When Marcus, Melanie, Adam, Jules, Sara, and Bernadette (Christopher Backus, Jennifer Blanc, AJ Bowen, Brianne Davis, Kamala Jones, Alyssa Lobit) get together for an 80s prom themed party, they have no idea what’s in store for them. When arriving to the party, they are told that they are going to be taking part in a Whodunit game. Noticing that one of their friends is missing, they assume it’s all a part of the game. But things quickly begin to change when one member of the group takes the game to a whole new, and bloody level by causing secrets to be revealed and the friends to turn on one another.
The film is the directorial debut of horror Scream Queen actress, Danielle Harris of Halloween 4 and 5, as well as Rob Zombie’s two Halloween films and many other horror flicks. For her first time directing Harris does an extremely well-done job. She has a vision only a horror vet can see and it’s evident she has a love for 80s horror films. While many may look at the film and call it “stupid” or “bad acting”, in all actuality it’s not. This is very much a homage to 80s horror through and through. We are given some brutal and bloody situations, as well as some very over-the-top performances by its cast. The villain especially gives this off by giving the evil performance with random outbursts, but also can be intimidating by how calm they are during the torture scenes or watching the characters panic.
While some may not get into the story, fans of 80s slasher films like Happy Birthday to Me or April Fools Day will find some enjoyment in it. The film also features some great cameos by known horror stars such as Kane Hodder of the late Friday the 13th films and the Hatchet trilogy, as well as a cameo by the director herself in a very big nod to her early Halloween days that will please fans. The film isn’t exactly a slasher and sometimes pales because of it, but it has a slasher feel to it. The characters aren’t exactly the most likable either, but it’s comical watching these characters interact with each other.
So if you’re a fan of cheesy, over-the-top 80s horror, or a big Danielle Harris fan, I definitely recommend it.
–Cody Landman
