RETRO REVIEW - "APRIL FOOL'S DAY" (1986): A TONGUE-IN-CHEEK SLASHER SURPRISE

There’s some horror artwork that you always remember. Mine is the VHS cover of Fred Walton’s 1986 slasher, APRIL FOOL’S DAY. The back of a woman in a dress, facing a table of celebrating teens, a knife behind her back, a glass of champagne raised to them in the other. And then there was her hair, ridiculously long and fashioned into a glossy noose. It was fantastic, and still is. As a little girl, it made me want to watch it so bad, even though I knew my parents would never let me. It looked fun AND scary, like the cover of those Christopher Pike novels I loved, and I weirdly wanted to be that girl on the front with the noose hair. It was a serve then and is a serve now.

In the deceptive landscape of 1980s horror cinema, APRIL FOOL’S DAY emerges as a cunning puzzle box disguised as a slasher flick. A film where the performances are not just mere acts but layers of intrigue, masterfully crafted to keep audiences guessing until the very last frame. This underappreciated gem injects a dose of wit and irony into the familiar slasher formula, delivering a clever and entertaining ride that keeps audiences guessing until the very end.

Set against the backdrop of a secluded island mansion, APRIL FOOL’S DAY follows a group of college friends as they gather for a weekend getaway to celebrate the titular holiday. As the weekend progresses, the jovial atmosphere turns ominous when the friends begin to fall victim to a mysterious killer, leading to a series of escalating pranks and chilling revelations.

At first glance, the film appears to adhere to the standard conventions of the slasher genre, with its ensemble cast of attractive young characters, isolated setting, and a masked killer lurking in the shadows. However, what sets this film apart is its self-awareness and willingness to subvert audience expectations. Rather than relying solely on gore and jump scares, APRIL FOOL’S DAY takes pleasure in toying with its audience, blurring the line between reality and illusion in a series of clever twists and turns.

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its ensemble cast, comprised of rising stars such as Deborah Foreman, Amy Steel, and Thomas F. Wilson. Foreman shines as the charismatic Muffy St. John, whose cheerful demeanor masks a darker undercurrent of secrets and deception. Amy Steel, renowned for her role in FRIDAY THE 13TH: PART 2, shines in her portrayal of the enigmatic Muffy St. John. Steel delivers a performance that's as beguiling as it is elusive, walking the tightrope between innocence and cunning with expert precision.

What truly sets APRIL FOOL’S DAY apart from its peers is its deft blend of horror and humor. The film opts for a more playful approach, infusing each death with a sense of irony and dark humor. From exploding cigars to booby-trapped beds, the kills are as inventive as they are unexpected.

Fred Walton's direction deserves praise for its ability to balance suspense and comedy with aplomb. By juxtaposing moments of genuine terror with moments of absurdity, Walton keeps the audience guessing as to what will happen next. His use of the island mansion as a claustrophobic setting adds to the sense of isolation and unease, turning the familiar trappings of a weekend getaway into a nightmarish playground for our hapless protagonists.

Of course, no discussion of APRIL FOOL’S DAY would be complete without mentioning its infamous twist ending, which ranks among the most audacious in horror history. Without giving too much away, suffice it to say that the film's final act upends everything that came before it, leaving viewers questioning everything they thought they knew about the story. While some may find the twist divisive, there's no denying its impact and the lasting impression it leaves after the credits roll.

APRIL FOOL’S DAY stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the slasher genre, offering a fresh and inventive take on familiar tropes. With its sharp wit, engaging characters, and unexpected twists, the film is a must-see for horror aficionados and casual viewers alike. So, if you're in the mood for a frightful good time this April 1st, gather your friends, dim the lights, and prepare to be fooled by this underrated classic.

THE GORY DETAILS:

One of three horror films from 1986 that take place on April Fool's Day, the others being KILLER PARTY (1986) and SLAUGHTER HIGH (1986).

Linnea Quigley was originally cast as Muffy/Buffy St. John, but she had to turn down the role due to scheduling conflicts with THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD (1985).

At the film's beginning, Griffin O'Neal's Skip character is blamed for a prank-turned-accident that leaves a ferryman disfigured. In a bizarre case of life imitating art, O'Neal was indicted on manslaughter charges the following year for a drug-induced boating mishap that resulted in the death of Francis Ford Coppola's son Gian-Carlo Coppola.