Screamfest 2022 – Even More Film Reviews

Can’t get enough of that red stuff!  The blood is still flowing from Screamfest Horror Film Festival 2022, and while our continued coverage here at WhySoBlu.com is winding down, we have a few more treats in our review bag.  So for this second-to-last article (the last one on Monday will finish out the reviews with a big bang!), we’re checking out three more features and some shorts to keep the pumpkin candle lit! Check out the encapsulated reviews of features Mean Spirited, 8 Found Dead, and Give Me An A, plus a few short reviewed shorts to follow. It’s time for…”Even More Film Reviews!”

FEATURES

“Mean Spirited” – While most found footage/vlog first-person features do tend to lean towards being subpar, I actually dug the tense setup of Mean Spirited.  Meaning the basic tale of a small-time vlogger who goes to confront his former, now successful, friend is pretty simple, but the edge-of-your-seat staging by helmer Jeff Ryan adds a layer of complexity. So while all trope trimmings are firmly in place (have to have the funny slacker friend!) and characters defusing dark situations are ever-present (love how flippant lead Will Madden is even about blood notes on a wall!), there’s still something spirited within this familiar flick that warrants a watch.

“8 Found Dead” – This outing about a gang of friends who all run into the same dark fate is nothing new, but what ultimately saves 8 Found Dead is exceptional editing. So well-woven is this story told from many different character perspectives that by the third act, you’re almost begging to know what happens. (Hint – it all connects!) But high above the film fray here is odd couple Tim Simek and Rosanne Lineres – their creepy casting stayed with me.

“Give Me An A” – Like many anthology films, Give Me An A is a mixed bag. That means this multi-story flick, which focuses on Roe v Wade-themed tales all told by women, definitely has hits and misses. Some are too on the nose (the Alyssa Milano segment where she plays Abigail Adams feels more like a learning lesson!), some over the top (the staff at the fertility clinic in Our Precious Babies border on vaudeville!), and some just have to deep a need to feel topical. (Crucible Island is as painful as its real reality counterparts!)  But the best of the bunch here includes a story of a gal who can’t get solace even from an empty phone in “Sweetie,” the outrageously funny “God’s Plan,” and the deeply dramatic and moody “Traditional.”  It’s a good lesson for any and all filmmakers – story first, message second.

 

SHORTS

“CIMIM” – What a trip – guess those edibles weren’t needed after all. (I LOVED this one!) Blumhouse or somebody needs to sign helmer Cody Mobley ASAP!

“Hairsucker” – Just what you think it is – the closest I’ve ever come to vomiting during a film. (Congrats!)

“Something In The Garden” – There’s something in the garden all right, and it’s pulling a Freddy from Nightmare 3 swallowing thing. Yummy.

“Heartbeater” – Nothing worse than an obsessed spirit who won’t take a hint. (Yipes!)

“Cookies By The Fire” – Emotional and effective terror tale about a family recipe that brings some well-deserved horror to the holidays.

 

That’s all for today – check back Monday for final girl thoughts!