What can I say about Brittany Murphy? Without her this would be a very different film. She is one of those actors that indelibly stamps every movie she appears in. Sometimes she irritates me, but at other times - and this is one - I absolutely adore her.
That aside, this is a much better movie than you might expect, given the absolutely dreadful plot. The cast is excellent, the film is beautifully shot, and it all moves along at a nice pace. I was never quite sure if I was watching a comedy or a slasher, or more specifically if the funny bits were actually meant to be funny. Having watched it again, I now realise it was done with tongue very firmly in cheek. That said, it still has some genuinely scary moments but they're just icing, rather than cake.
There is a certain genre (teen/shock/comedy) that Hollywood seems to do really well at recently, and this is another example. A fine cast, good balance of comedy and thrills, just enough gore to keep you satisfied. It's a formula that works well, and a tribute to the artists that freshness is maintained.
My advice is ignore the plot, and revel in the humour and artistry. This was never intended to be a cult horror film. It is a fun movie, and should be judged according to entertainment value. It's a film to easily amuse when you don't have the energy or enthusiasm for life's drudgery. And if you're a Murphy fan, don't miss it.
UPDATE: Following the sad passing of the young lady who since I wrote the above, went on to become my favourite actress ever, I urge you to watch this movie if you haven't already. Brittany Murphy is simply irreplaceable as a person and as an actress. She never got the credits she deserved in life, so I hope Heaven treats her well. There will never be another like her.
That aside, this is a much better movie than you might expect, given the absolutely dreadful plot. The cast is excellent, the film is beautifully shot, and it all moves along at a nice pace. I was never quite sure if I was watching a comedy or a slasher, or more specifically if the funny bits were actually meant to be funny. Having watched it again, I now realise it was done with tongue very firmly in cheek. That said, it still has some genuinely scary moments but they're just icing, rather than cake.
There is a certain genre (teen/shock/comedy) that Hollywood seems to do really well at recently, and this is another example. A fine cast, good balance of comedy and thrills, just enough gore to keep you satisfied. It's a formula that works well, and a tribute to the artists that freshness is maintained.
My advice is ignore the plot, and revel in the humour and artistry. This was never intended to be a cult horror film. It is a fun movie, and should be judged according to entertainment value. It's a film to easily amuse when you don't have the energy or enthusiasm for life's drudgery. And if you're a Murphy fan, don't miss it.
UPDATE: Following the sad passing of the young lady who since I wrote the above, went on to become my favourite actress ever, I urge you to watch this movie if you haven't already. Brittany Murphy is simply irreplaceable as a person and as an actress. She never got the credits she deserved in life, so I hope Heaven treats her well. There will never be another like her.