Pretty Little Devils

Pretty Little Devils is a riveting and entertaining dark comedy-thriller from 2008 featuring an ensemble cast, including stars Haylie Duff, Madeline Zima, Monica Lo, and Brett Claywell. The movie, also known in some circles as "Legacy," showcases an enticing blend of dark humor, suspense, and coming-of-age narratives that treads the thin line between unsettling thrills and infectious laughter, marking it as an intriguing watch for those who enjoy a different flavor of comedy.

The film centers on a group of girls- Hazel (Haylie Duff), Megan (Madeline Zima), Julia (Margo Harshman), and Kiki (Brett Claywell)- who are in the same sorority house at Linden College. These young women aren't your typical sorority girls, armed with an ambition and tenacity that sets them apart from their peers. They decide to run a suburban babysitting service called "The Sitterzz," a highly profitable enterprise given the demand for trustworthy caregivers within the community. Their venture attracts attention and envy from fellow students and others in their town due to its rampant success.

This babysitting syndicate work in a highly organized manner, employing some Machiavellian tactics such as pranks and small scams to undercut other babysitters in the suburban neighborhood for the sole purpose of monopolizing the market. They skillfully maneuver any obstacles in their path, their camaraderie and cunning unmatched. It's all fun and games until they take a child under their care from a new client. This engagement ushers in a set of creepy and mysterious happenings, creating a foreboding atmosphere that paints the rest of the narrative.

Haylie Duff, known mainly for her Disney ventures, shines as Hazel, embodying a leader's grit and the resilience of a college entrepreneur effectively. Her character carries the burden of maintaining the group's status quo while slowly finding herself entangled in the spiraling situation. The rest of the cast, including Madeline Zima, Monica Lo, and Brett Claywell, showcases a gripping portrayal of a motley crew that initially appears like any other sorority clique but harbors a steely determination and shrewd savviness underneath.

Monica Lo's role as Kiki is uniquely challenging, playing a character that brings edginess and an endearing vulnerability to the screen. Her journey from innocent sorority girl to shrewd entrepreneur adds an intriguing layer to the film's narrative. Meanwhile, Brett Claywell as a love interest brings a touch of normalcy and a grounding presence amidst the chaos of the narrative. These major characters' relationships with each other, their aspirations, and the intense desire to protect their enterprise, weave a story that alternates between the daunting and the delightful.

Contrasting their sparkling cheerleader outfits with the sinister turn of events in the plot, Pretty Little Devils offers a captivating twist on the familiar tropes of sorority movies and brings a dark yet delightfully perverse charm to the well-worn genre. It isn't always easy to bring comedy to budding fright, but director Irving Rothberg successfully weaves a narrative that finds the balance between intensity and hilarity, resulting in an entertaining ride that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.

The movie also addresses some serious topics like the pressures of adulthood, the strain of economic responsibility, the strength of friendships, and the high price sometimes paid for success. It uses the babysitting syndicate's rise and challenges as an allegory for these harsh realities faced by young adults, making it much more than a mere suspenseful comedy.

While it is, at times, light-hearted and mischievous, Pretty Little Devils has a strong undercurrent of uncertainty and tension, providing enough suspense and thrill to keep audiences hooked. This lively thriller-comedy takes moviegoers on a wild ride, offering an intriguing mix of mischief, mayhem, and chills. The movie’s combination of impressive acting, a tightly-knit plot, and the right dash of dark humor makes it a must-watch for those seeking a unique cinematic experience.