Cast: Nelly-Hirst-Gee, Mimosa Williamo, Mikael Gabriel, Santeri Helinheimo mantyu
Every camper’s worst nightmare came true at Lake Bodom in 1960 when four teenagers were stabbed to death while sleeping in their tent.
This is one of those movies that is ok, but there is so much potential for greatness that it possesses except for a few missteps that totally bold it back.
This is a Familiar horror film based on a true story of murders that happened in Finland. Only in the film the location is the same and it doesn’t say this is what happened back then, but the story is modern-day set and might have some ties to that case.
What works here is that the film keeps offering new twists that reshape the material. Some of these twists might feel a little familiar from other films, but it is still used wisely here. In fact, one wishes there were a few more.
The beginning of the film Feels typical and a little dull. Though luckily as the film goes along certain relationships between the characters are explained and how Their pasts intermingle. This more happens as an explanation for certain actions and acts. Though the actions seem like overkill. As does some of the logic of the characters but as this is a horror film. It seems like it is needed to move one element to the other.
The film is 60 percent perfect except for the beginning and the end. The end works in that it becomes a different type of film that foils any plans but then the film becomes the type of film you expected from the beginning which then makes it feel basic and erases all the exciting elements that came before it.
Which also leads to a more ambiguous ending. That the film doesn’t necessarily feel like it deserves or has earned. So that you have a film that tries to show a depth it doesn’t possess. Which is supposed to be similar to the teenage characters within it?
The film will be familiar to those who have seen HIGH TENSION or ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE. Which might be a spoiler itself, but at least here the enjoyment of the film doesn’t hinge on those surprises. Nor does it make you question the plausibility of what has been presented.
The violence isn’t particularly inspired. Nor is the film very gratuitous in it’s action or content.
The film isn’t a total waste. It just falls short of what it could have been. As it is pretty much a slasher with interesting twists and character histories.
Cast: Jeremy Gardner, Adam Cronheim, Niels Bolle, Alana O’Brein, Larry Fessenden
Two former baseball players, Ben and Mickey, cut an aimless path across a desolate New England. They stick to the back roads and forests to steer clear of the shambling corpses that patrol the once bustling cities and towns. In order to survive, they must overcome the stark differences in each other’s personalities. Ben embraces an increasingly feral, lawless, and nomadic lifestyle while Mickey is unable to accept the harsh realities of the new world and longs for the creature comforts he once took for granted. A bed, a girl, and a safe place to live. When the men intercept a radio transmission from a seemingly thriving, protected community, Mickey will stop at nothing to find it, even though it is made perfectly clear that he is not welcome.
More of an odd couple in a zombie landscape. Watching how the two characters survive, the situations they find themselves in while trying to find food and safe shelter along the way. Not real direction to a location.
The film also shows the forming of the relationship of friendship between the lead characters whose personalities constantly clash.
The film is darkly humorous at times and stark. It casts a spell on you with charm and depending on how you feel about the characters. Is probably how you will feel about the film.
The film feels like THE WALKING DEAD only focusing on two characters and leaves a lot of questions unanswered. More like a character study mixed in a zombie apocalypse film. Even though the zombie market is over-saturated on all kinds of the media market. It’s nice To see other views and stories to tell. It’s up to you to decide if they are worth watching and pursuing.
Its limited budget makes the lesser amenities on display give the film a realistic pallor and impresses with what is achieved with so little funding. Creating a vision and world. Director Jeremy Gardner raised the $6,000 budget for this movie by asking ten different friends for six hundred dollars each.
I really enjoyed this film. Even with it’s more modest kind of hipster touches that dips into Mumblecore a bit, but quickly redeems itself with its own identity and creating a cult character worth rooting for.
There are really only two characters though there are lots of scenes that have no dialogue though provide a catchy fun soundtrack of score that sets the scenes and mood.
Composer Ryan Winford used such unconventional instruments as a toaster and a beer bottle for the score.
What the film does effectively creates a world that you want to see more of, but cleverly does it on such a small scale it keeps you off guard to the rules and boundaries of it.
The film keeps managing to surprise as it’s tone turns from light comical to surprisingly dark with unexpected problems and resolutions. That feels more realistic than fantasy. Since it leaves you slightly off base.
