Director: Chris Freeman and Spain Willingham
Year: 2020
Country: USA
Alternate Titles: N/A
Genre: Creature Feature; Horror/Comedy
Plot:
After his controversial star goes missing, a down-on-his-luck producer inadvertently kills the star he’s trying to court for his latest movie, and in the rash to correct his mistake hires a look-a-like to replace him, but the clean-up process to complete the ruse turns him into a shape-shifting monster and must now save his film.
Review:
This was a highly enjoyable horror/comedy. What really works great here is the comedy in the setup where it builds the exasperated nature of his work and career that sells the desperation of the situation. The absolutely cheesy beginning where it focuses on the plight of the producer to get the movie going and deal with his disgruntled and controversial star who has all the hallmarks of a spoiled movie star which is quite funny. The accident and resulting need to keep it hidden from the studio bigwigs in charge are also genuinely funny which gives the first half a rather fun light-hearted tone that’s immensely appealing and immersive.
That also manages to work quite well with the start of the horror elements being introduced. The transformation effects are appropriately given a stylish werewolf-style addition to the mythology where the change occurs and he runs wild on the crew attacking the make-up artists and savagely pulling them apart before running off into the night. The ways in which it spreads throughout the industry with their inadvertent use of the special cream which causes them to become one is a fine touch, and the look of the best itself is a fine one giving off a rather vicious practical look. These help to hold the film up for the most part.
There are some issues with this one. One of the main faults is where most horror/comedies fail in that the comedy doesn’t always work for the film. So much of the goofiness and slapstick comes across as highly suspect in terms of actually being funny that most of them could’ve been removed without much change at all, resulting in several moments where it’s a huge struggle to get through because the comedy is so bad. The exasperation and frustration that comes about with trying to hide everything are far more impressive and genuinely funny, making the comedy rather hit-or-miss.
The other issue is the seemingly underwhelming finale that could’ve been fun but just seems odd and weird. From the haphazard race to get the antidote to the afflicted member at the party, the bizarre interruption to provide closure for their own needs yet surprisingly comes off with no motivation and a lame resolution and the halfway decent brawl between the monsters is undone when it’s realized that this is really the clearest look at the design all film long. A series of tacked-on epilogues for most of the individuals go nowhere and could’ve been trimmed out altogether, mostly leaving this one somewhat cold at the end.
Overview: ***/5
While there are some issues to be had with the tone and some storyline issues featured throughout, there are enough likable elements featured here that makes for a fun enough time with this one. Give it a look if you’re a fan of these kinds of goofy creature features or are intrigued by this one, while those who aren’t into this style or turned off by the flaws should heed caution.
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