READY OR NOT (2019)

Directed By: Matt Bettinello-Olpim & Tyler Gillett 
Written By: Guy Busick & R. Christopher Murphy 
Cinematography: Brett Juktkiewicz 
Editor: Terel Gibson 

Cast: Samara Weaving, Adam Brody, Andie Macdowell, Mark O’Brien, Henry Czerny, Melanie Scrofano, Kristian Brunn, Elyse Levesque 


Grace couldn't be happier after she marries the man of her dreams at his family's luxurious estate. There's just one catch-she must now hide from midnight until dawn while her new in-laws hunt her down with guns, crossbows and other weapons. As Grace desperately tries to survive the night, she soon finds a way to turn the tables on her not-so-lovable relatives.

There are just some films you don't have to worry about. As they end up being exactly what you were expecting in a good way of not exactly In The same rhythm or moods that you were hoping for, for me this was one of those films.

The film is technically a horror thriller but at heart, it is more of a dark comedy with plenty of violence. Though throughout it is played as mostly a game. That has a dark edge yet feels like the movie CLUE without the grand histrionics.

This is more a dark comedy dressed up as a horror film. Had this film been made in the 1970’s it probably would have been much darker. Though as it stands it is a rather fun movie that feels more like a survival adventure.

The film is predictable somewhat but you go along for the ride. While it throws twists and turns yet stays inventive. That is as playful and dangerous as the game it shows.

The film already makes lead actress Samara Weaving standout as she is dressed all In White in her wedding dress with bright blonde hair being hunted by her in-laws all In Dark colors and all brunette except for a white-haired aunt.

The film feeds into the new if’s and theories of the rich being Satanists and through a deal with the devil to be rich and successful and most remember what they owe by making sacrifices every once in a while.

The film feels familiar a bit as it has Samara weaving playing a lead in a film that is based around a game inside that sadistic and leads to chaos just as the films she has been in previously MAYHEM and GUNS AKIMBO only here she is more the innocent victim. Though this is as pulse-pounding and intense as those previous films.

Though the film is smaller scaled it might remind you of survival fo the fittest movies such as SURVIVING THE GAME, THE HUNT, THE RUNNING MAN, and HARD TARGET the same Cynical stance with humor only without the action movie edge.

She is beginning to become somewhat of a scream queen. It’s a showcase to her talents that even in similar films. She is always different never repeating herself though the films all endorse the theme of the haves versus the have nots.

The shocks in the movie are heavy but usually meant to be humorous and while most of the cast are more types you kind of wonder what their stories are or how they got involved In the family in the first place. Not to mention what games did they need to play to join the family.

The film So directed by the team of Matt Bettinello-Olpim & Tyler Gillett who are noteworthy short filmmakers and made the extraordinary short int eh VHS anthology that really stood out in that movie. Here the film has its style of humor, but not as many stylish tricks though it does have plenty of styles.

It’s hard to take much seriously in this film But you aren’t me at to except for the thrills. This is a film to more experience than anything else

Grade: B