Tag: Horror

CHILD’S PLAY (2019)

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Directed by: Lars Klevberg
Written by: Tyler Burton Smith 
Based on the screenplay “CHILD’S PLAY” by: Don Mancini, John Lafia & Tom Holland
Based on the “CHILD’S PLAY” Story By: Don Mancini
Cinematography: Brendan Uegama
Editor: Julia Wong & Tom Elkins

Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Brian Tyree Henry, Tim Matheson, Gabriel Bateman, Beatrice Kitsos, Ty Consiglio, Carlease Burke, Mark Hamill

After moving to a new city, young Andy Barclay receives a special present from his mother. a seemingly innocent Buddi doll that becomes his best friend. When the doll suddenly takes on a life of its own, Andy unites with other neighborhood children to stop the sinister toy from wreaking bloody havoc.

This film is still as ridiculous as the series but more like the later films rather than the originals where it was far fetched but still more of a thriller.

This time Chucky isn’t possessed by a devil-worshipping serial killer. Instead, he just is a doll that has artificial intelligence and has his safety protocols turned off due to a disgruntled factory worker. So the dolls friendly nature is taken to obsessive extremes here.

The ridiculous nature of the film actually works for the tone of the movie. As it never truly seems to know what it wants to be more of a horror or comedy or more a kind of horrific am lin film with young teens as the heroes of sorts 

Chucky uses tech more as his murder weapon or his control over it. That is his weapon of choice most times or as his accomplice, though he still does good old blades also especially when in doubt.

Chucky here is more obsessed with Andy as his best friend. As he and his mom just moved there and he has no friends and his mother is dating a jerk. Once Andy becomes more popular and Chucky is dumped to a certain degree, more because of his behavior. He chooses to frame Andy while simultaneously exterminating all close to him with a believable case against him.

One particular standout is when one character who throughout the movie is a victim ends up being killed multiple times. Mainly because he seems to be not that moral. 

One murder feels personal and mean. Even though also provides laughs. Though it kind of ruins the whole mood of the movie seems to put in there for that reason. To signal a mood change and for not all the victims to be bad people.

Aubrey plaza is given a more normal role here though is still left with little to do. Her sarcastic humor works here but is barely used. It is also hard to believe that she would be so gullible throughout. Yet her character stays always fetching.

The violence feels wackier. It seems like it’s there more to either be excessive and funny the more ridiculous the better,  it then wants us to treat it seriously or be shocking after a certain point.

The film lacks the original spirit of the first film whereas this goes more form comedy and Learning. About friendship with plenty of violence. That it feels more like a studio driven film

Where they try so hard to modernize it and update it that it is missing its own identity. Clearly made for more. This is why this is not a sequel and the creators of the other series of CHILD’S PLAY movies are continuing their own on television. While allowing this to be Its own separate entity.

Grade: C

FREDDY VS. JASON (2003)

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Directed By: Ronny Yu
Written by: Damian Shannon & Mark Swift 
Based on Characters Created by: Wes Craven & Victor Miller
Cinematography: Fred Murphy 
Editor: Mark Stevens 

Cast: Robert Englund, Ken Krizinger, Monica Keena, Jason Ritter, Kelly Rowland, Katherine Isabelle, Chris Marquette, Brendan Fletcher, Lochlyn Munro, Zack Ward

It’s been nearly ten years since Freddy Krueger terrorized people in the dreams, and the townsfolk want to keep him erased from their memory. Freddy still has one more plan on getting back to Elm Street. He resurrects Jason Voorhees and sends him off to kill. The more bodies which fall to the ground, the stronger in which Freddy becomes. This is until, Freddy realizes that Jason isn’t going to step aside easily, and must be taken down himself.

Good or bad for a certain generation this was flogging to be a historic crossover and battle of the monsters. It came along when both franchises were in their last legs and helped revitalize interest in both of them and brought out the fans secretly and publicly to both film characters and franchises.

One knows before they got to this version of the movie they were planning many different versions. What we have here is one that plays more conventional and more of an actual lead up to a knockdown bloody fight. While playing by the rules of a conventional slasher film with more supernatural phenomena.

