Vicious Fun, that's exactly what this movie was, so the title couldn't be more perfect. The cast was very well chosen for playing the different characters. My favorite characters in Vicious Fun were played brilliantly by Evan Marsh and Ari Millen. Evan Marsh was the funniest one in my opinion. The story is a bit weird, but the good kind of weird. Nice slashing scenes as well, so if you're looking for a bit of fun and slashing you can't go wrong with this movie.
67 Reviews
Great 80's horror flick
danielcereto17 July 2021
I really enjoyed this non pretentious Horror one.
First, the setting is pretty well done and the deaths are cool. Second, the music and the 80's vibe are great too. Last, the goofy side fits with the horror, so overall a good job from everyone. On the other hand is predictable and lacks of originality.
So, overall a little gem to enjoy if you're a slasher/horror fan and love the 80's.
First, the setting is pretty well done and the deaths are cool. Second, the music and the 80's vibe are great too. Last, the goofy side fits with the horror, so overall a good job from everyone. On the other hand is predictable and lacks of originality.
So, overall a little gem to enjoy if you're a slasher/horror fan and love the 80's.
Fills Your Belly
Tweetienator4 July 2021
I watched better and far worse: Vicious Fun is mildly entertaining, mildly funny, got a solid production and a well acting cast. To watch that little flick won't hurt you but will have no lasting impression on you - the initial idea is good but the story unfolding pretty standard. Anyway, if you need a little snack, you may try this one.
Without over analysing ,
tchitouniaram27 March 2022
You don't insult a man's moustache!
Otkon23 November 2021
This is a well-made romp.
The acting and characterizations are interestingly top-notch.
There is good set design.
The plot is playful.
The gore is effective.
The humor is decent.
I had no idea what the movie was about going in but I was pleasantly surprised.
The acting and characterizations are interestingly top-notch.
There is good set design.
The plot is playful.
The gore is effective.
The humor is decent.
I had no idea what the movie was about going in but I was pleasantly surprised.
It really IS Vicious Fun!
susiemoloney30 April 2021
A top notch entry into the horror-comedy genre. A hapless, nerdy horror film critic stumbles upon a self-help meeting for serial killers and gets into it up to his neck, learns to fight back. The characters are so likeable, especially. Evan Marsh as Joel and. Amber Goldfarb as Carrie--but shout outs to the whole cast, this cast was unflawed! The script was fantastic, the gore was splashy and fun, expertly directed! Not a wasted minute! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Both vicious and fun, but also occasionally flawed
youngcollind8 November 2021
Since the meta slasher is becoming it's own trope, films now need to find inventive ways to play around within even that framework. Vicious Fun is up for the challenge, bringing to the table the unique idea of a normal teen stuck at a serial killer AA meeting. This gives us the opportunity to sift through several slasher archetypes in a less than familiar setting.
Unfortunately, the film squanders it's clever concept by delegating that meeting to one sequence, then moving swiftly past it while there was still untapped potential for comedic fodder. As is often the downfall of the meta-slasher, it too soon devolves into being a genuine slasher with much the run-time taken up by "Ahhh! Run! He's coming to get me!" moments.
Evan Marsh hams it up a little too much and many of his punchlines fall flat, but Amber Goldfarb could give Samara Weaving a run for her money the next time a film needs a badass heroin.
The film never takes itself too seriously, and the 80s nods are occasionally endearing, which can make for an enjoyable watch if your expectations aren't too high.
Unfortunately, the film squanders it's clever concept by delegating that meeting to one sequence, then moving swiftly past it while there was still untapped potential for comedic fodder. As is often the downfall of the meta-slasher, it too soon devolves into being a genuine slasher with much the run-time taken up by "Ahhh! Run! He's coming to get me!" moments.
Evan Marsh hams it up a little too much and many of his punchlines fall flat, but Amber Goldfarb could give Samara Weaving a run for her money the next time a film needs a badass heroin.
