A Chaotic Blend of Music, Mayhem, and Mirth

Read Time:3 Minute, 54 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Destroy All Neighbors
–

Genre: Comedy, Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 25m
Director(s): Josh Forbes
Writer(s): Charles Pieper, Mike Benner, Jared Logan
Cast: Jonah Ray Rodrigues, Alex Winter, Kiran Deol, Jon Daly, Christian Calloway, Randee Heller, DeMorge Brown, Thomas Lennon, Chase Kim, Madara Jayasena, Franco Vega
Where To Watch: streaming on Shudder January 12, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Josh Forbes' DESTROY ALL NEIGHBORS is a fun blend of pure entertainment with a dose of the eerie, delivered with a flair that turns a typical suburban setting into a playground of the absurd. The film charts the spiraling misadventures of William Brown, a progressive rock enthusiast brought to life by Jonah Ray Rodrigues, with an engaging blend of intensity and vulnerability. His quest for musical perfection is hilariously upended by his nightmarish neighbor Vlad, portrayed by the one and only Alex Winter, whose presence ignites a chain of bizarre and hair-raising events.

DESTROY ALL NEIGHBORS stands out with its themes of dark comedy with its vivid portrayal of surreal suburban horror. Forbes melds the mundane with the macabre, creating a tapestry of humor and horror that is as unsettling as hilarious. At the heart of this chaos is William, whose obsession with his rock magnum opus, played with sincerity by Rodrigues, clashes comically with the disruptive antics of his neighbor Vlad. Winter, known for his dynamic roles, brings a formidable presence to the character, elevating the film's eccentric narrative.

The film takes pride in its genre roots, showcasing a spectacle of over-the-top gore and special effects that uniquely flavor the horror-comedy blend. This unabashed embrace of splatter-comedy elements, paired with a fun cast skilled in navigating the nuances of horror and humor, gives the film an edge. Rodrigues, with his horror credentials, and Winter, with his notable filmography, combine to deepen the film's appeal with layered and lively performances.

Yet, DESTROY ALL NEIGHBORS has some flaws. The central character arc, crucial to the storyline, occasionally veers into familiar territory, risking a sense of predictability. Nonetheless, the film remains an engaging ride for those who savor the unconventional, successfully balancing grotesque charm with bizarre twists.

A vital strength of the film lies in its foundation, drawing inspiration from the (partially) real-life experiences of Forbes and Pieper with difficult neighbors. This layer of authenticity transforms the movie from a mere series of scary scenarios into a relatable and profound narrative. The script, honed through various iterations, is enriched by a diverse array of influences, including the macabre of Edgar Allan Poe.

Music is pivotal in this cinematic journey, mirroring the main character's deep-rooted passion and inner conflict. The integration of progressive rock drives the narrative and imparts a distinct tone to the film's ambiance. This musical theme, mixed with elements of comedy and horror, creates an engaging and thought-provoking spectacle.

Forbes' directorial approach in DESTROY ALL NEIGHBORS deserves applause. His dedication to developing extravagant ideas with finesse and respect shines throughout the film. This approach elevates the movie beyond just a comedy, infusing it with soul and relatability.

DESTROY ALL NEIGHBORS offers its contributions to the horror-comedy genre. The film, attuned to its audience, presents itself without filters. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it is a memorable and unique addition. It offers a compelling experience for viewers who enjoy a creative mix of horror, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling. This film is a testament to the power of blending laughter with scares, making it a worthwhile watch for anyone seeking a refreshingly different cinematic treat.

For more reviews, please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestmr.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of SHUDDER]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.