Synopsis: Joel, a caustic 1980’s film critic for a national horror magazine, finds himself unwittingly trapped in a self-help group for serial killers. With no other choice, Joel attempts to blend in or risk becoming the next victim.
Sticking with the film fanatic/critic theme, today’s offering is one that I’ve had in my Shudder queue for the better part of 2 years. When I saw it cross my desk I was intrigued but for some reason or another, it slipped through the cracks and got buried beneath newer releases.
The film opens up in Minnesota, 1983 with a killer prepping for the night’s hunt. Grabbing what he thinks to be a quick kill ends badly for him when the young lady he picks up beats him to the punch. This opening instantly hooked me and drew me in. Saturated in neon glow with a driving synth soundtrack, this flick felt like it was going to be everything I expected it to be. I was wrong. This movie had its moments with some interesting characters but the over-the-top, exaggerated acting felt like they were trying way too hard to make this have the same charm as the schlocky trash films from the 80’s that we’ve all known and loved while missing the mark.
Vicious Fun has an extremely predictable plot full of every slasher trope imaginable but I think that was what was intended. It was watchable but not memorable. It might be one to seek out if you’re looking for background noise or something just to pass the time but I wouldn’t actively seek it. I feel like it started strong with an incredible vibe but disappointingly faded as it progressed. I guess that’s the way it is sometimes, especially when you’re trying to fill the gaps in your genre viewings. They can’t all be winners. If you want to experience this one for yourself, it can be found streaming on Shudder as of this writing.
Join me again tomorrow as we continue our journey down the horror rabbit hole.