The film never takes itself too seriously, and the 80s nods are occasionally endearing, which can make for an enjoyable watch if your expectations aren't too high.
Dumber than a bag of rocks
A_Llama_Drama30 July 2021
I'll never understand why writers choose a fun set up, just to let it all go to waste a third of the way through.
Here, in an impossibly bizarre twist (passing out drunk in a bar), Joel finds himself at a deranged killers' networking circle sit down (like AA but also not cause they wanna share tips and find good murder spots).
What could have been a ridiculously fun comedy horror of maniacs supporting each others' nasty tendencies, or using journalist Joel as a documentary/mockumentary maker a la "What We Do in the Shadows" stumbles immediately into territory so well trodden you can practically see the wear and tear in the text as they trip from one predictable situation to the next.
It's all here - defensive stab wounds to the arms, eye gouging, needle stabbing, clownface laughing psychos... and it's all so yawn-inducing. Of course the Japanese cannibal has an Oni mask and enjoys haute cuisine. And of course he's skilled with knives, until it matters. And of course he's played by a Korean. They couldn't tweak the character when they cast Sean Baek? It wouldn't have mattered, he's only in the film for four minutes anyway.
Why is Joel a journalist of horror? It doesn't play any role in his fate to outsmart 6 serial killers. It just eats up a scene in the opening for no reason. Why are they meeting in a room together? As soon as Joel is found out they just go into stabby stabby mode with a plan as hamfisted as that time someone hired ScarJo to play a Japanese woman in "Ghost in a Shell." They have no stake in killing Joel, so deliberations about his fate are pointless. In the end, it can't even qualify its existence with a fun finale. It literally goes from bar to police station to hospital ward and pays no attention to set detail or character on its way.
It's upsetting because Shudder has had strong output so far, so my expectations for this were quite high but this is a big swing and miss. Avoid.
Here, in an impossibly bizarre twist (passing out drunk in a bar), Joel finds himself at a deranged killers' networking circle sit down (like AA but also not cause they wanna share tips and find good murder spots).
What could have been a ridiculously fun comedy horror of maniacs supporting each others' nasty tendencies, or using journalist Joel as a documentary/mockumentary maker a la "What We Do in the Shadows" stumbles immediately into territory so well trodden you can practically see the wear and tear in the text as they trip from one predictable situation to the next.
It's all here - defensive stab wounds to the arms, eye gouging, needle stabbing, clownface laughing psychos... and it's all so yawn-inducing. Of course the Japanese cannibal has an Oni mask and enjoys haute cuisine. And of course he's skilled with knives, until it matters. And of course he's played by a Korean. They couldn't tweak the character when they cast Sean Baek? It wouldn't have mattered, he's only in the film for four minutes anyway.
Why is Joel a journalist of horror? It doesn't play any role in his fate to outsmart 6 serial killers. It just eats up a scene in the opening for no reason. Why are they meeting in a room together? As soon as Joel is found out they just go into stabby stabby mode with a plan as hamfisted as that time someone hired ScarJo to play a Japanese woman in "Ghost in a Shell." They have no stake in killing Joel, so deliberations about his fate are pointless. In the end, it can't even qualify its existence with a fun finale. It literally goes from bar to police station to hospital ward and pays no attention to set detail or character on its way.
It's upsetting because Shudder has had strong output so far, so my expectations for this were quite high but this is a big swing and miss. Avoid.
Went downhill...rapidly!
Go_For_The_Jugular22 July 2021
Started off great...the guy that plays Josh is hilarious. But as soon as they get into the actual 'story', it loses all momentum.
It was like a different writer did the first 10 minutes.
I hated everything after the 10 minute mark...in fact, I turned it off after about 45 minutes because it just became a steaming pile of end trails.
And they killed off the best actor in the entire movie early on.
One good thing though, was the soundtrack. Brilliant 80s theme to it.
Would not recommend.
It was like a different writer did the first 10 minutes.
