Arun Arun
totally killer review, “Halloween” and “Back to the Future” collide in the delightfully cheeky and self-aware film “Totally Killer” directed by Nahnatchka Khan, known for “Always Be My Maybe” and “Fresh Off the Boat.” This genre-blending movie offers a fish-out-of-water comedy with witty one-liners combined with a time-travel sci-fi narrative that surprisingly holds together. While the horror aspect of the film is its weakest link, “Totally Killer” manages to remain enjoyable throughout.
Much of its charm is thanks to the captivating presence of Kiernan Shipka. She effortlessly handles the snappy dialogue and skillfully navigates the film’s shifting tones. The screenplay by David Matalon, Sasha Perl-Raver, and Jen D’Angelo demands Shipka’s character, Jamie Hughes, to transition from a sullen teenager to a grieving daughter to a fearless investigator, and she accomplishes this with finesse.
The story totally killer review unfolds on Halloween night in 2023, as Jamie (Shipka) prepares to go out with friends. Her mother, Pam (Julie Bowen), is overly protective due to a local urban legend – the Sweet Sixteen Killings, which took place thirty-five years ago. When Jamie accidentally finds herself transported back to 1987 through a time machine, she believes she can alter history and prevent the gruesome murders.
totally killer review : Is Totally Killer a good Halloween movie to watch?
However, no one believes her warnings, including the inept town sheriff (played by Randall Park, a frequent collaborator of Khan). Jamie experiences culture shock in the ’80s, encountering casual misogyny and widespread smoking. Yet, these observations are presented with enough specificity to rise above mere nostalgia.
“Totally Killer” also features an eclectic soundtrack that deviates from the typical ’80s movie songs, featuring tracks like Bananarama’s “Venus,” Echo and the Bunnymen’s “The Killing Moon,” and Shannon’s “Let the Music Play.”
Jamie must integrate herself with the potential victims and her own teenage mother, who she discovers was once their best friend and the leader of a group of mean girls. Olivia Holt is a fantastic choice to portray the young Pam, excelling in both the comedy and cruelty required for the role. As Jamie tries to convince these people about their fates based on horror movie tropes, her deadpan amazement adds a layer of humor to the situation.
“Totally Killer” makes a few clever narrative choices. It occasionally shifts back to the present day to provide context for Jamie’s predicament. It also offers a critical examination of small-town life, highlighting how peaking in high school can lead to people feeling trapped in the past. Shipka’s character dispels any false nostalgia about the ’80s being simpler or superior.
However, the film’s slasher scenes lack finesse in their staging and execution. For example, a stabbing in a waterbed feels clumsily executed. The identity and motivation of the killer pale in comparison to the resourceful final girl who ultimately saves the day. Nonetheless, “totally killer” review remains a fun and engaging cinematic experience.”
