“MURDER, ANYONE?” (2023) SHOWS US THAT HORROR COMEDIES ARE WORTHWHILE IN HORROR

Horror is redefined by things constantly and with every film that comes out. There are things that happen that change the course of pop culture, while there are also things that are so memorable that stick with you for years. There are even ways horror movies are redefined by mixing genres, such as making a horror comedy. This has been a constant with every other horror movie for the last 20 years or more. There has been a great amount within these mixed horror genres such as “Tucker and Dale VS Evil”, “Idle Hands”, and “The Cabin in the Woods”.

Horror and comedy have gone hand in hand quite well, like a good old-fashioned buddy comedy from the 80s or 90s. Hell, can we not forget the best horror comedy creation of all time, “Tales from the Crypt”? This was a 7 season show that continued to prove with each episode that horror and comedy were meant to share the same film together.

Recently I got the chance to watch a great horror/comedy movie by the name of “Murder, Anyone?”. This movie stars Kristos Andrews, Galadriel Stineman, Maurice LaMarche, Charles M. Howell IV, Carla Collins, Spencer Breslin, and Lisa Wilcox. It was produced by Uncork’d Entertainment, Furst Class Productions, Red Phoenix Productions, JCB Pictures INC, and Sandaled Kid Productions. The movie has a great storyline and very great pacing. The synopsis for this movie is (provided by IMDB):

“Two playwrights, George, and Charlie are tasked with the challenge of creating the next "avant-garde, surrealistic, mind-bending Neo-noir thriller". As they write, the story comes to life in real-time. However, their own emotions and arguments also begin to manifest on film, creating sharp twists and turns that affect the entire movie. Filled with hilarity and chaos, Murder, Anyone? is a comedic play-within-a-play-within-a-movie that contemplates the complexities of language, art, theater, film, and more.”

From the get-go, this movie starts with a lot of comedy and experiences that kept me entertained throughout the movie. It plays on its quirkiness and shows the audience just how hilariously meta it can get. It feels like a hearty mix of “Clue”, a Woody Allen movie, as well as provides its own originality to the whole experience. The way that the movie transitions from the main characters George (portrayed by Maurice LaMarche) and Charlie (portrayed by Charles M. Howell IV) to the hilarious on-stage play rendition of their story with their main characters Cooper (portrayed by Kristos Andrews) and Bridgette (portrayed by Galadriel Stineman) playing out every hilariously panned out ideas for their perfect screenplay.

Each scene plays out hilariously as the writing team of George and Charlie pitch every idea, they have in order to get their screenplay noticed. I couldn’t help but laugh my ass off each time I saw one of their ideas for a “wow factor” to be added to their screenplay being played out by Cooper and Bridgette. Not to mention they add Blain (portrayed by Spencer Breslin) in the mix. He makes quite the entrance into the movie by wearing a chicken costume, rocking a bit of a porn star mustache, and drinking some booze in some of his scenes. He brought his A-game with this role and for someone who has been acting since he was a kid, really still seems to enjoy the art that goes with acting.  

Not only did I enjoy this movie, but I also enjoyed having a quick conversation about the movie with the director James Cullen Bressack. I enjoyed asking him some questions about this movie and other projects. Here is that conversation:

MD: What was the inspiration for “Murder, Anyone?”?

JCB: My father when passed away this was one of his last creative endeavors. He was doing this play so in his honor, it was the best way to continue his legacy.

MD: What were you looking for when it came to choosing the right actors for this film?

JCB: Maurice LaMarche, Charles M. Howel knew my dad longer than I did, Carla Collins was in the play. Outside of that, you cast the people that are friends of mine and those that are connected with the material.

MD: What was your favorite part/experience of working on set with everyone involved?

JCB: I think seeing the whole thing coming to life, it's nice to see everyone help me honor my father's legacy.

MD: If you could go back and change anything after seeing the final print of the films, what would it be and why?

JCB: This is one of the rare times that I wouldn't have changed anything, and this is how I think my father wanted it. I made this movie for the audience of one who can no longer see it, but yeah it is for him.

MD: What is next for you? Any goals or passion projects you plan on focusing on?

JCB: Darkness of Man, I just finished filming and it stars Jean-Claude Van Damme.

I want to thank James Cullen Bressack on behalf of Macabre Daily for taking the time to talk to me about “Murder, Anyone?”. I am always a huge fan of speaking to the people involved in the movies I review and getting a chance to get a bit of a look behind the scenes. My overall opinion of this movie was that it was greatly enjoyable. It was kind of like watching a horror/comedy version of “The Naked Gun” (yes this is an old, referenced movie but if you haven’t seen it, please do). It was all around a great experience and a really enjoyable watch. While the sense of humor in this might not be for everyone, I still think it is worth a watch.

“Murder, Anyone?” from Uncork’d Entertainment is now available on VOD. Be sure to check it out and let us know your thoughts about the movie.

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