SHORT FILM REVIEW
FEAR, ACTUALLY
A short film based on real events? ... not exactly.
THE WORLD HAS gone to shit, even more so than it is already. Trump has publicly tweeted the nuclear launch codes, and even the Easter Bunny has died due to a fentanyl overdose. Just what the devil is going on here? As one of the world's most successful horrific clowns roams the streets, Pennywise is but a shadow of his former self. His girlfriend Effie (Tory Taranova) has broken his heart because she no longer fears him, and poor old Pennywise just can't seem to keep up with the world's changing fears. When Google can sell off the personal information of whoever it decides, to the likes of ISIS, how could a humble dancing clown even hope to scare the pants off of anyone?
EVEN THE DEVIL HIMSELF FEELS LIKE YESTERDAY'S NEWS
Pennywise is not the only one scared to death of becoming a marginalized shadow of his former self. The Babadook (Vincent Yearly), Carrie (Kim Vruggink), Samara (Ana Pena), from "The Ring" and even the Devil himself (Derek Grauer) feel like yesterday's news. It's the basis for the therapy group they all attend with the likes of Missy (Zoey Sidwell) from"Get Out" stirring her tea like this particular grouping of ghouls, is as normal as cheese and crackers. For Pennywise it's been a particularly brutal run, resulting in a suicide attempt - that completely backfired. The job, the girl, can things get any worse? At least he's not alone. At least his support group companions understand. When Satan himself is mistaken for a homeless man, you know he feels your pain.
WHEN YOU CAN TURN SOMETHING AS DARK AS SUICIDE INTO A JOKE, CREDIT SHOULD DEFINITELY BE GIVEN
"Fear, Actually" plays on some of our most basic of fears, with eerily funny moments cutting through that hint of seriousness. Those feelings of inadequacy many of us get from time to time, or the fear of becoming completely desensitized, thanks to the world we live in, are never more than a ribbon away from the surface. And yet it's all offset so nicely, with some smart gags that will make most people smile. One scene involving Stephen King's Carrie, referencing one of the iconic scenes in the original film, made me actually laugh out loud - and when you can turn something as dark as suicide into a joke, credit should definitely be given. It's all just crazy good fun showcased using the movie monsters we've all come to love. "Fear, Actually" takes the scary elements, dismisses them, and asks its audience if these creatures failed at their jobs, how would they react? Like normal people - duh. Even for the eternal dark ones - failure is a scary notion. I'm just glad this short film was a comedy.
THIS FILM NEVER ALLOWS ITS DARK NATURE TO WEIGH DOWN THE FUN
Sassy Mohen and her not so merry horror brigade have successfully managed something a little different. The film never allows its dark nature to weigh down the fun and let's be honest here, who hasn't wondered about a concept like this one? Like every good serial killer story should have some kind of emotion attached to its villain, every good supernatural creature should also have their doubts at times. "Fear, Actually" mirrors reality just enough to set the stage for the jokes, and then goes its own way. Interested yet? You can find this movie for your viewing pleasure here, and laugh right along with me. But keep one thing in mind, don't hit that stop button once the credits roll - and make sure to keep the sound turned way up. "Fear, Actually" was a blast. Highly recommended.
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