Yep, I’m back with another ‘no bullshit’ review!, first here are the stats on the new movie: Cheap Thrills
A scheming couple put a struggling family man and his old friend through a series of increasingly twisted dares over the course of an evening at a local bar.
Director: E.L. Katz
Writers: David Chirchirillo, Trent Haaga
Starring: Pat Healy, Ethan Embry, Sara Paxton, and David Koechner…
Ok, caught up? Good… on to the review: Truthfully, I was on the fence about this one when I saw the trailer, I mean one thing I hate more than most things (and I hate most things…) is the ‘Jackass’ mentality of doing stupid shit for the sake of doing stupid shit… 2 years of TV and SEVEN fucking movies later they (the Jackass crew) continue to do stupid shit. Why? Because someone PAYS them to.
So when I saw this trailer, I thought ‘Fuck, no…Jackass style stuff, not interested.’ Well… a free pass I won brought me to the theatre, so I figured ‘Why not, it’s not like I paid for it…right?’ Having said all of that: I would pay to see this movie (and I will likely pick it up on DVD). It transcends the trailer, and gets into the ugly parts of your brain, making you laugh at things you REALLY shouldn’t laugh at. It isn’t a strict ‘Horror’ film. It makes you squirm at moments that are not there JUST to make you squirm, you really feel the subtext and the unnerving qualities of the situation. I know I don’t normally write lie that, so I will sum it up: This movie will fuck you up. The cast are presented as nice, ‘normal’ fun loving folks…then are flipped on their heads to become the most maniacal, ugly human beings that money can buy. Special note on Sara Paxton’s performance as the texting, disinterested and aloof sexpot, her slow burn approach to her character was really interesting to watch. David Koechner plays the sick maestro of ceremoneys (yes… I spelled it that way on purpose) was also very cool to see. The descent into depravity keeps you in a state of uncomfortable agitation…and you sit and wonder: Would I do that fucked-up thing I just saw for that much money? This movie sits somewhere in the ‘Horrific black comedy’ territory, and it sits there very well.
All in all? Cheap Thrills is:
I’m the Zombieking…and this topic is now DEAD to me.
-ZK
One Response to “Cheap Thrills? I think not…”
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April 18th, 2014 at 10:14 am
That was a great trailer. The subtlety in the dialogue, timing, and the very realistic acting pulled me into it and left me wanting to see more. I’m pretty damned impressed.
I’d check this flick out, for sure. Might even hip some of my buddies to it. I like gritty when it’s done well and I love well done thought provocation. I’m a bit philosophical by nature so anything that both entertains me and makes me think works well in the twisted, dark alleyways of my mind.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, providing a great review, as always, and for posting the trailer. I’ll keep my eyes open for this one.