You know what type of film You are going to get. The meet up of two horror titans and icons could have easily gone many ways. Here the film works but doesn’t really cover any new ground. It actually is pretty basic with a more cutting edge style for its time.

When I first saw this film on opening night in the theaters, I enjoyed it immensely. As it was

Like Sugar. It’s so energizing it’s almost like an action film rather than scary or frightening you are paying attention to the kills which feel more like action set pieces. Which might be one of the more disappointing aspects of the film. Is that it runs off of energy and adrenaline do much that other then carnage and special effects it doesn’t really have too much else and never truly seems like a horror film. As even the human characters are barely memorable

The film has plenty of great visuals but they add up to little except to gloss over the thinness of a script that offers nothing new and very little for the audience to really grab onto.

The film more or less plays to the cheap seats and seems very much of it’s time trying to add in plenty of pop culture. Adding singer Kelly Rowland who was in the singing group Destiny’s child to the cast and one character is totally styled after jay of director Kevin Smith’s movie characters jay & silent bob. I am guessing if they added silent bob it would be too oblivious they stole the characters as inspiration. This was obviously catnip for the teenage audience they were trying to entice for a Rated R film. It makes the film more fun but except for its title and subsequent battle, there is very little of note here. As this film would still be subpar as any of their individual sequels. As it comes off very basic and doesn’t age well. It also tries to showcase a sense of humor.

While both series of films and sequels are time capsules of their time periods regardless of quality they will always be memorable and treasured. Though some are more played for shocks And laughs while they are brutal. Which this movie doesn’t provide.

The kills are random and barely noteworthy. Though it’s a movie to see just for the modern merging of two franchise stars. Like a bloodier modern version of King Kong vs. Godzilla. So that many horror fans schoolyard arguments and debates can finally be settled. This crossover seems to be an end of an era. As both franchises have had unsuccessful reboots so far, not really a further sequel.

The film tries to mix in certain details that never seems to exist that make sense but only for the purpose of the film.

Like all of a sudden Jason Voorhies being afraid of water. Which does make sense as he supposedly died because of drowning in the first place but in all the sequels before this water was never a problem for him.

Neither of these killers comes off as he hero, but they try to make Jason come off as more favorable strangely enough.

Kills others get short shrift just to get them out of the way it seems. The director doesn’t even give them the benefit of too much set-up as that would take away from the main event and mean the film might actually have to build up some drama and suspense.

I was excited to see the film overjoyed by what I was watching. Even then some stuff seemed stupid but still entertains. It was a star amongst my DVD collection eventually.

The film is more like a prizefight where the film is meant to get you hyped up for the battle and using all the same theatrics and it’s Good when it comes but liens prize night in modern times easily debates Le but quickly forgotten even though noted.

It doesn’t develop either franchise further. It still stays pop instead of going darker and having more depth.

There is So much potential for what could be it little character development of other characters who are main characters but not the protagonists.

We are here for the main battle but need filler and explanation of how we get there. While having a modern-day set up like a typical horror film still not a good one. So that they wouldn’t even count as good sequels to either franchise.

Which is what both franchises miss. We know the territory so clearly that even the filmmakers give in and don’t try for suspense at all or to even make the film scary it’s all more about violence. Not memorable or original just good enough for the moment to be passable.

That has become the main problem with modern horror either cheap scares or no scares. Trying to make it more psychological or trying to outsmart the audience. Later sequels seemed more gimmicks simple turned creatively bankrupt.

Reading the book on the franchise histories as well as the documentaries helped inform me of different interactions on the history of the films. Have histories, backstories, mythologies how much you care and how deep you want to investigate. So there was a lot going on and to consider when going into this. As do you throw it all out or do you keep some and get rid of others. They went with the simplest to try and make a slaughter-fest that is almost a meeting of the minds but fulfills what is expected in all areas. 