I hated everything after the 10 minute mark...in fact, I turned it off after about 45 minutes because it just became a steaming pile of end trails.
And they killed off the best actor in the entire movie early on.
One good thing though, was the soundtrack. Brilliant 80s theme to it.
Would not recommend.
Not terrible, also not viciously fun.
mastermixdisaster12 July 2021
.. If you're craving a modern movie where a woman is the hero and saves some dorky guy who makes snarky jokes while the bass wobbles in and out synth-like, and the lighting ascetics look like my living room; then this is the movie for you.
Simmer down, it's just OK
supermellowcali30 June 2021
Decent lowbudge production but nothing new. Good concept but predictable and pretty over the top. Not funny despite good actors (except the lead), not scary or suspenseful just OK... people rating this 9 or 10 are either part of the production or maybe just never saw a um, "horror" movie - if we're calling it that :)
Viciously fun ride !!
akellashashank29 June 2021
I love movies which justifies the title and this one does it in style with 80's touch. I really loved the gore act throughout as it is quite impressive and did hold my interest till the end. The second act in the police station is bit tedious but, the first and final act really worked for me, thoroughly enjoyed.
Ari Millen's menacing performance is over the top at times, but does his job with panache. Amber Goldfarb character is kickass and literally added fuel to the proceedings with her attitude and Evan Marsh as Joel is fine. That continuous stabbing scene is whistle worthy , holy cow. Good outing from Cody Calahan and the ending hints at a sequel, I'm pretty much into it and would be very happy to see how the story unfolds. I'm sure, this one gonna find its audience. I want to give it 6.5 but not possible here, hence giving this 7. It's not a bad film at all.
Grab a popcorn bucket and watch this " Viciously fun ride " .
Ari Millen's menacing performance is over the top at times, but does his job with panache. Amber Goldfarb character is kickass and literally added fuel to the proceedings with her attitude and Evan Marsh as Joel is fine. That continuous stabbing scene is whistle worthy , holy cow. Good outing from Cody Calahan and the ending hints at a sequel, I'm pretty much into it and would be very happy to see how the story unfolds. I'm sure, this one gonna find its audience. I want to give it 6.5 but not possible here, hence giving this 7. It's not a bad film at all.
Grab a popcorn bucket and watch this " Viciously fun ride " .
The name scares people away
jayg_5818 July 2021
This is a black comedy that actually works in both departments. Too bad the name is so lame, he rhymed. I would have cast a more appealing lead, but he nails the part. It started a little awkwardly, but got right into the spirit in short order. 12 step meeting for serial killers? Silly, and a good hook. It also explained the opening scene. We get no background on anyone, especially the 'girl'. I would have liked that. All in all, a fun, albeit bloody romp. Not for the squeamish.
Gory, silly, fun, movie
stevelivesey6730 March 2022
More like a 6.5.
Great idea, well made with interesting plot and characters that was tense and funny at the same time.
My biggest gripe is the lead character (don't know his name and can't be bothered looking it up) was sooooo annoying, constantly being such a stereotype of the nerd/coward actually wishing the he was gutted by the killers.
Great idea, well made with interesting plot and characters that was tense and funny at the same time.
My biggest gripe is the lead character (don't know his name and can't be bothered looking it up) was sooooo annoying, constantly being such a stereotype of the nerd/coward actually wishing the he was gutted by the killers.
"Why didn't you stick to the (alternative) plan?"
pedronunesnomundo18 September 2021
This movie had a good take off point, a nice concept, a good sketch of a plot, some promising characters to start with... But the producing team didn't believe in the product they had to sell. That's why they've bet on a totally wrong horse: make a nonsensical clowny comedy.
From that point on all was lost beyond recovery: the initial concept faded on the background, the plot became irrelevant, the acting became plain ridiculous.
Saddest thig of all: if they had stick to the alternative plan, to invest in something remotely serious and memorable, they might had achieved that goal.
But the didn't.
