This comes not just in homage or replication of stories, themes and techniques most popular at the time (such as those in Headless, The Pick-Axe Murders Part III and The Heebie-Jeebies), but now in actual celebrations of the viewing process, in which smaller, local, independently run cinemas would screen any number of reprehensible and morally bankrupt (and absolutely brilliant fun) low-budget horror schlockers.
Patrick Rea’s Howl of Good Time from the folks at Fuzz On The Lens takes place in one such movie theatre, in an indetermined but loveably retro timeframe.
No prizes for guessing what creature may pop up there...
PATRICK REA’S HOWL OF A GOOD TIME (2015)
Dir: Patrick Rea
Starring: Tamara Glynn, Leslie Easterbrook, Renae Geerlings, Chris Lazarro, Morgan Collar
SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: This is a short so I'll try not to spoil too much here, but read on at your own risk.
At a local movie theatre a ravenous crowd of horror fans queue up to buy tickets to a very special private screening of a cult classic genre flick, Foaming at the Mouth II.
Among those queuing to get inside are three young girls, whose mischievous leader (Collar) claims to have a plan to get in.
After being turned away by the harried staff members, the young lady sneaks into the rear doors of the cinema, just before all ways in and out are sealed.
While she hides among the unruly patrons, the ushers (the wonderful trio of Glynn, Easterbrook and Geerlings) reveal exactly what is so special about the screening… and the audience.
As the full moon rises outside the cinema all seems lost for our young hellraiser… or is there a twist in this tale?
WHY IT WORKS: l had a blast with Patrick Rea’s Howl of a Good Time. This comes as much from the all-american movie theatre setting and look of the film as from the story. Shot in such a way that the short feels as if it could be a scene straight from Spielberg's heyday, director Rea effortlessly transports us back to the days in which the genre was loved (and for good reason), rather than frowned upon and treated as a cynical, money-making cash-grab. It feels like a real love-letter to the genre, something echoed by the tremendous casting choices.
As the full moon rises outside the cinema all seems lost for our young hellraiser… or is there a twist in this tale?
WHY IT WORKS: l had a blast with Patrick Rea’s Howl of a Good Time. This comes as much from the all-american movie theatre setting and look of the film as from the story. Shot in such a way that the short feels as if it could be a scene straight from Spielberg's heyday, director Rea effortlessly transports us back to the days in which the genre was loved (and for good reason), rather than frowned upon and treated as a cynical, money-making cash-grab. It feels like a real love-letter to the genre, something echoed by the tremendous casting choices.
In fact, the leading ladies will be familiar to genre fans for good reason.
First, Leslie Easterbrook will be recognisable from her work in Rob Zombie's pictures, The Devil's Rejects and Halloween, plus older readers such as myself may still carry a torch for her due to her role as Callahan from the Police Academy movies. She's every bit as lovely now and delivers a fantastic performance here in PR'sHoaGT.
Speaking of Rob Zombie alumni, Renae Geerlings, of Halloween II fame, makes up the second of our unholy trinity. With her own distinct motivation, she plays the less controlled usher and has tremendous chemistry with her co-stars. I look forward to seeing more of her in the future!
Last but not least, the wonderful Tamara Glynn (who also serves as executive producer) is arguably the standout performer. With genre credentials including Freddy's Nightmares and 1989's Halloween 5, she's once again totally on top of her game and clearly having a ball in her role as the third cinema usher. She's a joy to watch!
It isn't just the more experienced cast members who nail their roles, young Collar is also a revelation. Cute, inquisitive and with a serious discipline problem, she's the archetypal bad girl in class, yet remains a sympathetic lead throughout. This is a fine and fun performance from one so young, and I'm sure she will continue to flourish in years to come. Furthermore there are plenty of great cameos nestled in among the movie audience — keep your eyes peeled for plenty of indie players in the cinema seats.
Of course, the cast are helped in their work with the snappy dialogue and genuinely witty plot that Rea has penned. Little jokes such as 'a litter to feed' are delightfully subtle touches, while Collar's character's reaction to the news that she should come back next week for Frozen was laugh out loud funny.
Rea's writing prowess also gives us some decidedly grim but humorous moments — the onstage tombola for a tasty treat being a particular bleak highlight — and the twist ending more than delivers. It's kind of goofy, over-the-top, bloody, but most of all, great fun. It totally delivers on the tone of the film and left me with a great big smile on my face.
I mentioned the bloodiness of the film and the effects work here is pretty great. Once again echoing the splattery feel of Eighties classics, with some very nice make-up work (loved those contacts!), Patrick Rea's Howl of a Good Time delivers some fantastic little touches, reminiscent of the work in The Howling or An American Werewolf In London (albeit on not as grand a scale). This is yet another area in which the film looks and sounds fantastic. Director Rea really has done a tremendous job, making the film feel like a part of an era yet maintaining a modern level of polish.
Rea is clearly a talented guy and the enthusiasm he and his cast and crew have for the subject matter is all-too apparent. The film is frightfully good fun — what more could you wish for?
SO WHERE'S IT AT? Patrick Rea's Howl of a Good Time is about to embark on a run on the festival circuit, so check out short's Facebook page to see when it will be coming to a screen near you. Give it a Like while you're there too, these talented guys deserve this!
10 WORD WRAP-UP: The Howling meets Spielberg with a wicked sense of humour
Rea's writing prowess also gives us some decidedly grim but humorous moments — the onstage tombola for a tasty treat being a particular bleak highlight — and the twist ending more than delivers. It's kind of goofy, over-the-top, bloody, but most of all, great fun. It totally delivers on the tone of the film and left me with a great big smile on my face.
I mentioned the bloodiness of the film and the effects work here is pretty great. Once again echoing the splattery feel of Eighties classics, with some very nice make-up work (loved those contacts!), Patrick Rea's Howl of a Good Time delivers some fantastic little touches, reminiscent of the work in The Howling or An American Werewolf In London (albeit on not as grand a scale). This is yet another area in which the film looks and sounds fantastic. Director Rea really has done a tremendous job, making the film feel like a part of an era yet maintaining a modern level of polish.
Rea is clearly a talented guy and the enthusiasm he and his cast and crew have for the subject matter is all-too apparent. The film is frightfully good fun — what more could you wish for?
SO WHERE'S IT AT? Patrick Rea's Howl of a Good Time is about to embark on a run on the festival circuit, so check out short's Facebook page to see when it will be coming to a screen near you. Give it a Like while you're there too, these talented guys deserve this!
10 WORD WRAP-UP: The Howling meets Spielberg with a wicked sense of humour
If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook pagearound the web
Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.
If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House@HickeysHorrors
Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.
No comments:
Post a Comment