18 reviews
I went into this film thinking it was a horror film mainly because of the poster which is misleading and a very poor choice for this type of film. Real horror fans will not like this film. This is a Halloween comedic horror spoof film, like something from the 80s which is actually pretty cool. There are definitely some issues with this movie but I'm gonna start with the positives. The writing seems solid, although I don't know that the director properly executed it. Some of the jokes really land and some seem a bit dated. The editor didn't do the script any favors either, some of the scenes seem rushed and others seem to drag on and the opening animation is way too long.
The cast, for the most part, is the highlight of this film. The story follows the two leads, half brothers Trent and Joey. The main lead (Shannon Brown) is a sad, kinda pathetic everyday regular type of guy, Trent, who just can't seem to catch a break. Brown has emerged over the last couple of years, this is actually the 4th film that I've seen him in. There is a genuine, honest and raw component to his acting, which is very appealing. I've seen him play a variety of different characters in other projects, he's certainly someone to keep an eye on. With that said, I think he would have been smart to pass on this one. His comedic timing is certainly sharp and he does a fine job of carrying the film, but I don't think his character was really all that challenging, especially compared to other roles I've seen him nail in the past. The other lead, Joey, is Trent's half wit, half brother played by Simon Rex. It has been quite a while since I've seen Rex in a film and it was worth the wait. This role was perfect for him and he really did a bang up job of bringing his character to life in a unique twisted way. The penis jokes, closet homosexual humor and overall goofball antics were embraced and flawlessly executed by Rex. The chemistry between the two brothers as leads was definitely on point, it was the highlight of the entire movie. I look forward to seeing both of these guys in their upcoming work.
The supporting cast was strong, very strong for the most part. My main reason for picking up this film is my obsession with the genius that is Ray Wise. I've seen everything he's ever done and was not about to make this film the exception. Although I wish his role was bigger, Mr. Wise was great to no one's surprise I'm sure.
The casting director really hit a home run on this one, the leads were great and so was the supporting cast, for the most part. Tom Sizemore, Jason Mewes, Wise, Jim O'Heir, Robert Craighead were all perfectly cast. Even Danny Trejo was great, although it seems like he is in every indie film out right now. I don't know if he owes some money or if his agent has incriminating black mail junk on him, but the poor guy has to learn the phrase "No thanks, I'll pass". The two hapless cops played by Lester Speight and Deja Dee were fantastic, perhaps my favorites among this strong supporting cast.
Unfortunately there were a couple of "wtf happened here" moments regarding the supporting cast. Connor, played by Jason Bernard, is just bad. Imagine if E did a "Where are they now" on a Ken doll 30 years later and those 30 years were not kind at all. An overweight, plastic looking blob, with a horrible dye job that sounds like he is talking with a mouth full of marbles. I was a bit perplexed by this mis step by an otherwise brilliant casting director. So I did a little digging on IMDb and figured it out rather quickly. Bernard is the owner of the production company responsible for this film, so he clearly just cast himself in this role and the director and casting director had no choice. Digging a little more I noticed his "known for" on IMDb, a crappy webseries, Family Values, that appears to have been shot on a VHS camcorder. Another self funded project by his production company, JR productions. This misfortune of a project also stars his friend, Michelle Mueller who just happens to play the hero's love interest in Halloweed. Then it all clicked, we've seen this tactic before. Bernard is attempting to buy an acting resume for him and his friend, Mueller, as both of their resumes consist of self funded garbage. This has been tried many, many times before and it never, ever works. When we see these two on screen we are instantly taken out of the story and the film goes off the rails. Mueller is simply not attractive enough to play the lead's love interest that allegedly motivates him to move to a whole new town. Although her acting is not nearly as horrible as Bernard's, it's still not strong enough to compensate for her run of the mill, bland look. Normally I would never be so shallow in my criticism, but the type of genre of film that Halloweed represents requires a little more eye candy, especially if the actress is playing your hero's love interest. You are not doing yourself a favor as a producer and funder when you force yourself and your underwhelming friend into the supporting cast of your own movie, a great way to burn a few hundred thousand. Sorry for the rant, but that type of crap drives me nuts, it's a slap in the face to real, hardworking talented actors and filmmakers.
