PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I can’t believe the holidays are just around the corner… 2017 went by way too fast! The plus side is that Halloween is this month. Thanksgiving soon follows and then there’s Christmas, the most “wonderful” time of year. One of my favorite things about the upcoming cooler weather is that I get to indulge in some hot chocolate, decorate my place, and watch Christmas-themed horror movies. Old movies, new movies… I just can’t get enough. One film that I’ve been anticipating for a long time is Better Watch Out and I finally got to watch it. Was it the yuletide horror madness that I was dreaming of?
Directed by Chris Peckover with a screenplay by himself and Zack Kahn, comes a unique and disturbing Christmas story unlike any other. Better Watch Out stars The Visit’s Olivia DeJonge and Ed Oxenbould, as well as Candyman’s Virginia Madsen, Pan’s Levi Miller and Seinfeld’s Patrick Warburton, just to name a few.
Official Synopsis:
On a quiet suburban street, a babysitter must defend a twelve-year-old boy from intruders, only to discover it’s far from a normal home invasion.
If you’re looking for a film that is delightfully twisted and loads of wicked fun, Better Watch Out is for you. Chris Peckover knows how to deliver an intriguing story that delivers on all parts. This film beyond exceeded my expectations. Not only was it chock full of wonderful storytelling, the characters were phenomenal, the humor played well with the sinister moments, and the twists and turns were insanely awesome, all in the midst of a Christmasy atmosphere.
This film is being labeled as Home Alone meets horror, and it is that plus so much more. I haven’t seen a home invasion film quite like this before, and having it set during the Christmas season made it all the more entertaining. Who doesn’t love watching a film where a bad guy is on the loose, yet there’s cheerful holiday music playing in the background?
The acting by all parties was exceptional. Olivia Dejonge and Ed Oxenbould both played in The Visit and once again, they had excellent chemistry, playing off each other’s emotions. Some of their one-on-one scenes were my favorites. Olivia continues to impress me and is a kickass actress. I hope she continues to do more in the horror genre. Her character was impressive as she tried to protect everyone around her, even at risk to her own skin. Ed played more of a comical role and with his charm and wit, he weaseled his way into my heart once again. Without him, the film would have lacked humor and been far too serious. Last but not least, there is Levi Miller. I had never seen Levi in anything before this, but his acting chops are spot on as well. His character will wow you on many levels, but you’ll have to watch to find out why.
As I previously mentioned, the twists and turns in Better Watch Out were insane, even the ones that were slightly predictable. I was pleasantly surprised by most of the film and at the edge of my seat the whole time. Sometimes it infuriated me, while other moments made me laugh, but most of it all, it left me completely disturbed and wanting revenge. This is exactly what I look for in a Christmas horror movie.
Overall, Better Watch Out is one that I think audiences will love, whether they’re horror fans or not. It’s the perfect movie to watch during the holidays and a unique take on home invasions film. The twists and characters are the best parts. Better Watch Out will be in theaters and On Demand October 6th, so be sure to check it out. You better watch out for it and stay tuned for our upcoming interview with Ed Oxenbould.
