Enjoying a Guilty Pleasure with Killjoy Goes to Hell: A Movie Review

*full disclosure: an online screener of this film was provided by Full Moon Features.

Director/writer: John Lechago.

Cast: Trent Haaga, Victoria De Mare, Al Burke, Tai Chan Ngo, John Karyus, Aqueela Zoll, Jason R. Moore, Cecil Burroughs, Randy Mermell, Stephen F. Cardwell, Lisa Goodman, Ian Roberts, and Jessica Whitaker.

Killjoy the killer clown returns for a third sequel in Killjoy Goes to Hell. Actor Trent Haaga returns as Killjoy and John Lechago pulls double duty as writer and director. Killjoy Goes to Hell blends campiness with sex appeal and a little bit of violence to create a visually stunning film. Very funny, this latest edition to the series is a truly enjoyable time.

This title directly follows the events of the previous film, Killjoy 3. In the previous film, four college students were harassed by an insane demon. Unfortunately for Killjoy, one of his non-studious victims, Sandie (Jessica Whitaker), survived. Now, Killjoy is accused of being: "incompetent, irresponsible, impotent, inadequate and not evil enough," by the Devil. He must defend himself. His attorney, Quint or Skid Mark (John Karyus), is not up to the challenge. And, soon Killjoy must recruit his old cronies: Freakshow (Tai Chan Ngo), Batty Boop (Victoria De Mare) and Punchy (Al Burke) to bail him out of Oblivion.

Batty Boop and Jezabeth in court

The lovely actress Victora De Mare returns in nothing but body paint and this feature proves that sex appeal still sells. De Mare is stunning as ever, but this time she has a little bit of competition with Miss California 2012 Runner Up Aquella Zoll appearing as the Devil's Advocate. Jezabeth has a sharp tongue and a cutting figure, which might distract some viewers. Also, kinky types might even find the dirty witch satisfying on the eyes when she disrobes. Lechago knows how to introduce enough femininity and seduction to keep events interesting.

Also visually appealing are the many well dressed sets. The filmmakers on this production know how to fill the space on the screen. Hell is appropriately shown in deep reds. Other sets, including a psychiatric hospital, are more dimly lit to create a more haunting vibe. The visual sphere is almost always attractive in this production.

Overall, Killjoy Goes to Hell incorporates a lot of quality film elements in its relatively short runtime. The tone of the film is light with actor Haaga emphasizing many of his scenes with witty one-liners. His expressions made this viewer laugh a few times. This is a fun film. All of the performances are well done, while a couple mute characters put a slight damper on their few scenes. As well, there is an action packed finale that takes place in hell. Demon and demoness face Killjoy and his crew with the final minutes some of the most exciting in the film. There is a lot to appreciate in this small production.

This title releases on DVD October 2nd and fans of the series to date will not be disappointed with this latest entry. In fact, the pacing is stepped up a little in this third sequel. In the end, the Killjoy series of films are a true guilty pleasure and fans of horror are prodded with a pitchfork to see this film. You will likely find something darkly enjoyable with Killjoy and his escape from the bowel's of hell.

Overall: 7.5 out of 10 (excellent for such a small budget, good characterizations, interesting story, lots of good laughs, visually pleasing).

*unbelievably shot in 7 days.

The trailer for the film can be found at the Full Moon Features' website:

Killjoy Goes to Hell at Full Moon Direct

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Posted in: 2012,full moon direct,full moon features,horror,john lechago,movie review,trent haaga