Can’t get enough of that red stuff! The blood is still flowing from Screamfest Horror Film Festival 2022, and while our continued coverage here at WhySoBlu.com is winding down, we have a few more treats in our review bag. So for this second-to-last article (the last one on Monday will finish out the reviews with a big bang!), we’re checking out three more features and some shorts to keep the pumpkin candle lit! Check out the encapsulated reviews of features Mean Spirited, 8 Found Dead, and Give Me An A, plus a few short reviewed shorts to follow. It’s time for…”Even More Film Reviews!”

FEATURES

“Mean Spirited” – While most found footage/vlog first-person features do tend to lean towards being subpar, I actually dug the tense setup of Mean Spirited. Meaning the basic tale of a small-time vlogger who goes to confront his former, now successful, friend is pretty simple, but the edge-of-your-seat staging by helmer Jeff Ryan adds a layer of complexity. So while all trope trimmings are firmly in place (have to have the funny slacker friend!) and characters defusing dark situations are ever-present (love how flippant lead Will Madden is even about blood notes on a wall!), there’s still something spirited within this familiar flick that warrants a watch.

“8 Found Dead” – This outing about a gang of friends who all run into the same dark fate is nothing new, but what ultimately saves 8 Found Dead is exceptional editing. So well-woven is this story told from many different character perspectives that by the third act, you’re almost begging to know what happens. (Hint – it all connects!) But high above the film fray here is odd couple Tim Simek and Rosanne Lineres – their creepy casting stayed with me.

“Give Me An A” – Like many anthology films, Give Me An A is a mixed bag. That means this multi-story flick, which focuses on Roe v Wade-themed tales all told by women, definitely has hits and misses. Some are too on the nose (the Alyssa Milano segment where she plays Abigail Adams feels more like a learning lesson!), some over the top (the staff at the fertility clinic in Our Precious Babies border on vaudeville!), and some just have to deep a need to feel topical. (Crucible Island is as painful as its real reality counterparts!) But the best of the bunch here includes a story of a gal who can’t get solace even from an empty phone in “Sweetie,” the outrageously funny “God’s Plan,” and the deeply dramatic and moody “Traditional.” It’s a good lesson for any and all filmmakers – story first, message second.

SHORTS

“CIMIM” – What a trip – guess those edibles weren’t needed after all. (I LOVED this one!) Blumhouse or somebody needs to sign helmer Cody Mobley ASAP!