Is it is only a coincidence that the four main characters are unintentionally named after famous mice. Ben (from Willard), Mickey, Jerry (from Tom & Jerry), Annie (from the Annie Mouse books)?
The film also leaves you with questions and ends with a kind of mystery that leaves it open for more or with a quaint ending that leaves more to explore and a knowledge that people still Inhabit it.
It leaves room for either a sequel or to further explore the world it is set in.
Directed By: McG Written by: Dan Laguna, McG, Brad Morris & Jimmy Warden Based on characters created by: Brian Duffield Cinematography: Scott Henriksen Editor: Martin Bernfield
Cast: Judah Lewis, Jenna Ortega, Emily Alyn Lind, Bella Thorne, Andrew Bachelor, Robbie Amell, Hana Mae Lee, Ken Marino, Chris Wylde, Leslie Bibb, Samara Weaving,
Two years after Cole survived a satanic blood cult, he’s living another nightmare: high school. And the demons from his past? Still making his life hell.
I was wasn’t expecting this but there was a part of me that was expecting this movie. Now while I enjoyed the first film in this franchise a lot more than expected. I didn’t know if it really had legs for more sequels.
This film is just as fun as the first film but a lot dumber than the first film. This film seems to know what type of film it is and goes full tilt with its own distractions and humor. No matter how stupid or illogical it could be.
If you are a fan of these types of films and want to have a good time and be entertained then this film is for you. As it seems to continue In Director McG’s wheelhouse of horror and sci-fi films for Netflix that have teenagers or preteens at the center of everything. Though this film and the first babysitter film feel more money he works or inspired by director Joseph Kahn(DETENTION)(BODIED) who has more of visual flair and quicker cuts when it comes to editing.
As this film seems to be missing a certain element. Maybe the dynamic of having Samara weaving on screen more made the film a little more believable and watchable if even just for her charisma in the role.
Here it is almost a repeat of the first film only at a different and bigger location and a twist in the story that seems there to make room for a new character and leading lady for the main character. Though we have the same characters returning from the dead to try to sacrifice the main character for a blood ritual that will make them Immortal.
This is an interesting premise, but as they return they are just as easy to kill as in the first film. So again they are dispatched in a similar manner only here more gruesome and grotesque.
The new main villain is just as close as the babysitter was int he first film and the film tries to also sex her up more in tight and revealing clothes which is the first amongst other clues in the film before the big reveal that they have become evil. What is interesting is that at least they kept the new leading lady Jenna Ortega cute but dressed normally and sarcastic but a hard ass. So she is the opposite of the villain though has the dirtier look.
We see How the original crew was recruited which offers a distraction. Visually but seems like they were recruited in the 1980s more even as the film and the last one was more modern. This just seems out there as a stylistic choice but then also disrupts the continuity of what we know from the original film, but then again this isn’t the type of film to take seriously.
Though most of the cast from the original returns. It is actually nice to see them and their characters. As they remain hilarious and it is nice to catch up with them and learn a little more about them and their pasts.
The film never takes itself seriously and doesn’t expect the audience to either. As the film constantly shows or uses inspiration from the past or other movies to power scenes and the soundtrack.
This movie feels lien CRANK 2 where it takes all that was from the first film And cranks it up as more for a spectacle that while not going to make any cinematic elitist lists is a fun time and a proper guilty pleasure. That you wish was just a bit better though that might take away the charm.
The film tries but doesn’t come close because it seems to kind of pander to what it believes the audience wants more of rather than have more of a clear plan and structure.
So it becomes kind of what it is parodying. Where you can tell when someone is trying to be something or someone that they aren’t to try and impress and while it’s entertaining at first it becomes sad and obvious quickly. Whereas if maybe it was itself from the get-go the audience would come and get to k ow it and appreciate it for it’s sincerity and truths. Though if you are a fan of splatter and gore in your horror. You have come to the right place.
Samara weaving does return for this film in more of an extended cameo. The film needed more of her. As whenever she comes on screen she seems so smooth and takes over her scenes. That when she is gone it only exposes how hard others are trying to just be as good and memorable.
It seems like in most teen horror films I see Bella Thorne always has a death scene. It would be nice to see her survive in a horror film. As here yet again she seems typecast.