Halloweed would have greatly benefited from a more experienced comedic director/post team, as well as a producer that wasn't trying to buy an acting career for himself and his friend.
The cast, for the most part, is the highlight of this film. The story follows the two leads, half brothers Trent and Joey. The main lead (Shannon Brown) is a sad, kinda pathetic everyday regular type of guy, Trent, who just can't seem to catch a break. Brown has emerged over the last couple of years, this is actually the 4th film that I've seen him in. There is a genuine, honest and raw component to his acting, which is very appealing. I've seen him play a variety of different characters in other projects, he's certainly someone to keep an eye on. With that said, I think he would have been smart to pass on this one. His comedic timing is certainly sharp and he does a fine job of carrying the film, but I don't think his character was really all that challenging, especially compared to other roles I've seen him nail in the past. The other lead, Joey, is Trent's half wit, half brother played by Simon Rex. It has been quite a while since I've seen Rex in a film and it was worth the wait. This role was perfect for him and he really did a bang up job of bringing his character to life in a unique twisted way. The penis jokes, closet homosexual humor and overall goofball antics were embraced and flawlessly executed by Rex. The chemistry between the two brothers as leads was definitely on point, it was the highlight of the entire movie. I look forward to seeing both of these guys in their upcoming work.
The supporting cast was strong, very strong for the most part. My main reason for picking up this film is my obsession with the genius that is Ray Wise. I've seen everything he's ever done and was not about to make this film the exception. Although I wish his role was bigger, Mr. Wise was great to no one's surprise I'm sure.
The casting director really hit a home run on this one, the leads were great and so was the supporting cast, for the most part. Tom Sizemore, Jason Mewes, Wise, Jim O'Heir, Robert Craighead were all perfectly cast. Even Danny Trejo was great, although it seems like he is in every indie film out right now. I don't know if he owes some money or if his agent has incriminating black mail junk on him, but the poor guy has to learn the phrase "No thanks, I'll pass". The two hapless cops played by Lester Speight and Deja Dee were fantastic, perhaps my favorites among this strong supporting cast.
Unfortunately there were a couple of "wtf happened here" moments regarding the supporting cast. Connor, played by Jason Bernard, is just bad. Imagine if E did a "Where are they now" on a Ken doll 30 years later and those 30 years were not kind at all. An overweight, plastic looking blob, with a horrible dye job that sounds like he is talking with a mouth full of marbles. I was a bit perplexed by this mis step by an otherwise brilliant casting director. So I did a little digging on IMDb and figured it out rather quickly. Bernard is the owner of the production company responsible for this film, so he clearly just cast himself in this role and the director and casting director had no choice. Digging a little more I noticed his "known for" on IMDb, a crappy webseries, Family Values, that appears to have been shot on a VHS camcorder. Another self funded project by his production company, JR productions. This misfortune of a project also stars his friend, Michelle Mueller who just happens to play the hero's love interest in Halloweed. Then it all clicked, we've seen this tactic before. Bernard is attempting to buy an acting resume for him and his friend, Mueller, as both of their resumes consist of self funded garbage. This has been tried many, many times before and it never, ever works. When we see these two on screen we are instantly taken out of the story and the film goes off the rails. Mueller is simply not attractive enough to play the lead's love interest that allegedly motivates him to move to a whole new town. Although her acting is not nearly as horrible as Bernard's, it's still not strong enough to compensate for her run of the mill, bland look. Normally I would never be so shallow in my criticism, but the type of genre of film that Halloweed represents requires a little more eye candy, especially if the actress is playing your hero's love interest. You are not doing yourself a favor as a producer and funder when you force yourself and your underwhelming friend into the supporting cast of your own movie, a great way to burn a few hundred thousand. Sorry for the rant, but that type of crap drives me nuts, it's a slap in the face to real, hardworking talented actors and filmmakers.
