I really don't know...

Rating: 8/10 (19 April 2013)

I just don't know what to say. This isn't a bad thing, though. In many ways being unable to come to an affirmative conclusion is what the filmmaker wants; polarisation of views. My view is split because, quite simply, I don't know if this film is a joke or not.
My standard review structure has to be broken for this because, well, nothing I can say can really summarise my opinions. The film seems to have a mixture of comedy and serious horror undertones. The opening would suggest a key sub-plot, but then the title hits the screen in 70's B-horror movie style (big, bold and red). The film progresses in this same style; giving you creepy pretences for the rest of the plot, then adding 'dorky' cliché's. The main characters are all parodies of classic horror films; a 'hot' girl and her 'jock BF'. The nerd who becomes 'Mr Nice Guy', and the unlikely hero who saves the strong-headed female lead. This assortment is then used as an explanation for the plot... (***SPOILERS***) ...as the 'ancient ones' required said characteristics in youth to be appeased. So, they take some funny cliché stuff and infuse it with some deep, intriguing horror plot. Interesting, isn't it? Why then, do I have such confused feelings? Well, because this happens THROUGHOUT the film. Hell (excuse the pun), even the monster's existence in horror films is explained as a kind of 'game show' to appease the previously mentioned ancient ones. The characters act like the classic horror film ones do (think Ash and Mia in The Evil Dead), and yet they appear very traumatised and pivotal to the progression of the plot.
The cinematography also combines the strange atmosphere of most horror films with the setting of any classic 'it all goes wrong' horror.
This film is a spoof of the very genre it falls under. Sure, the film is different, and sure, that's good, but is it entirely justified? I just wish it could have been more decisive in it's final plot choice; either be serious, or be a joke. This film did both, even at the very end. I admire the cleverness of the director because it had me going through every second, and yet I wasn't entirely satisfied. I can understand the bad reviews, and the 'OMFGGROFLBBQ BEST HORROR EVAR' reviews. But personally, it isn't either. I give it a ?/10