Ghastlies

Ghastlies is a 2016 Canadian horror comedy directed by Brett Kelly. The film stars Kim Valentine, Eric Deniverville, and Joel Elliott and throws viewers into a bizarre world that seamlessly blends terror, laughter, and 80s B-movie nostalgia.

The film kicks off by establishing a wonderfully retro atmosphere reminiscent of old-school horror-comedies. It takes viewers back to a simpler time when campiness was king, gore ruled the screen, and sinister plots seeped into the narrative, only to be served with a side of cheesy humor. Ghastlies aims to achieve that same mix: presenting a storyline in which extraterrestrial shocks are offered along with comedic delights.

In this film, four sorority sisters embark on a weekend getaway to a cabin in the secluded wilderness. The characters - Kim Valentine, Eric Deniverville, and Joel Elliott, to name a few - give us an ensemble of typical, colorful, and fun personalities you'd expect in a horror comedy. The sorority sisters are looking forward to a quiet weekend filled with fun and relaxation, blissfully unaware of the terror that awaits them.

Soon after they settle into their rustic accommodations, they unintentionally summon menacing, pint-sized aliens who exhibit an interesting mix of mischief and malevolence. These creatures, the "Ghastlies," are small hideous creatures that are grotesque yet unexpectedly charming. They incite terror, but, as with many classic B-movie creatures, they also inspire a certain allure that keeps viewers’ eyes glued to the screen in amused disbelief.

As the sorority sisters discover their uninvited guests, a chaotic circus of panic and hilarity ensues. The characters scramble to make sense of their situation, while the Ghastlies ramp up their shenanigans. It becomes a classic tale of humankind grappling with entities beyond their comprehension.

Meanwhile, an unsuspecting couple who practice dark arts, played by Candice Lidstone and Duncan Milloy, are close by. They want to enhance their mystical powers by making a pact with these extraterrestrial beings, adding humorous complications and twists to the storyline.

An aspect that stands out in Ghastlies is its dedication to paying homage to the 80s genre it emulates. Viewers can expect low-budget, practical effects familiar to any seasoned B-movie viewer. These effects, executed with such blatant fun and self-awareness, add to the nostalgic flair of the film. The creatures themselves, designed with meticulous attention to detail, have a handcrafted appeal that embodies the passion and creativity behind such productions.

Ghastlies thrives on its fantastic premise, moody setting, and over-the-top characters. The isolated cabin and the eerie wilderness add to the suspense and thrill. The dialogue is quirky and unapologetically campy, reflecting the larger-than-life personalities of the cast. The narrative balances the horror elements with comedic situations, ensuring enough scares to keep the horror fans engaged and enough laughs to keep the comedy fans entertained.

The director, Brett Kelly, ensures that the performances, heavy on camp and exaggerated theatrics, are consistent throughout the film. Each cast member appears to relish their roles, making the most of the ludicrous situations their characters are thrown into. Kim Valentine, Eric Deniverville, and Joel Elliott each contribute to the film's energy, creating a fast-paced, entertaining romp.

The original score, alongside the use of synthesizers, enhances the vintage vibe of the film, making for a comprehensive throwback experience. The practical gore effects hearken back to the genre's glory days, adding to the narrative's absurdity. The cinematography, while maintaining the low-budget aesthetic, manages to capture the chaos, laughs, and frights effectively.

Without a doubt, Ghastlies is a celebration of the horror comedy genre with its outlandish premise and execution. It delivers a good dose of dread, nervous laughter and uncanny charm. It's unapologetically weird and gory, but it never takes itself too seriously.

In conclusion, Ghastlies is a wild ride for the enthusiasts of horror comedy and 80s B-movies. With its low-fi production, practical effects, eccentric characters, and an unyielding commitment to its genre, the film fearlessly showcases what makes such movies fun. It's a trip down the memory lane, a nostalgic journey back to the era of kitschy horror with a modern twist. Even though Ghastlies is inspired by the past, it injects enough fresh insanity to make it entertaining for the contemporary audience.