I’ve often heard that parenting is one of the toughest jobs out there and raising kids can be quite an ordeal. Mom and Dad has a wacky premise which involves parents murdering their own children without reason. It has the look of a zombie flick without being one and with writer and director Brian Taylor (Crank) leading the charge, Mom and Dad is a gonzo experience that packs enough horror violence and gleeful dark humor to deliver a goofy thrill ride.

Nicolas Cage (Inconceivable) and Selma Blair (Hellboy) are parents who are way past their prime. Their lives are devoted to their children and work. They have no fun and the relationship with their kids isn’t good either. Carly (Anne Winters) is the oldest and doesn’t like her parents, much less her mother. All she cares about is herself and pays them no attention. Josh (Zackary Arthur) stays at home for some reason and we see some of the pranks that he pulls on his father.

The film starts off with news reports regarding children dying by the hour. It seems that parents have lost their minds and turn violent on their kids. Something unknown is causing it. What is the cause? Wait, this isn’t that type of movie to explain things. It’s comical to see how the parents look at their kids almost like a zombie begging for human flesh and Brian Taylor’s script is hilarious, violent and has moments that puts forth the infamous Nicolas Cage over-the-top acting to great use. Have we ever seen him sing “The Hokey Pokey” while smashing a pool table with a sledgehammer in-between trying to kill his kids!? It’s moments like these that make me return to watch good ol Nic.

Verdict 4 out of 5

Don’t expect much from Mom and Dad, it’s exactly what you think it is. It’s wacky premise and pitch-black humor are enough to keep horror fans and occasional movie watchers entertained. Taylor has a good script; a wild playlist of songs and cool camera moves that are reminiscent of Crank. Cage and Blair are wonderful as parents who are hell bent on dealing with their bratty kids and seeing what happens on this quiet suburban street is bloody good fun. Mom and Dad may shock you but you’ll be laughing at the same time while the carnage ensues.