd moments. The combined sentiments result in an average sensory rating that reflects both noteworthy musical aspects and evident technical flaws.
- Rewatch Factor 60
Rewatch factor appears modestly favorable among viewers who appreciate the film's campy, ironic humor. Several reviewers recommend it for casual group viewings, noting unintentional comedy and repeatable fun. Conversely, a portion of the audience advises against revisiting due to perceived boredom and low production values. The overall inclination toward repeat enjoyment, tempered by criticism, yields a slightly above‑average rewatch score.
Johnny Gruesome Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Johnny Gruesome.
Seen Johnny Gruesome?
Movies Like Johnny Gruesome
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Johnny Z, Last of the Grads and The Butcher.
Johnny Gruesome FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget and post-credit scenes of Johnny Gruesome, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Johnny Gruesome?
Johnny Gruesome runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).
When was Johnny Gruesome released?
Johnny Gruesome was released on October 16, 2018.
Who directed Johnny Gruesome?
Johnny Gruesome was directed by Greg Lamberson.
More films by Greg Lamberson Who is in the cast of Johnny Gruesome?
Johnny Gruesome stars Anthony De La Torre as Johnny Grissom, Michael DeLorenzo as Charlie Grissom and Byron Brown II as Eric Carter, among 15 credited actors.
What was the budget of Johnny Gruesome?
Johnny Gruesome had a reported budget of $240,000.
Does Johnny Gruesome have a post-credit scene?
No. Johnny Gruesome has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
