A Fun Horror Film That Could Use a Bit More Horror
Read Time:2 Minute, 47 Second
MOVIE REVIEW
American Carnage
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Genre: Comedy, Horror
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 1h 41m
Director(s): Diego Hallivis
Writer(s): Diego Hallivis, Julio Hallivis
Cast: Jenna Ortega, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Allen Maldonado, Eric Dane, Brett Cullen, Jorge Diaz, Bella Ortiz, Yumarie Morales, Catherine McCafferty, Andrew Kaempfer, Paloma Bloyd
Where To Watch: in select theaters and VOD & Digital on July 15th
There was so much potential, all the right pieces, but just missing that final corner piece. With two feature-length films to his credit, director Diego Hallivis brings us a film that is as timely as it is interesting. The film's beginning deals with many of the world’s current events and where we stand as a nation. With a very relatable “villain,” we quickly dive into the film's meat, where we begin to have a bit of a roller-coaster up and down regarding the story. I often found myself questioning everything, wondering how it would all play out (let me tell you, I was very wrong.)
While I would shy away from saying she is the lead, the film stars Jenna Ortega, who is quickly rising to fame as a modern-day scream Queen (a term used to describe an actress who is prominent and influential in horror films.) Ortega, at only 20, already has an impressive post-Disney career, including THE BABYSITTER: KILLER QUEEN, SCREAM, STUDIO 666, and X (just to name the horror films.) She will also be starring in the Netflix Series WEDNESDAY (based on Wednesday Addams.)
The film's lead is Jorge Lendeborg Jr. (BUMBLEBEE, & LOVE, SIMON), who plays JP and is the main focus from the beginning. It’s his story we follow through the film, and I have to mention Bella Ortiz (CHICAGO FIRE, AN ACCEPTABLE LOSS), who plays Micah and steals the spotlight every opportunity she has with her pointed charm and witty responses. The chemistry between cast members sells the story; without that, I feel like I could poke a few more holes.
My only real issue is that I had difficulty figuring out what the film was. At times it was a serious political drama, while at other moments, I was laughing out loud (literally). Unfortunately, the film billed as a horror film was severely lacking in that department. The film is already rated R and, in my opinion, should’ve taken that rating and ran with it. There are a lot of crazy over-the-top plots and fun settings that could’ve resulted in FINAL DESTINATION-style deaths.
In the end, I was left wanting more, so much so that I was hoping for a post-credit tease of what’s to come (thanks, Marvel!) This is worth checking out, it may not become an instant classic, but there is enough to it, especially with the current world the way it is, to make it worth a watch.
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I am going to come out and say it.. I know people will be mad… BUT I am worried that with actresses like Mia Goth and now Jenna Ortega getting into so many projects so quickly released they will become over indulged. I love both of them. However, I do like variety in my movies. I hope that Jenna is able to put some space between her projects so the audience does not get worn on her asthetic and films. Again I love her but .. sometimes to much of a good thing can sour.