Jason surprisingly comes off the more favorable

Grade: C+

FRIDAY THE 13TH: PART 2 (1981)

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fRIDAYTHE13TH2

Directed By: Steve Miner
Written By: Ron Kurz
Based On Character Created By: Victor Miller
Cinematography By: Peter Stein
Editor: Susan E. Cunningham

Cast: Amy Steel, Adrienne King, Warrington Gillette, Kristen Baker, John Furey, Walt Gorney, Betsy Palmer 

Months after Alice beheaded psycho killer/mother Pamela Voorhees at Camp Crystal Lake, survivor Alice is still traumatized because of the murders. But there is one problem: Mrs. Voorhees’ son Jason never drowned and died, so he saw Alice behead Mrs. Voorhees. Jason finds Alice soon and murders her. Five years later, a camp counselor-in-training program begins at Packanack Lodge, right near Camp Crystal Lake. As teenagers in the program start snooping around Camp Crystal Lake, they start getting killed violently one by one.

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SCOUT’S GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE (2015)

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Directed By: Christopher Landon
Written By: Carrie Evans, Christopher Landon & Emi Mochizuki
Story By: Lona Williams, Carrie Evans & Emi Mochizuki
Cinematography By: Brandon Trost
Editor: Jim Page

Cast: Tye Sheridan, Logan Miller, David Koechner, Cloris Leachman, Joey Morgan, Sarah Dumont, Halston Sage, Patrick Schwartzenegger, Missy Martinez

Three scouts, on the eve of their last camp-out, discover the true meaning of friendship when they attempt to save their town from a zombie outbreak.

The film delivers the title, but when you see the advertisements. You expect a squadron or at least Boy Scouts. Who are at the least 12 years old or younger. Which is horrifying and unique. Yet funny.

The screenplay for this film was featured in the 2010 Blacklist; a list of the “most liked” unmade scripts of the year.

Here it is three teenagers and a cocktail waitress. So it becomes more of a teen movie with respective gross, low class sense of humor that tries to be explosive, but never goes fully to its capacity and tries too hard with no enthusiasm as some zombies are capable to think to a degree that leaves the film just seeming to revel in what it thinks is cool or what it believes the audience is after. Rather then tell it’s story with confidence and skill.

Though the film feels small scale and a bit scattershot with the throw everything and the kitchen sink type of plotting. The film seems more mainstream and wanting to tell a joke and get the audience to laugh with it. Though the jokes seem innocent they come off more as raunchy, but seem to want to have heart.

The film just ends up feeling like a cheery caffinated cheeerleader when you just want to watch asimple game.

Though strangely the film is scored like a Steven Spielberg film. Though not as skilled and knowing how to make the score work for the film and the emotional current of the scenes. Not using it for it’s strength or depth. Especially as Spielberg seems to be one of the masters of incorporating it as a desired ingredient and needed thread to his films. The soundtrack songs seem More like outdated music cues that one wonders if for recent nostalgia? Or for how pathetic they are and in bad taste? Or did the filmmakers really think it was still hip and was doing it as an audio version of product placement.

The film tires to do what it can with the premise that you would think would leave some opportunities for comedy and some originality to a familiar tale. Though it ends up going the more crass and uninspired route. That plays like a teenage sex comedy to a degree. That happens to have the threat of zombies at it’s center.

The film had very few inventive or innovative additions to the genre. Then again this isn’t a film that was made to do that or further cinema. Luckily the film doesn’t make the mistake of trying to incorporate any zombie film homages.

What happens here in this film is that it sounds like the tons of cash-in low budget films that fill the V.O.D. Market that end up making a quick buck out of general wonder if the audience and the late night crowd looming for something generally fun but entertaining. Studios see this and attempt to do the same with a film and title like this and though the film plays up a juvenile attitude and humor it still feels like a safe film that fits more into blockbuster entertainment for the masses. It feels too inside of the joke to really let loose and be the oddball curiosity type film that the title might imply. It lacks a certain explosive zeal the title seems to hint at. In other words, it fakes the funk. Just as when rich kids try to make themselves look of the people or poor. Yet they can afford extravagant things while having no job and their parents pay for everything.