Halloweed would have greatly benefited from a more experienced comedic director/post team, as well as a producer that wasn't trying to buy an acting career for himself and his friend.
A film marketed as a comedy by putting so much focus on its pot-headedness usually screams out the type of audience it targets: most teens and perpetual adolescents, spilling out to include the non-artistically-driven permanent potheads. This one's no exception, while it also tries to rope in none-of-the-above slasher fans who've come to accept that comedy is as agreeable as blood to the genre, it's attitude and the kills that define a slasher. So, that title, "Halloweed", and the cover art
Thinking "Halloween" spoof is normal, just dead wrong.
If you're part of the first group: It's set up to please from the get go; just a question of taste whether or not you love it.
For the potheads: Depends on what you're smoking, I suppose, but know that pot is hardly a part of the story the marketing leads on. You won't find Cheech or Chong.
If you're in the last group: Nothing to satisfy you here; nothing matching the intelligence of "Behind the mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon" or the slapstick silliness of "Tucker & Dale vs Evil" though it does match its crassness and actually has a musically-denoted Benny Hill moment. Murder is part of the story, and it's handled in classic slasher fashion, this time sporting a baby-head mask, but the scenes are few and killing is just one of those things, like too many, that float in the background but never really seem to be a part of the plot, much like a "Scary Movie" spoof but, again, not.
No 80s nostalgia here, itself refreshing, and yet I was reminded of 80s fare by the generically unsophisticated absurd-is-normal plot developments, tropes, and resolution that were a hallmark of that period, right down to the caricatured baddies and the foul elderly semi- sidekick. If you were around, you'll know what I mean.
The first ten seconds past the titles establishes the vulgar humour to come, and, certainly, the mindless jokes are there and even set the pace for much of the first third but, surprisingly, never delves close to the level of gross or childish one would expect, minus one anal-cavity search. Thankfully, it manages to rise above and out of the toilet crassness after a while, offering a more pleasant level of humour that arises out of the whole rather than isolated jokes, but which never really hits the gut for anyone hoping for mature humour. Nonetheless, you're starting to care.. And that's when it strikes you: it's more enjoyable because it focuses primarily on Shannon Brown's more sympathetic Trent Modine and it's been a while since the juvenile pot- & penis-obsessed Joey (played by Simon Rex) was on screen. A rewrite that excludes this character would be easy but I'm certain fans will disagree, for, after all, there's no "teen" or "pothead" humour without him.
There's also a meta attempt that weakly rears its head at times but is so unbalanced and flat it stands out as lazy writing that adds nothing.
From what I've mentioned you may have deduced its biggest problem: It's highly uneven. In tone, in comedic approach, in structure, in focus, techniques, sound integration, and the plot is a patchwork of divergent elements with minimal significance to the running narrative or interwoven conflicts that never peak to any importance. The bigger-name stars have no real screen significance, cast simply in minor roles that don't, arguably, qualify as cameos. And pot or Halloween are hardly prominent, same for the gang/turf-war aspect or the slasher element or the serial-killer-dad past or the mayoral race or the love hurdle or and are brothers brothers or the bad guys such bad guys once you get to know them?
Surprisingly, it all comes together; things happen and life is composed of a whole bunch of elements, some that matter more than others, sometimes not such is life. In that sense, I honestly see no wrong with the story's direction as it is consistent throughout, often avoiding the expected in the process.
However, albeit the palatable layer that emerges, it fails to satisfy fully since, through the fog of sporadic variation it thinly coats or lumps over it, it's all too clear, title & marketing included, that the makers were more focused on trying to please as many as possible, not trying to tell a good story in a unique way. An art-house exploration of "spoof" this ain't!
That said, any reviews preaching either extreme says more about the reviewer than the film. Where in the spectrum of mediocrity you place it is up to you.
If you're part of the first group: It's set up to please from the get go; just a question of taste whether or not you love it.
