Gingerclown

Gingerclown (2013), directed by Balázs Hatvani, is an independent film which is an amalgamation of the horror-comedy genre. It stars Ashley Lloyd, Erin Hayes and Tim Curry, along with some other famous faces from the 1980s like Lance Henriksen, Michael Winslow, and Brad Dourif. With a vintage flavour encapsulating the classic horror comedy atmosphere and an interestingly twisted plot, the film is indeed a band apart from the mainstream movie dominion.

The movie is set in 1983 and primarily unfolds in an old, abandoned amusement park which comes with a graveyard-like eerie ambience and a danger lurks in every corner kind of charisma, intensifying the gravity of the horror element. As in every classic horror story, Gingerclown also spins the tale of a ritual dare, where a group of students includes a spooky place in their hideout adventures, and as anticipated, things start to go wrong.

Our protagonist, Sam (Ashley Lloyd), is a reticent and rather shy high school student who finds himself being coerced into the challenge of venturing into the haunting realm of the derelict amusement park after dark, by a bully named Biff (Michael Cannell-Griffiths). The intent behind this expedition is solely to win the heart of Jenny (Erin Hayes), the girl whom both Sam and Biff lay their eyes on. Unfortunately, this infatuation escalates into a dangerous exploration that propels the story further.

However, little do they know that their journey into the unknown will lead them to the dire presence of the nefarious creatures that inhabit this beguiling playground. One of the prime attractions of the movie is the realisation that this park is not entirely deserted, instead, it is inhabited by a ghastly collection of bizarre and grotesque creatures personified by an excellent voice cast.

Tim Curry, blending his failing charm and natural creepiness, breathes life into the character of Gingerclown, the clown in dominion of this haunted amusement park. This interesting fact offers a fair amount of thrill and excitement even before one steps into watching the movie as hearing Tim Curry as an evil clown draws back to the unforgettable memory of Pennywise the Clown in Stephen King's It.

This is essentially the age-old tale of good versus evil, with the underdog Sam trying to save himself and his friends from the unspeakable horrors of the park, becomes a hero in the process. While the story may seem predictable, it is the interaction with the uncommonly anchored park residents which keeps the plot intriguing.

However, be prepared to be taken on a wild ride as this is not a run-of-the-mill horror-comedy. Hatvani seamlessly and elegantly ties the elements of classic 80s horror, bumbling comedy, and also a generous dose of absurdly surreal experiences to emerge with this unique project.

The film is supplemented by believable performances from the cast, especially Ashley Lloyd as Sam, who manages to make his character credible and enthusiastic. Tim Curry, as always, excels as the sinister Gingerclown, adding dimensions to the character which you can’t help but get excited about, even when he terrifies you.

The authentic 80s-style ambience, the detailed production design of the haunted amusement park, and the utilisation of practical effects rather than relying heavily on CGI, serves to enhance the film's distinctively vintage horror feel. Moreover, the excellent backing of an unnerving musical score and sound design enhances the overall set to make Gingerclown a well-executed horror-comedy.

In summary, Gingerclown can be seen as a valiant effort to knit a nostalgic horror-comedy that will transport you back to the buzz of the 80s era. The film is rich in creativity combined with a twisted sense of humour, perfectly picturesque grotesque creatures, and a shaded hint of romance. If you're an enthusiast for vintage horror, or a fan of Tim Curry's illustrious work, Gingerclown might just be the movie to satisfy those interests. It's unique, surprisingly fun, and will keep you captivated through its daring humour and engaging horror aesthetic. The movie offers an exhilarating ride through an abnormally enchanted amusement park that you wouldn't dare to forget.