From that point on all was lost beyond recovery: the initial concept faded on the background, the plot became irrelevant, the acting became plain ridiculous.
Saddest thig of all: if they had stick to the alternative plan, to invest in something remotely serious and memorable, they might had achieved that goal.
But the didn't.
for the gory lovers...
ops-525352 July 2021
Of black horror comedies this is a must see, it has it all, even a story, but most of all seen from a serious angle it has a solid screenplay and extremely well chosen caracter actors for this movie. The plot is, taken outta loose air, a story about a journalist, a serial killer huntress, and a wacked out archtyypical police force, and of course the serial k i l l e r s . Keywords to the flick is revenge, extinction and deepdigging critical journalism.
I did sit down to view this choosin between retiring for the night, i.e. Go to bed, or try this out, and i do not regret that because its most of all a fun movie, even though it might bend the limits of a laymans gore tolerance, because the blood and meat factor, and dismantelment of unwillingly hudlums and coppers might make you laugh out loud in disbelief, due to a plotspeed and swift acting and oralistic vocabulary that beats mostly every oratorium ever written on this god forsaken place called earth.
Its a well made technical production, even the dark scenes work, and the thy shall whither moral, till your dust is blown away stoic attitude written all over the sir face of the sound, specialeffects, visual effects, cinematographical and location decorating department, and if you ever should wonder what might be used to make a kill, youll get some new items on your list thats for sure.
So take the grumpy old mans words for what they seem to be, its not a toddlers nor infant movie to watch, and it may even be intolerable on cruelty for the gemene john and jane does , but give it a try, thisll become a cult classic for what it is, fun , cruel and ravaging revengeful.
I did sit down to view this choosin between retiring for the night, i.e. Go to bed, or try this out, and i do not regret that because its most of all a fun movie, even though it might bend the limits of a laymans gore tolerance, because the blood and meat factor, and dismantelment of unwillingly hudlums and coppers might make you laugh out loud in disbelief, due to a plotspeed and swift acting and oralistic vocabulary that beats mostly every oratorium ever written on this god forsaken place called earth.
Its a well made technical production, even the dark scenes work, and the thy shall whither moral, till your dust is blown away stoic attitude written all over the sir face of the sound, specialeffects, visual effects, cinematographical and location decorating department, and if you ever should wonder what might be used to make a kill, youll get some new items on your list thats for sure.
So take the grumpy old mans words for what they seem to be, its not a toddlers nor infant movie to watch, and it may even be intolerable on cruelty for the gemene john and jane does , but give it a try, thisll become a cult classic for what it is, fun , cruel and ravaging revengeful.
Finally a good horror comedy!
petarilic3219 October 2021
First one since Satanic Panic and even better than that! It's horror, action packed and funny when it should be.
It has what most of these "horror comedies" don't - interesting characters. Great casting and great acting aside from the male lead.
Not cringy, corny or cheesy, it delivers on a mature level. Some writers/directors should definitely take notes from this film.
My favorite horror-comedy and a movie I was glued to despite not being a huge fan of the sub-genre. 6.5/10.
It has what most of these "horror comedies" don't - interesting characters. Great casting and great acting aside from the male lead.
Not cringy, corny or cheesy, it delivers on a mature level. Some writers/directors should definitely take notes from this film.
My favorite horror-comedy and a movie I was glued to despite not being a huge fan of the sub-genre. 6.5/10.
It's not great, but it's really, really good!
miinty2 July 2021
This movie is just so d a m n fun! Like, I don't know what to say, it's just a feel good, nostalgic, slasher, dark/buddy comedy.. I don't know, it's just fun.
However, I do think it lost it's way a little in the middle (slow, boring, get on with it, kind of vibe) but all in all, it was entertaining.
That guy, the main guy, Josh, he needs to be in more stuff playing this character! He was great!
I actually love the premise so much, that I almost wish the filmmakers had another shot at it, because I think it has/had the potential to be great!!
That, or, it gave me (slight) vibes from one of my favorite books The Serial Killers Club.