For the potheads: Depends on what you're smoking, I suppose, but know that pot is hardly a part of the story the marketing leads on. You won't find Cheech or Chong.
If you're in the last group: Nothing to satisfy you here; nothing matching the intelligence of "Behind the mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon" or the slapstick silliness of "Tucker & Dale vs Evil" though it does match its crassness and actually has a musically-denoted Benny Hill moment. Murder is part of the story, and it's handled in classic slasher fashion, this time sporting a baby-head mask, but the scenes are few and killing is just one of those things, like too many, that float in the background but never really seem to be a part of the plot, much like a "Scary Movie" spoof but, again, not.
No 80s nostalgia here, itself refreshing, and yet I was reminded of 80s fare by the generically unsophisticated absurd-is-normal plot developments, tropes, and resolution that were a hallmark of that period, right down to the caricatured baddies and the foul elderly semi- sidekick. If you were around, you'll know what I mean.
The first ten seconds past the titles establishes the vulgar humour to come, and, certainly, the mindless jokes are there and even set the pace for much of the first third but, surprisingly, never delves close to the level of gross or childish one would expect, minus one anal-cavity search. Thankfully, it manages to rise above and out of the toilet crassness after a while, offering a more pleasant level of humour that arises out of the whole rather than isolated jokes, but which never really hits the gut for anyone hoping for mature humour. Nonetheless, you're starting to care.. And that's when it strikes you: it's more enjoyable because it focuses primarily on Shannon Brown's more sympathetic Trent Modine and it's been a while since the juvenile pot- & penis-obsessed Joey (played by Simon Rex) was on screen. A rewrite that excludes this character would be easy but I'm certain fans will disagree, for, after all, there's no "teen" or "pothead" humour without him.
There's also a meta attempt that weakly rears its head at times but is so unbalanced and flat it stands out as lazy writing that adds nothing.
From what I've mentioned you may have deduced its biggest problem: It's highly uneven. In tone, in comedic approach, in structure, in focus, techniques, sound integration, and the plot is a patchwork of divergent elements with minimal significance to the running narrative or interwoven conflicts that never peak to any importance. The bigger-name stars have no real screen significance, cast simply in minor roles that don't, arguably, qualify as cameos. And pot or Halloween are hardly prominent, same for the gang/turf-war aspect or the slasher element or the serial-killer-dad past or the mayoral race or the love hurdle or and are brothers brothers or the bad guys such bad guys once you get to know them?
Surprisingly, it all comes together; things happen and life is composed of a whole bunch of elements, some that matter more than others, sometimes not such is life. In that sense, I honestly see no wrong with the story's direction as it is consistent throughout, often avoiding the expected in the process.
However, albeit the palatable layer that emerges, it fails to satisfy fully since, through the fog of sporadic variation it thinly coats or lumps over it, it's all too clear, title & marketing included, that the makers were more focused on trying to please as many as possible, not trying to tell a good story in a unique way. An art-house exploration of "spoof" this ain't!
That said, any reviews preaching either extreme says more about the reviewer than the film. Where in the spectrum of mediocrity you place it is up to you.
- pdlussier1
- Feb 5, 2017
- Permalink
My quick rating - 4,5/10. I cannot believe it took this long for this title to be used for a movie. Anyway, 2 stoners leave town and move so the main lead (name doesn't matter, you will never see him again) can escape living in the shadow of his serial killer father after his execution. The bright notion is after viewing an infomercial about the loneliest place around, they decide to move there. There is a romantic angle, and a mysterious killer on the loose as well to attempt a plot. The movie is much more comedy and never really bothers to focus on the murders. There is much saving to earn any points and this is easily done by the friend in the movie who is completely hilarious in his effort to convince people he is not gay. It is worth watching strictly for that and is the only reason I am keeping it. Oh, did I mention that these two morons have to mainline pot to survive? And the town they move to happens to survive by living on weed as well. The entire town seem to be potheads conveniently. Grab your 5 footer and toke up, I would assume the movie will be damn funny if you are high.
