Freaky does take a few stumbles along the way, even disregarding the predictable nature of the whole thing. Millie gaining a fashion sense and becoming cool while possessed by The Butcher seems a little forced, considering The Butcher’s psychotic nature (how in the world would that crazed as*hole know how to apply the perfect shade of lipstick, pick the most stylish jacket, and so on?). Some twists and turns along the way strain credulity – one particular, extended sappy instance in a dressing room throws the entire movie off-balance. I wish Landon trimmed away all the fat and made it a lean, mean little machine, messages be damned.
“…allows Vaughn to showcase both sides of his persona…”
And yet messages there are: about staying true to yourself, about not needing to be physically strong to feel empowered, about avoiding empty bus stops at night when a serial killer is on the loose. All important life lessons that one looks forward to learning in a teen-slasher flick entitled Freaky. It did make me think of how freaky it would be to see a spin-off, with Vince Vaughn as Millie and Jack Black as Bethany, traversing the terrains of Jumanji.
Christopher Landon, already labeled the new Wes Craven after two Happy Death (Groundhog) Days, is gradually climbing the ladder to be crowned the new maestro of horror (I think the title may belong to Ari Aster, but that’s just me). Perhaps Landon could step away from mixing slasher horror with classic comedies and create his own thing. Or maybe this is his thing. In which case, I look forward to The Breakfast Club on Elm Street, especially if it stars Vince Vaughn.
"…think of how freaky it would be to see a spin-off, with Vince Vaughn as Millie and Jack Black as Bethany, traversing the terrains of Jumanji."
