Once Bitten

Once Bitten is a comedic horror film that was released in 1985. This campy, cult classic stars Lauren Hutton, Jim Carrey (in his first leading role), and Karen Kopins. The director of the film is Howard Storm, and it was written by David Hines, Jeffrey Hause, and Jonathan Roberts. Despite having elements of horror, it has been largely defined and accepted as a lighthearted comedy that cleverly adds spooky elements to create a unique viewing experience.

The film revolves around the central character, Countess, played brilliantly by Lauren Hutton. Hutton gives an engaging performance as an elegant and truly seductive vampire who lives in a lavish mansion with her deceased but still active husband alongside an assembly of servants and party guests. The story emphasizes that Countess needs to drink the blood of a male virgin three times before Halloween each year to maintain her youthful appearance.

Cue the entrance of Mark Kendall, a quirky, goofy, and innocent character portrayed by a young Jim Carrey, a stellar performance that hinted at the comedic greatness he would later achieve. Mark is a high school student who is eager to lose his virginity to his long-term girlfriend. Unfortunately for him, his girlfriend, Robin (played by Karen Kopins), wants to wait. His eagerness leads him to cross paths with the Countess who is thrilled to find a virgin in Los Angeles, and thus, Mark unwittingly becomes her target.

Robin, his girlfriend, starts noticing a change in Mark's behavior towards her and becomes suspicious. Throughout the film, her character evolves from a passive character into a more assertive driving force, a transition that Kopins handles impressively.

Once Bitten earns its comedic status through the absurd situations Jim Carrey's character finds himself in, mainly his encounters with the charming but dangerous Countess. The movie is packed with witty dialogues, slapstick humor, and hilarious battles of desire and self-preservation in the life of a teenager. Jim Carrey's comic timing, combined with his incredibly elastic facial expressions, brings additional layers of ludicrousness to the quirky plot that is characteristic of 80s comedies.

Additional character depth comes in the form of Mark's friends, who are always ready with a disdainful retort or an apt response to balance the equation between horror and comedy. The film also explores the themes of adolescence, relationships, and fitting into societal norms in a unique and comedic way.

Once Bitten also boasts a notable supporting cast, including Megan Mullally (celebrated for her role in "Will & Grace") making one of her earliest appearances. The extravagant party scenes, the spooky ambiance, and the flamboyant costumes all fall perfectly into the 80s aesthetic, which adds a nostalgic feel to the film.

The film incorporates a soundscape that perfectly fits the humorous yet eerie atmosphere. Its soundtrack made as much of a splash as the film itself and continues to be popular among fans of 80s music.

In its essence, Once Bitten is a tale of youth, romance, and vampire lore all packed with Jim Carrey's legendary humor. While it's a horror-comedy that might not resort to scares typical of the horror genre, it is a film that makes for an entertaining watch due to its sheer absurdity and light-hearted comedy. The film continues to be a nostalgic gateway to the 80s for many viewers and remains a fine example of a genre-bending comedy that evokes as many laughs as it does jolts. Regardless of its age, Once Bitten remains a timeless entertainment with its classic campy style and humor.