Original is definitely one word that can be used to describe this film. It is absolutely not a typical comedy, nor is it a typical horror movie. It is precisely the combination of both genres that makes this film such a unique experience. At first glance, the movie may seem rather simple, but along the way it manages to explore more layers than you might initially expect.
Not Your Typical Horror Movie or Comedy
Anyone going into this film expecting a traditional horror movie or a straightforward comedy may need a little time to adjust. The film is not particularly interested in fitting neatly into a single genre. Horror and comedy go hand in hand here, without either element constantly taking control.
This results in some strange, but at the same time surprisingly entertaining situations. The combination does not always work equally well, but precisely because the film pays little attention to established genre conventions, it manages to develop an identity of its own. Ultimately, this is a movie you simply have to go along with.
A Simple Approach With Plenty of Questions
Because the film easily goes along with almost anything, it also expects the viewer to do the same. Not everything is extensively explained, and certain events are simply presented as something the audience is expected to accept. This simple approach can be quite effective, as it allows the movie to maintain a relatively fast pace.
At the same time, that approach does leave quite a few questions unanswered. Some elements deliberately remain vague, while others seem to exist mainly to maintain the film's strange atmosphere. That can work perfectly well, but not every choice feels equally satisfying.
A Strong Cast With Some Great Additions
The cast also contributes to the film's unusual character. Keith David and Richard Kind, in particular, are great additions. Both actors bring some extra character to the movie and fit well within its peculiar combination of humor and more serious moments.
It is also nice that the film does not rely entirely on its concept. The characters and actors are given enough room to keep the story somewhat grounded and human, something that becomes increasingly important as the movie progresses.
More Depth Than You Might Expect
The film initially comes across as fairly simple, but ultimately manages to be surprisingly clever by introducing deeper layers. At first, it seems to be little more than a strange combination of horror and humor, but as the story becomes more serious, it also becomes clearer what the film is actually trying to say.
The movie particularly improves once it stops relying solely on vague metaphors. When its themes are treated more seriously, the film starts to mean something. This is where it really begins to shine.
Good and Evil as Central Themes
Ultimately, the film is primarily about good and evil, and what these concepts actually mean. That may sound like a rather heavy subject for a movie that also contains plenty of humor, but that contrast is precisely what makes it interesting.
Nobody is completely good, and nobody is completely evil. Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone is capable of doing both good and bad things. In order to move forward, you also have to be able to forgive yourself.
That is ultimately a very human message for a film that, at first glance, does not seem particularly deep or serious. The considerable amount of humor arguably makes it even more surprising that the film eventually tackles subjects like these.
Conclusion
This film will probably not work for everyone. The combination of horror, comedy and its sometimes rather strange approach is simply too unconventional for that. However, those willing to go along with what the film has to offer will find an original genre blend that ultimately has more to say than you might initially expect.
The film is at its best when it becomes more serious and actually dares to explore its themes. Not every question is answered, and some of the metaphors could have been a little less vague, but that does not change the fact that the movie manages to deliver a genuinely unique experience.
Rating: 7/10
