A film critic finds himself in a meeting for serial killers in a neon-soaked 80s bar.
Written by Cody Callahan and James Villeneuve with Callahan directing, Vicious Fun takes the idea of different types of serial killers and brings them all under one roof for a meeting that starts off looking like an AA meeting and soon becomes more about indulging their predilections than fighting them. Here the story takes a simple premise of a young person stumbling somewhere they do not belong and twisting it to the most extreme possible result. The humor added brings it in just the right spot as a horror comedy. Clearly, those behind the film have a great knowledge of horror films and how to make them fun and funny. Here, many tropes are taken and turned into something that works with all of them in the same place. It’s hard to describe too much here, but it’s a greatly enjoyable story and the way it’s brought to the screen works perfectly well.
The cast works with this beautifully and joyfully well. They all seem to be having fun, which then translates to the screen and to the viewers. It’s the kind of fun that makes you want to just rewatch it a bunch. The cast is led by Evan Marsh as Joel, the Marty McFly outfit stealer who works as a film critic and ends up in this bar after following someone he suspects of being evil. His work here is perfect for the part, a bit smarmy, a bit bewildered, a whole lot of what-did-he-step-into. It’s just the right mix for the film. Playing one of the rare ladies in the main part of the film is Amber Goldfarb as Carrie. She gives her character a much needed badass side and makes her the central character of every scene she is in. Playing the meeting killers are a slew of familiar faces with Julian Richings and Robert Maillet as the two stand-outs. Maillet makes so much sense in his part, it’s a wonder he’s never gotten this exact character as a main character in a different movie before. These two, along with the other killers, bring this film above the line of good into great movie territory.
Now, there are a few issues with the film, mostly in small details. One main one is a visual one. For those having lived in the 80s and remembering them clearly, they will notice that the film’s version of the 80s (as with many others) is much more colorful, much brighter, much more neon-filled than the real thing was. For those who remember, the 80s were much more “brown”. That being said, the extra colors, the brightness, the exaggeration of the 80s is a lot more fun to look at and this look is well executed and well filmed here. The cinematography by Jeff Maher brings all of this to the screen in a beautiful way, giving the film a great look, something that balances the gruesome discussions and content quite well.
Vicious Fun is a greatly fun killer film with a twist that works perfectly. The performances work (like seriously, Robert Maillet in that part is just perfect) and the cast is on point throughout. The décor, music, and style work for the film (even with the aforementioned issue). It’s a fun film to watch with friends on a Saturday night where you want to have fun, but don’t really want to go out.