I watched Totally Killer and I liked it. 3/5
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“Totally Killer,” a time-traveling horror-comedy released in 2023, attempts to blend the charm of ’80s nostalgia with slasher thrills and a modern twist. Directed by Nahnatchka Khan and starring Kiernan Shipka, the film offers a fresh take on the genre, albeit with mixed results. While the movie boasts some genuinely funny moments and an engaging premise, it ultimately falls short of fully delivering on its potential, earning a solid but imperfect 3 out of 5 stars.
The plot centers around Jamie (Kiernan Shipka), a modern-day teenager who finds herself inexplicably transported back to 1987 after encountering a masked killer. The killer, known as the “Sweet Sixteen Killer,” has been targeting high school girls, and Jamie soon realizes that she has a chance to stop him before he can claim more victims. As she navigates the unfamiliar terrain of ’80s culture—complete with neon fashion, questionable hairdos, and an analog world—Jamie must work with her teenage mother and her mother’s friends to unravel the mystery and stop the killer.
One of the film’s strongest points is its lead, Kiernan Shipka, who brings a mix of wit and vulnerability to her role as Jamie. Shipka is adept at handling the comedic aspects of the script, particularly in scenes where she grapples with the anachronisms of the ’80s. Her chemistry with the supporting cast, including Olivia Holt as her mother, Pam, and Charlie Gillespie as the charming yet dim-witted Andy, adds a layer of warmth to the story. The film does a commendable job of balancing humor with tension, making for some genuinely entertaining sequences.
Visually, “Totally Killer” is a vibrant tribute to the ’80s, with colorful costumes and set designs that immerse the audience in the era. The film’s soundtrack, featuring classic ’80s hits, enhances the nostalgic atmosphere, even if it sometimes feels like it’s leaning too heavily on well-worn tropes. The cinematography, while not groundbreaking, is competent and captures the film’s mix of horror and comedy effectively.
However, where “Totally Killer” stumbles is in its execution of the slasher elements. The film struggles to find the right balance between horror and comedy, often leaning too much into the latter at the expense of genuine scares. The identity of the Sweet Sixteen Killer is telegraphed too early, removing much of the suspense and leaving the climax feeling somewhat underwhelming. Additionally, the movie’s time-travel mechanics, while fun, are not thoroughly explained, which may leave some viewers scratching their heads.
The screenplay, written by David Matalon and Sasha Perl-Raver, is a mixed bag. While it features some sharp dialogue and clever moments of meta-humor, it occasionally falters in its pacing and character development. The film touches on interesting themes, such as the impact of generational differences and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, but it never fully explores these ideas, opting instead for a more straightforward narrative approach.
Another issue is that the film’s reliance on ’80s nostalgia can feel a bit overbearing at times. While fans of the era may appreciate the numerous references and callbacks, it can also come off as pandering, especially for viewers less enamored with the decade. The movie’s attempts at satire sometimes feel half-hearted, as if it’s unsure whether to fully commit to parody or to take its story seriously.
In conclusion, “Totally Killer” is a fun, if flawed, entry into the horror-comedy genre. It offers enough laughs and nostalgic moments to entertain, but it falls short of being a standout due to its uneven tone and lack of genuine scares. Kiernan Shipka’s engaging performance and the film’s vibrant aesthetic are highlights, but the underdeveloped plot and predictable twists keep it from reaching its full potential. It’s a film that’s worth a watch for fans of the genre, but it likely won’t leave a lasting impression.