The film is an average time waster that keeps your interest to a degree. Even after the initial appeal has worn off. Rather quickly and the premise plays itself out, to only be another zombie surviving another zombie attack film. That time to time reminds you that the main characters are boy scouts. Though really the film at heart is just a teen comedy with zombies. That typically happens all in one night, which leads to the truth that has an Initial betrayal but leads the main characters to bond and learn lessons whole overcoming their fears and problems.

It seems like the horny character keeps getting piss and blood sprayed on his face as sort of a punishment for his character’s behavior and overall attitude that comes across as a money shot (facial) at least.

The film also offers the violence, Sex, and nudity that a teenage or audience that really looks for that in films. (Which includes a revealing Cameo from an adult movie star Missy Martinez) Which seems to be making a comeback recently. Though this isn’t necessarily a film where you would expect it. Just a lot of talk about it.

The film is easily forgettable, but it interested as long as your hopes aren’t high. You might actually enjoy it. Though if not you definitely can skip it and not really miss anything.

 Grade: D+

THE CRAZIES (2010)

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the-crazies-2010-pic-10

Directed By: Breck Eisner
Written By: Scott Kosar & Ray Wright
Based on the original Screenplay by: George Romero
Cinematography By: Maxime Alexandre
Editor: Billy Fox

Cast: Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell, Danielle Panabaker, Joe Anderson

As a toxin begins to turn the residents of Ogden Marsh, Iowa into violent psychopaths, sheriff David Dutton tries to make sense of the situation while he, his wife, and two other unaffected townspeople band together in a fight for survival.

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HOST (2020)

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Directed By: Rob Savage 
Written By: Rob Savage, Gemma Hurley & Jed Shepherd 
Editor: Brenna Rangott 

Cast: Haley Bishop, Jemma Moore, Emma Louise Webb, Radina Drandova, Caroline Ward, Alan Emrys 

Six friends hire a medium to hold a seance via Zoom during the lockdown, but they get far more than they bargained for as things quickly go wrong. When an evil spirit starts invading their homes, they begin to realize they might not survive the night. What it might lack In originality it makes up for In Inventiveness and chills.

It catches you by surprise as you didn’t expect much and the movie knows that takes it and runs with it and Impresses the audience without making it loom like it is barely making a sweat.

This is what filmmaking is supposed to be about a general sense of wonder and fun as well as discipline and being. At least the strings and work put into.

What is interesting is that the making of is just as Exciting as what is happening on the screen, Like an amusement park ride, you are ready for certain. Actions and can’t wait while you see the setup but then As it goes along it actually angers to affect you even though you believe you know what is going to happen and by the end you are fearful yet it feels like fun.

This film actually manages to scare you and not through cheap theatrics ok, Maybe a little bit also through General mood and atmosphere. This is definitely not a film to watch alone in the dark and especially not to watch it on a computer or smartphone.

The film was filmed in quarantine which it references and makes the whole experience much more impressive. As it leaves you just as interested in how it was made As what you are seeing.

As not only do you have to film the movie but have to have to Direct the cast remotely and have them do some of the effects themselves and instruct them on that. Which gives the film a kind of BLAIR WITCH PROJECT vibe. Only this might be preferred as it doesn’t wear out it’s Welcome as fast. This film is just under an hour long.

It might also remind some audience members of the UNFRIENDED films. Only this doesn’t come off as glossy or seem as dependent on technology and the fact it’s being filmed mostly on home computers. As this seems more a result of conditions rather than the original premise. It just happens to work in the film’s favor.

As always the film leaves us with the message to never mess around with spirits and it’s a premise where the character knows better but having just one mistake leads to the downfall of everyone. Out of disrespect really.

The films goes so far In close claustrophobic settings and still manages to feel bigger then it is and a bit glossy. Managing to do a lot with what looks like so little.

That the film comes off a bit like JAWS where some of the best creativity can sometimes come under limited resources. The characters come off as goofy and believable lie real friends rather than just types. We get to know a bit about them And their personalities. –The film definitely makes it’s presence felt.

