Tales of Halloween Offers Twisted Humour and Dark Laughs: A Film Review

*full disclosure: an online screener of this film was provided by an anonymous source.

Directors/writers: Darren Lynn Bousman, Axelle Carolyn, Adam Gierasch, Andrew Kasch, Neil Marshall, Lucky McKee, Mike Mendez, Dave Parker, Ryan Schifrin, John Skipp, Paul Solet and Clint Sears.

Tales of Halloween is an upcoming horror film anthology. Developed by Axelle Carolyn, this anthology offers ten tales of terror, from directors such as Lucky McKee (The Woman) and Ryan Schfrin. Each short tale creates either a creepy or comedic vibe. The best shorts, including "The Ransom of Rusy Rex," combine both of these tones. This viewer also enjoyed Lucky McKee's "Ding Dong," which is influenced by folk tales of old. Almost all of the tales are top notch. And, this film fan enjoyed the comedic ones the most. This is a film not to be missed by horror fans.

There are simply too many tales to cover. So, this critic will look at this viewer's top two, starting with "Ding Dong." Other reviewers have critiqued this entry negatively. Yet, the use of a complex subject or topic, infertility, build's this short film's tension. Meanwhile, Hansel has to walk on glass, to stay out of reach of the cruel the witch. The eventual conflict between this twisted pair is unwound with a clever and classic payoff. The fiery ending offers some great CGI and a chilling ending.

Don't touch the Jack-o-lantern in Bad Seed.

This viewer's favourite short film was "The Ransom of Rusy Rex." The film's creepiness factor is created by a demonic being. Very little make-up is required for this monster. And, Rusty appears at the most inopportune moments. Sometimes, Rusty likes to appear over the shoulder of an ignorant kidnapper. The scene is hilarious, because viewers know what is coming next - more terror from Rusty. Rusty also likes to puke on his captors, or hide in the backseat of a creeper van. Rusty's smiling, happy visage is contrasted by his horrifying appearance. This viewer laughed out loud several times during this short film's runtime.

Many of the best shorts offer comedic moments of a comedic tone. Though, "Bad Seed's" parody of Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) was well developed. "This Means War" offered a hilarious plotline - a competitive Halloween house dressing. Two homeowners, one starring James Duval, square off, in an attempt to out decorate the other. Events come to blows as the differences in style reach out-of-control proportions. Also, "Friday the 31st" spoofs the Friday the 13th series of film. A deformed villain, a la Jason Voorhees, chases after a beautiful protagonist, until the tables are turned via a small alien invasion. The gore is over-the-top as arms fly off and a chainsaw rips through everyone. Many of the shorts are developed tongue-in-cheek and the witty delivery was appreciated.

Tales of Halloween is moving towards an October 16th, 2015 release through home entertainment formats and horror fans should take note of this date. Fortunately, an anthology format offers a diverse range of shooting and writing styles. So, at least one, but likely many more, of the shorts will sit well with the watcher. Each of the tales is expertly crafted. Only one of the shorts fell flat for this critic. And, viewers will find lots to be thankful for in this one-of-a-kind release, which often tickles the funny bone, or demands the use of a barf bag. A true horror roller coaster, Tales of Halloween is one of the best horror anthologies to come out this year.

Overall: 7.75 out of 10.

Recommended release: V/H/S: Viral on Amazon


Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis 28 Days Later Analysis Email Subscription

Posted in: 2015,anthology,horror movie review,movie,movie review,release date,review,short film,short films,video-on-demand