Justin Seaman’s indie horror film has managed to become something of a small cult classic since its release in 2016, and it’s good to see. Despite being rough around the edges, “The Barn” is a very good horror movie that celebrates Halloween and slasher films at every given chance. The movie from Seaman works hard to build a lore within its movie, not solely intending on a stand alone installment, apparently. “The Barn” is through and through a Halloween movie that has a great time reveling in the sense of danger it encourages and embraces.
Tag Archives: Comedy
“Fun Size”: The Halloween Treat That Deserves More Love
Along with “Crybaby Lane,” 2012’s “Fun Size” is one of the bastard children of Nickelodeon Studios that they like to pretend doesn’t exist. It wouldn’t be the first time they hung one of their stars out to dry, and it certainly won’t be the last. Say what you want about the legacy of Nickelodeon, but their nastiness is almost equal to their innovation and creativity. Nevertheless, “Fun Size” is one of the very few Halloween themed movies that have nothing to do with the horror genre.
Benny Loves You (2019)
If you invest in a ride that’s more about senseless gore and grue with a killer doll on a rampage that feels like a long, internet comedy skit, Karl Holt’s “Benny Loves You” might just satisfy your appetite. I’m not one that ever really turns down a movie about killer dolls or puppets, so “Benny Loves You” kept my attention most times. It’s weird, and bizarre, and gloriously deadpan. Plus, Benny is such an interesting and menacing monster, that I bought his ability to inflict sheer chaos on anything with a pulse.
Scare Package II: Rad Chad’s Revenge (2022)
It’s not exactly a secret that I just didn’t think much of Aaron Koontz’s 2019 horror comedy anthology “Scare Package.” Despite its best intentions and love for the genre, as a horror anthology I just wanted something new and just more. The horror anthology is a difficult platform for a lot of filmmakers, and “Scare Package II” doesn’t re-invent the wheel at any turn. As a horror comedy that spoofs “Saw” (and a slew of other horror movies) wholesale, it’s a solid film. As an anthology, the wrap around narrative does little to compliment the four mixed bag horror segments.
My Best Friend is a Vampire (1987)
It’s interesting that Jimmy Huston’s horror comedy has managed to rise above the rest of the teen horror comedies over the years. Even something like “Once Bitten” which had a young Jim Carrey, isn’t nearly as popular as “My Best Friend is a Vampire.” Despite being insanely silly, and features one of the most lackluster romantic interests of the eighties, “My Best Friend is a Vampire” (aka “I Was a Teenage Vampire”) has survived mainly for its very vocal LGBTQ overtones, and a soundtrack that’s better than it has any right to be.
Teen Vamp (1988)
“Teen Witch” came in to existence from a studio’s desires to create a “Teen” monster franchise. “Teen Wolf” would give way to “Teen Witch,” and there was supposed to be “Teen Vampire.” Director Samuel Bradford’s super low budget “Teen Vamp” seems to aim to unofficially complete the trinity amounting to a bizarre eighties teen horror series. Although, you could ague “Love at First Bite,” “The Vampire’s Kiss,” and or “Vamp” completed the trilogy; I’d be more hard pressed to argue that “My Best Friend is a Vampire” feels so much more like a natural end to the desired gimmick. “Teen Vamp” is best left in the heap of obscure eighties video store shelf warmers.
Ride On (2023)
As debt accumulates and collectors come knocking, a washed-up stuntman trains with his horse for one last hurrah.