Grade: B+

READY OR NOT (2019)

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Directed By: Matt Bettinello-Olpim & Tyler Gillett 
Written By: Guy Busick & R. Christopher Murphy 
Cinematography: Brett Juktkiewicz 
Editor: Terel Gibson 

Cast: Samara Weaving, Adam Brody, Andie Macdowell, Mark O’Brien, Henry Czerny, Melanie Scrofano, Kristian Brunn, Elyse Levesque 

Grace couldn’t be happier after she marries the man of her dreams at his family’s luxurious estate. There’s just one catch-she must now hide from midnight until dawn while her new in-laws hunt her down with guns, crossbows and other weapons. As Grace desperately tries to survive the night, she soon finds a way to turn the tables on her not-so-lovable relatives.

There are just some films you don’t have to worry about. As they end up being exactly what you were expecting in a good way of not exactly In The same rhythm or moods that you were hoping for, for me this was one of those films.

The film is technically a horror thriller but at heart, it is more of a dark comedy with plenty of violence. Though throughout it is played as mostly a game. That has a dark edge yet feels like the movie CLUE without the grand histrionics.

This is more a dark comedy dressed up as a horror film. Had this film been made in the 1970’s it probably would have been much darker. Though as it stands it is a rather fun movie that feels more like a survival adventure.

The film is predictable somewhat but you go along for the ride. While it throws twists and turns yet stays inventive. That is as playful and dangerous as the game it shows.

The film already makes lead actress Samara Weaving standout as she is dressed all In White in her wedding dress with bright blonde hair being hunted by her in-laws all In Dark colors and all brunette except for a white-haired aunt.

The film feeds into the new conspiracies and theories of the rich being Satanists and through a deal with the devil to be rich and successful and most remember what they owe by making sacrifices every once in a while.

The film feels familiar a bit as it has Samara weaving playing a lead in a film that is based around a game inside that sadistic and leads to chaos just as the films she has been in previously MAYHEM and GUNS AKIMBO only here she is more the innocent victim. Though this is as pulse-pounding and intense as those previous films.

Though the film is smaller scaled it might remind you of survival fo the fittest movies such as SURVIVING THE GAME, THE HUNT, THE RUNNING MAN, and HARD TARGET the same Cynical stance with humor only without the action movie edge.

She is beginning to become somewhat of a scream queen. It’s a showcase to her talents that even in similar films. She is always different never repeating herself though the films all endorse the theme of the haves versus the have nots.

The shocks in the movie are heavy but usually meant to be humorous and while most of the cast are more types you kind of wonder what their stories are or how they got involved In the family in the first place. Not to mention what games did they need to play to join the family.

The film So directed by the team of Matt Bettinello-Olpim & Tyler Gillett who are noteworthy short filmmakers and made the extraordinary short in the VHS anthology that really stood out in that movie. Here the film has its style of humor, but not as many stylish tricks though it does have plenty of styles.

It’s hard to take much seriously in this film But you aren’t me at to except for the thrills. This is a film to more experience than anything else 

Grade: B

ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP (2019)

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Directed By: Ruben Fleischer

Written By: Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick & Dave Callahan

Cinematography: Chung-Hoon Chung Editor: Chris Patterson & Dirk Westervelt

Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Rosario Dawson, Luke Wilson, Thomas Middleditch, Zoey Deutch, Avan Jogia, Victoria Hall, Victor Rivera 

A decade after their first adventure, the zombie-bashing team of Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock move to the American heartland. Here, they face off against evolved zombies, fellow survivors, and the growing pains of their own makeshift family.

Just like the first film, this isn’t really a horror film more like an action-comedy that has horrific elements or a more horror background.

This sequel definitely feels less than inspired as the main cast does come back for the sequel but throughout they all look disgruntled or miserable to be here. Even though one would like to think at least they would be back to enjoy each other’s company, but it seems like everyone is more here for only here for a bigger paycheck.

The only time they seem genuinely like they like each other is in a moment towards the end when coming together in what looks like certain doom 

Though this film Came about after a failed pilot for a Zombieland television series with a different cast. Which is where Even the parody or actors Luke Wilson and Thomas Middleditch playing bizarro

Versions of Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg’s character come off as cheap weak humor. Though seem like they would be the replacements of the actors either choose not to come back or the straight to streaming sequel or if they couldn’t have gotten the actors for the first film.

