| REVIEW | Ryan Morrissey-Smith
- Director: Eric Huskisson, P.J Starks
- Writer: P.J Starks
- Stars: Lily-Clare Harvey, Matthew Tichenor, Turner Vaughan, Jeffery Riddick, Felissa Rose
Hooper Industries needs to make some layoffs, but don’t worry the staff won’t have their New Years Eve office party cancelled. Three workmates and friends Brian, Moses, and Leslie don’t really want to go but they all reluctantly attend. At the same time a serial killer wearing a plague doctor mask is on the loose, finding a variety of gruesome ways to kill people. Will this all come to a head at the office party? Chances are pretty good.
New Fears Eve is a throwback slasher of sorts, not that it is set in the 70s or 80s but more in the attitude of the film. It is great to see practical effects and inventive kills despite the budget limitations, whilst the killer has an interesting and imposing look. P.J Starks has a written a film that is kind of cheesy, quirky and often very funny.
The acting is fun across the board. The three main characters work well together with Brian (Vaughan) and Moses (Tichenor) playing straight man to the crazy man whilst Leslie (Harvey) rounds out the trio as she pines after Brian and barely tolerates Moses. Felissa Rose is hilarious in her over-the-top role, chewing the scenery in the best way possible.
Huskisson and Starks know their stuff when directing, framing the stalking scenes well and managing to combine the slashing and the comedy quite well. The film definitely hits the sweet spot combining humour, gory and camp and blending them together with over doing it. It’s earnest in its love for the genre and it is a fun time.
If you are after old school practical kills, some very funny dialogue and a good time, then grab this film, a beer and enjoy.
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