The title seems to imply there is a queen when in fact it just seems to have that title as either claiming Samara Weaving’s character is a queen of the kill or tied into the and Queen’s recent popularity or trying to imply that this film is full of campiness. While the film is full of humor, sarcasm, and cynicism. Nothing is truly campy in this film
Based on the novel “IT” by: Stephen King Cinematography: Checco Varese
Editor: Jason Ballentine
Cast: Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, James Mcavoy, Jay Ryan, Isaiah Mustafa, James Ransone, Bill Skarsgard, Jack Dylan Glazer, Finn Wolfhard, Sophia Lilis, Jaeden Martell, Xavier Dolan, Jess Weixler, Peter Bogdanovich
Defeated by members of the Losers’ Club, the evil clown Pennywise returns 27 years later to terrorize the town of Derry, Maine, once again. Now adults, the childhood friends have long since gone their separate ways. But when people start disappearing, Mike Hanlon calls the others home for one final stand. Damaged by scars from the past, the united Losers must conquer their deepest fears to destroy the shape-shifting Pennywise — now more powerful than ever.
While the film is certainly entertaining. This is barely a film as it does love up to it’s Title. As it feels more a continuation or Second half. Rather then a movie of It‘s Own merits that could stand up without part one.
As there is information to let us know about the characters and their motivations. It really more helps if you have seen the previous films
The film feels repetitive. As each of the characters faces their defeats or are terrorized individually. They each go through a horrifying adventure. Then the film moves onto the next character and this takes up a good amount of running time.
It also seems to still treat the character of like who stayed in town and is the only African American character with short change. He gets them all to come back and has theories but has little else to do. As he is haunted but we barely see him or what exactly he is haunted by as much.
The stars are all here to play the Adult characters. They all do good with the characters though Bill Hader is the one who stands out the most and gives off the strongest impression. As well as a kind of unrequited love story and a deeply held secret that it seems no one else knows nor is really revealed to any of them.
While certain aspects are left out of the film from the book that serves as motivation stronger in the book but not in the movie. Bill’s wife is majorly Absent from the film and she plays a big part in the finale of the book. Though she seems Removed to give more romantic tension between the characters of Ben and Beverly
Though it is funny when the movie is filled with all these stars and one of the lesser-known acting leads played by Jay Ryan is actually the one who has the more traditional movie star looks and is supposed to be the grown-up version of the overweight character.
The film is more scary and terrifying then violent though the few times there is violence it is shocking especially when towards children who are dispatched in rather shocking yet similar ways.
The opening scene of the movie seems random And unneeded though does give the film. A certain ugly reality and informs us of it feeding off of fear, anger, and hatred. Though it still makes the opening hard to watch.
Director Andy Muschetti is certainly able and good with visuals but while the film feels rich but seems to lack a proper structure. So that whole it feels freewheeling and random and sticks to a story. It allows itself to jump around. Which is convenient but might confuse the audience.
There is no three-act structure and even when absent that this film tries to get off on atmosphere which gives a scary vibe that quickly becomes repetitive and even if it has art film Aspirations it would generally be about something. This film is supposed to be about endings. Though it stretches them out until it seems more about making cheap thrills then General quality entertainment. It feels like entertainment that tries to seek itself overwhelmingly towards agreeability and worse feels somewhat manipulative trying to make the audience get forget the points it is skipping. Instead of trying to make them even feel constantly in a challenge or a game. Forgetting This is a film and we are supposed to be watching a story.
It’s a continuation. It doesn’t feel like a film of it’s own. That can be enjoyed and understood independently. It needs the previous film to be a whole. So even as a sequel, it can’t stand up on it’s own two feet. So while entertaining it is never it’s own entity. No matter how it’s Presented or forced to be
In the end, this is a fun horror film to watch that whole gruesome still feels more mainstream, but luckily has stars to distrAct but also achieves the mood and scares it tries for.
Directed by: Andre Ovredal Written by: Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Screen story by: Guillermo Del Toro, Marcus Dunstan & Patrick Melton Based on the series of stories by: Alvin Schwartz Cinematography: Roman Osin Editor: Patrick Larsgaard
Cast: Zoe Colletti, Michael Garza, Gabriel Rush, Austin Abrams, Austin Zajur, Natalie Gamzharn, Dean Norris, Lorraine Toussaint, Gil Bellows
On Halloween 1968, Stella and her two friends meet a mysterious drifter, Ramón, and uncover a sinister notebook of stories.