Woody Harrelson seems to be the only one here who seems to give a damn or bother showing any excitement. Maybe as he finally gets a love interest and not as lovey Dovey as Jesse Eisenberg’s romance from the first film.

Even though Abigail Breslin character goes on her own throughout the film And the characters are trying to find her. The film still gives her the least amount of screen time and attention as her character just seems to be going through a teenage rebellion.

The film pretty much continues the adventures of the characters and adds very little so that it would seem more of the same. Except at least in the first film the story seemed at least creative. Here it feels like the movie and script are running on fumes.

Zoey Deutch is a newcomer to the film franchise and provides the only distraction and is the only truly funny thing about the movie. As she brightens up her scenes as a dumb blonde stereotype. As she reminds me of Valeria Andrews character in the Ashton Kutcher movie JUST MARRIED where she was one of the truly bright spots of that movie and she only really had a few scenes. 

Zoey Deutch does a lot of heavy lifting on her scenes and makes the film almost entertaining. Even though she supposed fate is telegraphed and predictable. When she is absent it Feels like they are struggling to come up with material as it goes along. Maybe an excuse to expose more of Eisenberg’s Character’s rules and theories. As well as expand them

The ending is pretty fun could have used that ingenuity earlier especially the credits sequence. 

While watching this film I kept having thoughts just as I had when watching THE WALKING DEAD.  How do they have power? Fireworks attract zombies but not lights? No defense against zombies except gates in this so-called Babylon. There is always a suspension of disbelief but one  Shouldn’t be wondering these things as you are watching it, though the film does have it’s moments. Which are mostly stylistic. This seems to be one of the only ways the director seems to want to enliven the sequel and set it apart. As with each new film he makes even outside of the franchise usually has a few visually striking scenes where you can admit you have never seen that before.

Such as the fight within the Elvis HEARTBREAK HOTEL. Which is an action sequence that manages to feel epic in such a small amount fo space that seems to depend on excellent choreography. The other sequence is the ending when forced to fight an overabundance of zombies with no guns. 

In the end, the sequel is a majorly disappointing feeling like it was made only because of demand not necessarily well thought out or organic. 

Grade: D+

OPEN WATER (2003)

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Written, Edited & Directed By: Chris Kentis
Cinematography By: Chris Kentis & Laura Lau 

Cast: Blanchard Ryan, Daniel Travis, Saul Stein

A couple on a holiday in the Caribbean decide to spend the day on a scuba diving trip. But was it the wrong decision? When a mis-count happens on the boat, Susan and Daniel are left behind in the middle of the ocean, the boat long gone. With all their hopes set on the boat coming back to rescue them, they try to keep themselves safe, especially when sharks start to appear.

This film is a living nightmare that comes to life. It relies more on your imagination for scares but at least gives you hints to help when you should be scared. Then what is happening on the screen whereas on screen? You see and feel the panic of the characters and a glimpse of the terror of the Actual sharks. What they might be doing. It is a film based purely on tension. As you watch you are imagining much worse then what is actually happening. Just like the original TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE though a bit more subtle than that film. It’s also not as gory as you may remember or think it was. The scariest part is that this film feels like a more realistic scenario that could actually happen.

This is a film that is more interesting in theory ad hearing about the making of then it is to watch and in execution. It is suspenseful and smart at least before the horror happens we get to meet and know the characters so we feel something a little more when they are stranded. We even get to see the mistake that leaves then stuck and forgotten. So it covers there bases there.

The film wisely in the opening minutes lets us get to know the characters, not completely but enough to get a general sense of who they are. the problem is that if you re interested in this film you know what they are going to go through. So you may have already made up your mind not to be manipulated and wait for the dilemma to happen to see how the characters deal with it.

It is a short film that has a twenty-minute build up until the horror then barely lets up from there. it’s good it is so short because if it had been longer it would have either had to had gotten more and more tedious or amp up the action and story like maybe the authorities realizing the mistake and coming to try and rescue them and will they get there on time or a cover-up ensue once the workers realize the mistake. or it would have just annoyed the audience had it been longer with its repetitiveness.