- longview-77631
- Jan 27, 2020
- Permalink
- brooke2323
- Oct 18, 2016
- Permalink
I like to give indie films a lot of credit because its not easy to get a film completed. But wow. I have no idea what I watched. It took me multiple attempts to get through the whole thing. From a technical standpoint this was a big swing and a miss. The acting was so painful that not a single joke landed. This was a plot that could have been a big hit in the early 2000's with a much stronger script and a better team. I wish I wasn't sucked in by the title of the movie, it's the only element that works.
- drdeathforpresident
- Dec 6, 2016
- Permalink
Halloweed is difficult to review because it's bad in so many ways. The cheap production value is the most noticeable detriment. The sets, props, and wardrobe look like they were slapped together for a student film. Meanwhile, the juvenile script is a close runner-up. The core idea of a stoner-slasher movie is fun, but the actual execution is embarrassing. The dialogue is stupid, the story is obvious, and the jokes are for fourteen-year-olds. On top of that, entire scenes serve no purpose beyond failed humor and padding the runtime. Lastly, there isn't enough characterization of our main protagonist. He is meant to be a relatable everyman but he is a bland, blank slate.
The acting is painfully bad as well. Much of that can be blamed on the material, but there are definitely stuttered lines and awkward pornstars. Plus, there are several technical issues like shots cutting off the tops of characters' heads, washed out lighting, tacky sound effects, and distracting musical covers. All in all, Halloweed is such a symphony of cinematic shortcomings that it's actually kind of impressive. However, that isn't an endorsement. There are better funny-bad movies to laugh at.
Writing: 1/10 Direction: 1/10 Cinematography: 1/10 Acting: 1/10 Editing: 3/10 Sound: 3/10 Score/Soundtrack: 2/10 Production Design: 1/10 Casting: 2/10 Effects: 1/10
Overall Score: 1.6/10.
The acting is painfully bad as well. Much of that can be blamed on the material, but there are definitely stuttered lines and awkward pornstars. Plus, there are several technical issues like shots cutting off the tops of characters' heads, washed out lighting, tacky sound effects, and distracting musical covers. All in all, Halloweed is such a symphony of cinematic shortcomings that it's actually kind of impressive. However, that isn't an endorsement. There are better funny-bad movies to laugh at.
Writing: 1/10 Direction: 1/10 Cinematography: 1/10 Acting: 1/10 Editing: 3/10 Sound: 3/10 Score/Soundtrack: 2/10 Production Design: 1/10 Casting: 2/10 Effects: 1/10
Overall Score: 1.6/10.
This movie was exactly what I thought it would be and that's a good thing. A perfect mix of humor, suspense and a nice compliment of blood and weed. The movie starts out with a pair of lovable, down on their luck brothers dealing with their infamous father, played by the always wild and entertaining Tom Sizemore. The main lead, Trent Modine(played wonderfully by Shannon Brown), and his half brother, Joey(played by the raunchy yet hilarious Simon Rex) decide to move to the small town of Mooseheart to start a new life. This is when the story takes off and the roller coaster begins. As we follow Trent through the story he encounters some of the wildest characters you'll ever want to meet. The film is great for exactly what it is, a light hearted horror spoof. The cast is the highlight of this film. Tom Sizemore, Danny Trejo, Simon Rex, Ray Wise, Jason Mewes are all brilliantly cast for their respective roles led by Shannon Brown who carries the lead perfectly as the angst ridden, down on his luck ordinary guy that is surrounded by chaos and over the top characters. The chemistry between Trent and Joey and Trent and Madison is genuinely strong. The writing works well and the cinematography is spot on. I had a blast watching this and I'm sure you will too!
- nogodnomasters
- Sep 14, 2017
- Permalink
- Suzie_Canes
- Oct 23, 2016
- Permalink
Heard of this for years, only now getting to for Halloween 2021. Intro animation aside, I found myself enjoying uh, whatever brand of humor this is (I guess a stoner comedy). Admittedly I am sure it helps to uh, partake of such activities while viewing.