I remember reading this book when I was young and the book is a children’s classic and finding out that they were making it into a film
Seems more like a decision that would excite many generations and bring them nostalgia. As the film finds a way to include certain stories that then become part of an overall narrative.
What might be a little problematic for the film is that it plays more to a younger audience as that is who will generally be scared, but for others who might be of a certain older age. They may find the film a bit dull and too nostalgic. As the film is made with great grandiosity and set in the 1960’s
Most of the protagonists are teenagers and while there are adults around them very few become the center of the story or that important to it. Even Dean Norris’s character seems here more as a symbol. Though doesn’t have much to do.
Though it feels more like what the Goosebumps movie should have been. Don’t get me wrong the film is macabre for a film. More set for children, but it also comes off as almost feeling like a light version of a Stephen kind adaptation. As the material feels rich but the way it is presented feels a bit juvenile. Where it can’t make up it’s mind who it would rather serve.
The editing also gets a little too annoying at times with it’s Rapid cuts that aren’t Needed especially in early dialogue scenes. The film rarely shows a death or any real violence but does show or hint at gruesome fates for certain characters.
The film itself is entertaining but considering Guillermo del Toro produced the film you might expect more then what is offered. As again the film offers a certain richness and even good special effects. It even knows how to build tension but maybe as some of us grew up on it. It also feels too familiar to really feel different or too original. This is a minor problem whereas it is perfectly fine it feels like it could have been better.
The film sets itself Up for a sequel that sadly doesn’t seem Like it is ever coming but could be an effective television series. Even if not it has a nice ending that leaves just enough wonder and sympathy as well as satisfaction at a story well told.
A group of people stop by a mansion during a storm and discover two magical toy makers and their haunted collection of dolls.
Directed By: Stuart Gordon Written By: Ed Naha Cinematography By: Mac Ahlberg Editor: Lee Percy
Cast: Ian Patrick Williams, Stephen Lee, Guy Rolfe
This is a sick film. That keeps a creepy tone by showing disgusting graphic violence but keeping a child-like mood and innocence while it is happening. From the score to the colors of the background it is an achievement and scary at the same time. Which is why I openly admire this film.
I remember first hearing about this movie on ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT at 10 years old. They showed an infamous scene, Where a character who is dead with no eyeballs holds up doll’s eyes as they’re own. A true show stopper in the film. It was shown on E.T. as a story about over the top violence in films. Which made me want to see it in the first place. I got my wish 5 years later when I first saw this film at first on television in a censored version and became so fascinated by it I hunted it down to see the full Uncut theatrical version. Watching it I was horrified but happy
It’s a very macabre film but for horror aficionados definitely a must-see.
The film Stars the very likable Stephen Lee. The film is about a little girl and her abominable Father and stepmother who get stranded on a trip and end up staying overnight at a bed & Breakfast until they can get they’re car fixed in the morning, As the night goes on another driver and two punk-rock British hitchhikers end up stranded there too. The elderly couple who run the place have a collection of antique dolls that the little girl adores, But the doll creeps everyone else out as do the elderly couple and as the night goes on, They’re fears come true as not everyone survives the night.
The film was actually filmed after RE-ANIMATOR but before FROM BEYOND and used the same sets but it came out one year after FROM BEYOND because the Doll Special Effects took so long to master that once it was done it was decided to keep it on the shelf for another year. The producers wanted more gore in the film and were actually filmed but the footage was thrown out once all agreed that it really didn’t fit the tone of the film. At one point Stuart Gordon considered making a sequel but unfortunately abandoned that idea as he thought this film spoke well enough for itself. Though he did really like the characters and felt a need to see what they were up to after all these years.
I find it funny that the films Screenwriter wrote not only other horror films such as C.H.U.D. II and TROLL but then went on to write Disney Films Such as HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KID and now writes biblical films. He did at least stay within that fantasy and Fairly tale world.
One of the reasons this film is enjoyable is it feels like a dark fairy tale. It takes a premise you have seen before and injects it with some originality. This is for the most part an unpredictable film. It’s not like similar films that followed in it’s wake such as CHILD’S PLAY and PUPPET MASTER. Both of these are fine films but in a totally different way as those films are more literally one line movie plots Killer toys. Whereas this film takes you into an otherworldly universe.
This is a film that deserves to be part of your film library.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cut To The Chase 