The Overlook Theatre Reivews: Joshua Grannell's, All About Evil

6 of 7 viewers "Liked" "All About Evil" (USA, 2010)

Here's what the creatures had to say:

KillDozer - "Horror comedy seems really tough to pull off, especially now that the film industry is completely saturated with low brow, straight to bargain bin, forgettable titles, made only to pull in a quick buck. Writer/director Joshua Grannell still dares to take on the challenge and succeeds in giving "Grindhouse Geeks", "Horror Nerds", and genre fans across the board something bloody and fun. The story is a bit of an H.G. Lewis throwback that is sure to make seasoned genre veterans smile, and over the top performances only add to the throw back grind house vibe, especially when coming from talent like Natasha Lyonne (Orange is the New Black) and Noah Segan (Looper). The practical effects are beautiful, inventive and a true love letter to 70's and 80's gore hounds. If at all possible, this film should be viewed amongst friends and projected as it not only touches the hearts of genre fans but also gives the audience a taste of the nostalgic movie going experience rarely seen or felt these days. Keep and eye out for Cassandra Peterson (Elvira) and Mink Stole (Pink Flamingos) as they make fun cameos in the film as well. The editing, music, and acting are pitch perfect and the characters are memorable. This is one of those films that has you writing down the names of those responsible as you can't wait to see what they come up with next. As Peaches Christ would say this film is "Fierce!"." - 4 stars (collection worthy and a solid midnight movie)

Math Mage - "Weighed down by too long of a second act and fill with boring kills, the film comes alive in the third act. I really like the evil team (Alex from A Clockwork Orange, the twins from The Shining, and Igor from The Projectionist) but our antagonists hammy overacting was irritating. I'm aware that her scene chewing was an important part of the character but terrible acting is still terrible." - 2 Stars

Speed Demon - "Super enjoyable and extremely entertaining. This film delivers all around fun . Made me laugh and shocked me more then a few times. Loved the story. Original and comedic mixed with horror... Pshhh dopeness! Also filmed in San Francisco. Great! For a budget film this is simply outstanding and excellent. A must watch for sure. Don't take this film so seriously for Peaches Christ sake." - 4 Stars

Lord Battle - "Films about horror nerds being misunderstood have always made me cringe. I feel like it's a made up struggle that is blow out of proportion and always given a melodramatic treatment. Films about horror films being viewed by horror fans, I love. All About Evil falls somewhere in-between, as it features both themes but tonally creates a Holliston meets H.G. Lewis kinda vibe. Overall I thought the main story was kinda lame, I liked the short horror vignettes, and I loved the third act!" - 3.5 Stars

Huntress - "I don't think All About Evil is exclusive to horror fans, but it was definitely made with horror fans in mind. Those who enjoy camp and can appreciate a good practical effect (which may not look as over the top as CGI but is an affectionate detail) should hunt this movie down and watch it with like minds. When this gets presented at a midnight screening, I'll be there!" - 4 Stars

Dabbles - "Peaches Christ is awesome for this one. I loved the production and the characters, but it all reminded me of an after school special. Like the old Babysitters Club. But all in all the entire film was great from beginning to end." - 4 Stars

The Berkeley Blazer - "How much of my rating is based on being a Bay Area native who had just seen a live Peaches Christ movie the night before I saw this, her directorial debut? Well that level of familiarity certainly helps, especially when you recognize the streets and building that appear in the film. Nonetheless, I'd venture out on the proverbial limb to say there is a lot of inherent charm and invention in this labor of love. Many of the villain protagonist are quite well cast, and the side characters serve their purpose well even when their acting comes across a little stiff. Peaches puts enough invention in her structure that there are palpably great moments every 20 minutes, and the mini-murder movies are like precious little gems that work both on their own and as an interesting plot device. While this film is strictly for those who enjoy horror and low-budget brilliance (i.e. This blogs audience), fans of film in general will probably be able to appreciate this movie's sense of freedom and fun." - 3.5 Stars

The Overlook Theatre Final Rating*

(Below is for after you've seen the film)

If you're not a horror movie fan, you may be puzzled about why people put themselves through the ordeal of watching such movies. Many behavioral researchers share your puzzlement, giving rise to a term: the "horror paradox."

"No doubt, there's something really powerful that brings people to watch these things, because it's not logical," Joanne Cantor, PhD, director of the Center for Communication Research at University of Wisconsin, Madison, tells WebMD. "Most people like to experience pleasant emotions."

Defenders of these movies may say they're just harmless entertainment. But if their attraction is powerful, Cantor says, so is their impact. These impacts are felt by adults as well as children, by the well-adjusted as well as the disturbed. They may linger well after the house lights go up -- sometimes for years. And they may be anything but pleasurable.

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I took the excerpt above from an article I found on WebMD. The title was of course “Why We Love Scary Movies.” Not to sound like a broken record but it’s the horror genre not the scary genre and I hate it when people refer to horror films as scary movies… In this case, the phrase actually worked as sort of a flag for what I was looking for.

All About Evil is a fun film that verges on silly more than once, but confronts a very serious theme and in the third act things really come to a crescendo with Steven condemning the very genre that the audience, writer/director, and he himself love. He doesn't do it through some epiphany about how horror is bad but in a very real moment where he explains how horror fans enjoy the films not the reality and how exploitation is a much different thing and not one he supports. 

I honestly had very strong mixed emotions when Veda and Vera started stabbing each other. The twins were instantly my favorite characters in the film from the moment they were introduced. To see them cornered in an alley faced with separation or death... I’m not going to lie, it was tough to watch and I thought about it long after. But I don’t hate the film for making me think about these things, if anything it gives me perspective as things can always be worse. So even though All About Evil ends on a sad note, I think the message is positive. A good horror film doesn’t make you want to emulate the violence but rather respect the horrors that come from violence.

-Lord Battle

The Overlook Theatre Materialized for Double Feature Thursday on 3/24/2016

*Based on the star ratings turned in by character reviewers, others viewed and got to "Dislike" or "Like" but that does not effect the rating.