Part of the fascination of the film is it’s filming as it uses a handheld camera. Giving you the feeling that you are there, but also the fact that the actors are swimming with actual sharks around them. The filmmakers definitely have a good eye and i can’t wait to see there next feature.

GRADE: B

SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE 2 (1987)

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Cast: Crystal Bernard, Jennifer Rhodes, Atanas Ilitch, Kimberly McArthur, Patrick Lowe, Heidi Kozak, Juliette Cummins 

Courtney Bates, the younger sister of Valerie, and her friends go to their condo for a weekend getaway, but Courtney can’t get rid of the haunting feeling that a supernatural rockabilly driller killer is coming to murder them all.

This is a film I definitely have mixed feelings about. As this is obviously a film that isn’t meant to be taken seriously at all. As most from the title, it reeks of exploitation.

Now while one can see what they are going for and should be a fun ridiculous frolic. It just doesn’t do it for me as it is never strong enough in either of the directions it wants to go to. The one thing it has going for it is that it is unpredictable to a degree.

This movie is crazy and all over the place but it fits into it’s Time period of the 1980s. The filM Plays like a teen romp for most of the time. Except for its random violent scenes that come Across as dreams or daydreams. Then once it gets to the third act it starts with the Actual violence and killings.

The film is a low budget this is a movie that is more fun. As long as you don’t think about it. I fact the more impaired you are or the more people you have around watched it. The more you enjoy it, for its ridiculous nature. A b-movie that desires it’s own cult audience. Sort of like the movie THE ROOM. As this is a film that is best to know what you are getting into before watching.

Though if looking for a harder-edged comedy this is not it. As this almost plays like a spoof or parody of the genre, emphasizing it’s

More ridiculous elements. As it might remind one of a TROMA studios film only with better production values.

The movie seems like an intentional comedy in the horror genre though still tries to be a creditable horror film. As each aspect of the movie seems to explore the theme of being afraid of intimacy, Losing one’s Virginity and sex In General. As most of the film doesn’t have the character to be sexual even as every other character does or talks about it. 

The film more forces the point as every time she comes close to being intimate even in dreams they result in death. Finally, when in life she does seem ready for sex it’s Like she wills the Killer inadvertently out of her dreams and into physical form.  A rock n roll singer With a guitar that has a huge drill at the end (which he uses to penetrate his victims both female and male) and the killer who looks like a younger rockabilly character with a resemblance to Andrew Dice Clay. Who also performs a song during the film. 

Though he is in second place as the girls have a rock group themselves and perform two songs. (These music montages help kill the running time) Which only makes more of a case that the killer might be a second personality or a manifestation of her fear and defense against sex. Or did she will him into being. As the final girl might not only be the reason but inadvertent killer herself.

Her violent fantasies help the film have a horror or at least violence to keep the audience interested and hyped in the first two acts.

The film talks about sex and shows some Scenes of nudity and we hear sex but never see it. That is about how far it goes into exploitation other than the over the top fantasies and behavior the violence is more gratuitous.

Each member of the all-girl band has a personality type, but they feel interchangeable. Though the film has a strong female perspective as the leads and most of the characters throughout. 

The film seems to combine a bunch of popular horror cliches of the time. The dreams with a Killer element is from A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET. The killer’s art in the third act from many a slasher film. 

nothing is ever really explained even the ending is never quite clear as to what is actually real and happening. For instance, we are told she is the little sister of the survivor of the first film. How come no one acknowledges her survival from the first film. No one thinks that maybe her little sister is traumatized after his sister survived such a huge tragedy. Did her sister really die as she seems to do In her daydreams, but by the killer? Is her willing of the killer really her in a different personality and showing that mental illness runs in the family? What was with that melted face with a huge zig that explodes. As that has nothing to do with the killer. That seemed more a lost scene from SOCIETY. What does the ending mean which is the true ending? Does he exist? Is this a manifestation. The film doesn’t want to answer that question leaving room for sequels. Though also uses cinematic dream logic for a film whose audience doesn’t seem to want that. Though which only makes the film more of a cult oddity.

Grade: C-