73% on Rotten Tomatoes (out of 152 reviews)
Runtime: 96 minutes
Directed by: Eli Craig
Starring: Katie Douglas, a bunch of random actors I don’t know, & Will Sasso
From: Shudder… and at least 6 other production companies
It was a blessing in disguise that I didn't see this theatrically in May; it was to happen, but “circumstances beyond my control” happened. I was mad about it in May; now, the anger comes from how this was yet another modern slasher that is stupid and tries to be way too clever for its own good—said attempts massively failing due to the illogic and intelligence-insulting conceit the film's built around. An obvious comparison is Heart Eyes: similar in a variety of ways, including reveals and motivations that made me groan out loud.
I'm more peeved about this than Heart Eyes because director Eli Craig's Tucker & Dale vs. Evil is a great comedic parody of an 80's slasher, featuring heavy gore for those that thrive on such thrills. This, on the other hand... than heavens I wasn't the only one who noticed the town mayor's resemblance to, ahem, Elon Musk! Even before then I knew I was doomed: aside from Katie Douglas in the lead as 17-year-old Quinn moving to Kettle Springs, Missouri-a real hick town-everyone else was an insufferable character. Whether or not it was designed for me to loathe Gen Z, that's what occurred! The adults were even more irritating.
What am I supposed to think of the implications that I am like the adults in Cornfield?! After the unexpected Eric B. & Rakim in the opening, the modern music (which is heard WAY too frequently) was WAY worse; I was also annoyed at the dumb teenagers and their stupid “edgy” YouTube shorts. It's a minor miracle that despite its flaws, I liked 2023's Thanksgiving; to think it was something from Eli Roth! As goofy as most slashers of the past were, many are likely more enjoyable than the modern versions that attempt to “subvert expectations” or just give off the stench that the filmmakers feel above the genre. Talk about a smug sense of self-superiority.
For the record, while I didn't care for Frendo the Clown in this movie, I'll never see anything involving Art the Clown. Enough is known by me to always avoid slashers that somehow are over 2 hours long, are mean-spirited and only care about OOT gore. I'll stick w/ Pennywise, thank you very much.
As happens too often w/ modern movies, the presumption is that at least a few readers will sigh in disappointment because they liked it far more than me. Some may even see me as a modern cinematic nihilist; there are some I like, even in genres like horror & action. However, I usually am happier viewing past works either familiar or new to me. Like I said, Katie Douglas is innocent of all charges and I wish she could have been seen in a better motion picture. Be that as it may, many did enjoy this CORNY film more than I did. Perhaps the novels (!) (yes, plural) were better.
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