Review: Better Watch Out

(imdb.com)

At what point is it too early for the holidays to consume our lives? This is a question asked by people across the United States almost immediately after Halloween. The Christmas creep - that quickly expanding period of time at which commercial winter takes over retailers across the country - is officially upon us. So then the question becomes for horror fans specifically: what can we watch to join in the festivities? Sure there's a few great holiday horror films out there (they'll get a list of their own in December), but for fans looking for movies that are just casually Christmas themed, options are limited. Which makes the release of the wild Better Watch Out even greater.


A Christmas film at its core, but one that could transpire at any point in time, Better Watch Out follows a babysitter who must protect her charges during a home invasion. Without giving much away, this film isn't what you'd expect and the twist in the story accelerates the film's tension and its quality. Better Watch Out stars Olivia DeJonge (The Visit) and Levi Miller (Pan). It also features supporting roles for Ed Oxenbould (The Visit) and Aleks Mikic (Secret City).


The standout of the film is undeniably Miller who portrays the seemingly innocent and somewhat immature Luke, a kid just beneath where he could viably watch himself. Then there is DeJonge who especially impressive as the young babysitter prepared to move into a new chapter of her life and Oxenbound who plays the whinier friend of Luke well. If it had been said that the young stars of The Visit would break out into absolute horror stardom, it probably wouldn't have been that surprising. But, it doesn't take away from their fantastic turns in this new film.


Better Watch Out is bonkers. While not necessarily scary, there is a plethora of entertaining scenes, dialogue and of course, deaths. There is a youthful atmosphere to this film that recent releases like The Babysitter attempted to capture but with shakier results. Each character is visibly having fun in their roles and it makes the movie a joy to watch. Better Watch Out plays out a twisted and swerving plot that never lets up. It's entertaining, gory and offers a feast for the eyes. 


No one needs to wait until Christmastime to see Better Watch Out. Even with its terrific overflow of string lights and gaudy decorations, the furnishings of this film are blissful background to fantastic characters and an insane story. There's no shortage of jovial fun, but it's also just a really effective thriller with a young and vivacious cast. Better Watch Out glows brighter than all of the colorful lights that adorn its setting. 8 out 10.

The Overlook: Scare Campaign

(imdb.com)

Finding the right balance between a fun, fresh set up and a ridiculous one can be challenging for horror filmmakers. There's a continual push toward originality, but often in the process, these vies make for some truly cringe-worthy movies. Take 12 Feet Deep, what begins as an original concept quickly devolves into something so disappointing; even more so than some films that stuck to basic horror conventions. That's why when a film does break the mold without going off the rails, it's noteworthy. Queue 2016's Scare Campaign.

Remember Scare Tactics, well this show takes the hidden camera show to a new level, showing what happens when things go a step to far. Following a near-accidental shooting, the crew at the center of the fictional show, “Scare Campaign,” decides that they have to do more to continue feeding the audiences appetite. This leads to a complete unraveling as a crazed man takes it a step too far, the crew jump in and all proves to be not as it seems. From that point, a web series interjects themselves into the plotline and makes what already is a mess, a complete disaster. Scare Campaign stars Meegan Warner (The Caretaker) as disgruntled actress, Emma, Olivia DeJonge (The Visit) as newcomer and fresh face, Abby, and Ian Meadows (The Turning) as the show's director, Marcus. It also features Josh Quong Tart (All Saints) as the unhinged contestant, Rohan, and Sigrid Thornton (Wentworth) as the station's manager, Vicki.

Scare Campaign isn't a very serious movie, which certainly helps propel its premise. Even the more dramatic moments are tinged with a sense of low-stakes and lighthearted atmosphere. It's cheap and effective, also somewhat predictable, but it’s the type of film that provides enough to keep audiences watching and interested. In fact, even when the eventual stabbing of the young Abby occurs, there are still some shock value thanks, in part, to its abrupt immediacy. The film never wastes time and moves rather quickly, which for something so out there, is definitely helpful in preventing boredom.

The biggest and most glaring setback for Scare Campaign is its multiple turns that'd have even the most attentive losing place of who is being played and who exactly is in control. Even after the main villains are revealed, it seems like the end is so up in the air that the actual person in control could be anyone. It's unfortunate because had they dialed back just a tad, the movie could have maintained what it had begun without a hiccup.

Scare Campaign isn't anything revolutionary or terrifying, but like films like The Belko Experiment, the popcorn-munching value of Scare Campaign makes it worthwhile. It's a fun and short movie that knows exactly what its audience wants to see, it’s also a perfect addition to a night in watching the recent roll out of numerous horror films from Australia.