HAPPY DEATH DAY (2017)

Directed By: Christopher B. Landon 
Written By: Scott Lobdell 
Cinematography By: Toby Oliver 
Editor: Gregory Plotkin 

Cast: Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Ruby Modine, Charles Aitken, Rob Mello, Rachel Matthews, Phi Vu, Ramsey Anderson 

A teenage girl, trying to enjoy her birthday, soon realizes that this is her final one. That is, if she can figure out who her killer is. She must relive that day, over and over again, dying in a different way each time. Can she solve her own murder?

There is nothing particularly that special about this film. At least it finally acknowledges it’s source material by the end and just like that movie doesn’t exactly offer a reason for what transpires.

Though the film does play like an homage to a 1980’s slasher film. Strangely only absent the violence, gore, nudity and sex. Which shows that while predictable those films had something to offer other then the more each extremes they were more noted for.

The film isn’t boring absent of these qualities. Though it does make this film more marketable for general audiences. As other then certain situations and language the film is fairly clean. It tries to play at humor more than be an out and out horror film.

It is kind of refreshing but the only thing that makes the film noteworthy is the plot which is kind of a gimmick if you look at it in a certain way.

The film has no recognizable actors so they can all easily be victims or hidden heroes. As none of them come to the movie with baggage or preconceived presence. Though most of the characters are one note or hiding hidden depth or secrets.

Jessica Rothe, playing the lead is a fun choice. As because of her character’s attitude. She comes off as truly an mean spirited evil person. Though of course through this experience she learns from her mistakes and becomes a happier more positive person. Even though all her positive changes will be done away with the next time the day reboots. So basically and literally the film is about her awakening.

The film has kind of a fun twist towards the end and as it has no rules seems to make it’s own when it comes to the number of resurrections.

It seems that the reasons this movie more or less got praise and was a surprise hit was for quite a few reasons. It was a horror film that came out around Halloween and wasn’t a sequel or spinoff. Also considering the ridiculous premise it wasn’t as bad or stupid as most audiences thought it was. It’s actually more a guilty pleasure that has a sense of humor about itself. All of these things work for the movie.

What has become a sad state of affairs is that we all have our individual tastes. When we go to movies we for the most part have something that has attracted us to the film in the first place. It seems now more and more the quality of films has gone down quite a bit that audiences are generally shocked when a movie is good. So much so they feel the need to scream it from the bleachers and why not we have so many ways today to do so. Though it is something, We should expect so that the companies/studios that put it out are held to a high standard and will not want to put out an inferior product. Though today some films are like an assembly lie so that there isn’t as much care and attention given and the studios feel well we have so many others coming out it will make up for it.

The film isn’t anything special. It’s entertaining and fun but instantly forgettable once it is over. Seeming to more go for the outlandish.

The film just plays too middle of the road. Not having. Any definite ideas or any real originality. Where as it has more of a dastardly premise which it indulges itself in. It comes off more clean and almost more a comedic thriller. Rather than horror or even really scary.

It seems to have this attitude which seems to want to be in the genre but also mock it and not in the most respectful of ways. Which doesn’t really show a care for the genre. More in just using it to further it’s agenda and in the only way in which it could work and not be accused of copying or ripping off it’s source material.

Once questions are answered. The reasons just seem petty and ridiculous. Which Is pretty much what this film aims for.

GRADE: C