ThanksKilling

ThanksKilling is an extraordinarily unique 2008 American comedy-horror film directed by Jordan Downey. The film stars Wanda Lust, Natasha Cordova, and Lindsey Anderson and offers an appealing blend of humor absurdity, and scares. The film takes the tongue-in-cheek humor of traditional holiday-themed horror films and takes it to a new level entirely, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The storyline revolves around five college students - Billy, Darren, Ali, Johnny, and Kristen, played by Aaron Carlson, Ryan E. Francis, Natasha Cordova, Lance Predmore, and Lindsey Anderson respectively. The quintet embarks on a Thanksgiving break, looking forward to viands and drinks and remembrances around the warm hearth. Little do they know that a menace from the annals of pre-colonial times lurks around them – a killer turkey.

The principal antagonist of the film is the "Turkey," cleverly voiced by the director himself, Jordan Downey. Quite contrary to one's traditional associations with a turkey, this fowl is no feast ingredient. Instead, it is an ancient demonic creature resurrected from a centuries-long curse. This talking turkey that thirsts for human blood is the source of the film's dread and laughter.

Also in the cast is the adult film star Wanda Lust, who makes a special appearance in an early scene tied to the movie’s peculiar historical backstory. Her brief yet memorable role adds an extra layer of peculiarity and intrigue to the film.

In ThanksKilling, the use of practical effects, puppets, and puppetry in place of the modern-day CGI contributes an authentic and refreshing take on the low budget horror movie genre. This tactic harks back to fondly remembered B-movies of the 80s, adding to the nostalgic aura of the film and enhancing its appeal to fans of vintage horror-comedy movies.

Although the movie is categorized as a horror film, its comic elements run at its forefront. This is largely due to the abounding comedic dialogue, frequently delivered by the murderous turkey itself. These humorous elements alongside the absurd premise of a killer turkey create an intriguing replication of a classic creature-feature vibe, which keeps the viewers entertained throughout. The dialogue is cheeky and cliché-ridden, and the characters are intentionally archetypal. Such elements are purposeful and add to the humor and absurdity of the film.

ThanksKilling's screenwriting marvelously combines different genres such as horror, comedy, and thriller. It incorporates slapstick humor, puns, and wordplay in its script to form a light-hearted appeal amid the complex horror elements. Additionally, the musical score of the film, composed by Kevin Stewart, plays a significant role in setting the film’s light-hearted yet ominous mood.

The film's cinematography, although modest due to its budget, markedly corresponds to the movie's tone. Night scenes are notably eerie, and the use of various camera angles further enhances the classic horror effect. Despite the film's low-budget aesthetics, it remains visually intriguing, truly evoking a sense of dread in the most laughable way possible.

Overall, ThanksKilling brings an innovative addition to the existing pantheon of holiday horror. Although the movie has a low-budget aesthetic and non-serious theme, it doesn't flinch from its aim of generating hearty laughs and amusing frights. Horror and comedy fans alike might find themselves pleasantly surprised by this movie, which offers an enjoyable balance of humor intertwined with old-fashioned, low-budget horror. It's an amusing blend of scares and laughs that veers off the beaten path to provide a surprisingly fun cinematic experience.

ThanksKilling is undeniably a film aimed for a specific audience. Viewers who appreciate campy horror films and bask in quirky, absurd, humorous plotlines – the ones who love their films kitsch and their horror with a side of chuckle – this may be the ridiculous romp for you. The unique blend of the comedic and the horrific in ThanksKilling crafts a memorable movie-viewing experience that stretches the limits of both genres. It's an offbeat selection for a festive movie night but promises ample entertainment for those who dare.