I start all movies at 5 and raise or lower from there. Not expecting much, this went to 7 for me, obviously on a sort of graded scale for Halloween flicks. The stoner comedy works on its own, feels like a throwback to early 2000 flicks of that time. Honestly I was enjoying it for that alone, was surprised at the admittedly quite late (like 1/2 in) introduction of the Baby Face Killer stuff, which was just icing on the cake.
I start all movies at 5 and raise or lower from there. Not expecting much, this went to 7 for me, obviously on a sort of graded scale for Halloween flicks. The stoner comedy works on its own, feels like a throwback to early 2000 flicks of that time. Honestly I was enjoying it for that alone, was surprised at the admittedly quite late (like 1/2 in) introduction of the Baby Face Killer stuff, which was just icing on the cake.
- gressman07
- Oct 20, 2021
- Permalink
If you are one for a raunchy, goofy comedic adventure then this film will sit with you very well. With that being said, this isn't a movie striving to be nominated for an academy award in any sense of the term and therefore it shouldn't be treated that way, rather it's perfect if you are in the mood for many late night laughs with your buddies, toked up or sober. The blend of the personalities behind Trent and Joey drive the movies comedic value considering the fact that they're polar opposites for the most part, but at times are the same person making the audience love their bond that much more. Both Shannon Brown and Simon Rex do a great job of fulfilling their individual roles. I've seen Brown play some pretty intense roles in the past, this role was quite the departure from those, but he was still great carrying the lead role, Trent. The other lead, Simon Rex, played a character that he's probably used to playing, although probably not a stretch for him, he still absolutely delivered a strong performance. Most of the supporting cast is good, a nice balance of witty and sane characters throughout the plot. Lloyd, played by Robert Craighead, really stood out from all the other supporting players, he was a riot. The plot is kind of hard to follow during the first part of the movie, but as the film nears its ending it gradually clears up more and more which is one of my few and minor complaints about this film as a comedy. Overall, the film does a great job of doing what I believe it aimed to accomplish.
- dcphotoandvideo
- Oct 23, 2016
- Permalink
If you are looking for light-hearted comedy to take your minds off of they day you just had, then you'll like this movie. It is good quality, good acting, and even a plot. And to tell you the truth, they had me at the end. I did not know until then 'who done it'.
I can see this film playing in the background of Halloween parties for years to come. It's one of those where you can glance at the screen every so often and exclaim "Watch this part...this is so funny!" or "Watch this part...this is really gross!" or "Watch this part...she is really hot!"
All in all, a cute quirky movie, and I recommend it.
I can see this film playing in the background of Halloween parties for years to come. It's one of those where you can glance at the screen every so often and exclaim "Watch this part...this is so funny!" or "Watch this part...this is really gross!" or "Watch this part...she is really hot!"
All in all, a cute quirky movie, and I recommend it.
- sandygulliver
- Nov 9, 2016
- Permalink
This movie was hilarious. The lead, Shannon Brown, made it all the funnier. I hope to be buying it to add to my comedy collection!!! It was full of some of my favorite actors, adding Danny and Rex to the cast was genius. Tom Sizemore, he's had it rough the past few years, still amazing. I love a good comedy and mixing it with the Supernatural makes it all the more appealing to viewers that love the genre. Definitely worth watching a second time. Maybe even a third. Is the movie just FULL with weed smoking, nope, but then there are plenty of other reasons to watch this movie besides all the tokin n smokin! A sexy cast and funny story line make it all worth it!
- shewulf121
- Oct 21, 2016
- Permalink
I give this film 10 out of 10. I recently watched this film, and I loved it. The cinematography and acting was great. Let's think back to other independent films that we have seen recently or in the past. What is always missing is the quality of the product and believable actors/acting. This film had both. Not only that, the film was genuinely funny and made me laugh. The humor and the story made sense, and correlated quite well. There was great chemistry between the members of the cast. When you stand this film up against most other independent films, it is top of its class. Amazing job and well put together.
- tashgreen-73804
- Apr 29, 2021
- Permalink