(Someone should turn that into a movie!)
However, I do think it lost it's way a little in the middle (slow, boring, get on with it, kind of vibe) but all in all, it was entertaining.
That guy, the main guy, Josh, he needs to be in more stuff playing this character! He was great!
I actually love the premise so much, that I almost wish the filmmakers had another shot at it, because I think it has/had the potential to be great!!
That, or, it gave me (slight) vibes from one of my favorite books The Serial Killers Club.
(Someone should turn that into a movie!)
Simple indie 80s throwback horror comedy
Fiercesome_Fool15 June 2022
This movie is just fun like the title says. Movie is about a simp named Joel played by Evan Marsh. Simp you ask? Well he has a crush on his room mate who is clearly not into him anymore than a friend. This simping of his gets him into trouble as he ends up part of a serial killers anonymous meeting by accident. Lucky for him someone is there to help.
The movie has the gore for the gore hounds and it has some decent comedy bits. Evan Marsh I found to be quite funny. It was his reactions which reminded me of Bryan Cranston as Hal in Malcom in the Middle. Amber Goldfarb who plays Carrie plays a good badass. Ari Millen as Bob did a good job as well.
This movie despite the subject matter will leave you smiling at the end. I actually hope for a sequel to this as there is certainly room for one. You will understand if you watch the movie.
The movie has the gore for the gore hounds and it has some decent comedy bits. Evan Marsh I found to be quite funny. It was his reactions which reminded me of Bryan Cranston as Hal in Malcom in the Middle. Amber Goldfarb who plays Carrie plays a good badass. Ari Millen as Bob did a good job as well.
This movie despite the subject matter will leave you smiling at the end. I actually hope for a sequel to this as there is certainly room for one. You will understand if you watch the movie.
Good fun. Good flick.
ddumas-065574 September 2021
This movie isn't life changing.... but you should not expect it to be.... But what it is, is good fun, well-made, with fun characters and an interesting premise.
The horror comedy genre is starved for good entries and this is one of them.
The horror comedy genre is starved for good entries and this is one of them.
Went under the radar, deserves more attention
MarioTee1 September 2021
More for laughs than shocks
radhrh29 March 2022
An entertaining low budget comedy/horror mash up that has plenty of laughs but not much horror. Sure the death scenes are gory but they're widely spaced apart and there are sections that drag a little, especially in the police station. We also get to witness a 5'7" 140 lb woman beat a 6'8" 350 lb man to death. Stunning and brave, I'm sure. The acting is mainly fine with the exception of Amber Goldfarb who is awful. Ari Millen as Bob carries the movie. Cutting 20 minutes from the run time and adding more gore would make it a better movie.
Nope
PedroPires9012 September 2021
What happens in Ohio ...
kosmasp22 July 2021
Certain things do get out I reckon (and I wouldn't mind seeing an Ohio spin off to this to be honest). But back to what we have here: if a movie goes after other horror movies or generally horror cliches ... it better has something to distinguish itself from those other movies ... otherwise it would be quite vulnerable.
One other thing that is really important: good actors. Especially those have to act silly .. because the characters are not allowed to know how silly and even stupid they are. They must think they are the coolest and best ... and that is what works with certain police characters for example or one doctor ... same recipe and it works.
Vicious fun is exactly what this is ... because while it is light and fun ... it also is quite relentless and brutal ... so a bit of a throwback to the 80s one might say ... a really good one! I wouldn't be surprised if the director is a fun of that decade ...
One other thing that is really important: good actors. Especially those have to act silly .. because the characters are not allowed to know how silly and even stupid they are. They must think they are the coolest and best ... and that is what works with certain police characters for example or one doctor ... same recipe and it works.
Vicious fun is exactly what this is ... because while it is light and fun ... it also is quite relentless and brutal ... so a bit of a throwback to the 80s one might say ... a really good one! I wouldn't be surprised if the director is a fun of that decade ...
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