The setting is Anywhere, USA in 1984. I was 13 that year, so can totally relate to the music and the "ride your bike all day/night in the safety of your small hometown" feel.
For those of you who know me well, you'll understand how excited I was to finally get to see this. I love horror movies, am very into 80's flicks, and appreciate when filmmakers attempt to get the look and feel of another era.
I'm bummed to report that after watching this movie, had I a sad, old can to kick down a forlorn dirt road that would've been the appropriate feeling.
From the get-go I felt that the directors were trying to match what seems to be the recent surge of 80's teen-posse-horror-movie genre feel - much like what we've seen with Stranger Things and They Follow - and it was on point. The spooky/urgent accompanying synth music and lack of color and light in most shots helped to filter a somber, dusky mood. So far, so good.
But then it was misstep after misstep, and the boys playing the main characters needed better dialogue and bonding time.
Overall, the movie felt like a overachiever...I always felt like it was trying too hard, especially with some of the secondary actor performances. That put me off right away.
I'm not going to get into detail, but there was one scene for which I wasn't prepared, didn't see coming and it really bothered me. Honestly, removing this scene wouldn't make or break the movie - the story line didn't rely on it, IMO. It was a throwaway for shock value, and took away from what came next, which was the real crux of the movie.
So, I might caution against paying full price or even the going rate of $3.99 for a 3-day Amazon rental. RedBox it if you can't wait, or if you can Netflix it.
I give it a D.
If you're looking for a nostalgic-feeling boy posse horror flick, check out Super Dark Times. A truly fine film.
If you want a true 80's gem, rent "Motel Hell" instead and enjoy a truly unique horror flick.
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