The Barn (2016)

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

best movie i've ever seen.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

What an incredible movie. A throwback to horror movies gen I grew up. Blood, guts, and gore. The makeup effects were incredible for an independent horror movie. I can't wait to see what this movie companies next movie is. The movie made me feel like I was right back in the 80's which is what the movie company was trying to do. The monsters ion the film came off scary and believable, and one of the special features shows us where the concept for this title came from. Also having a few appearances from horror legends and scream queen made this title that more special. I do not want to give away a lot of this film, but it will become a Halloween tradition for me to watch. If only horror movies of today were like this title then horror fans would be in good shape. A horror movie needs to be rated R and a lot of today's titles are not and they are not horror. So if you get a chance to see this title do so.

I wanted to write this review after days of the dead a few weeks ago but never got the chance. I saw the barn at the midnight screening of DOTD with Linnea Quigley, it was awesome. She introduced the film and gave a little insight into her thoughts about it. I loved it so much that I specifically went to Scarefest in Lexington this weekend to show my friends. This movie is so much FUN, not like trick or treat fun size candy bar fun on Halloween- BUT like getting a full size candy bar in your pillow case FUN. I read up about the movie prior to watching it and its really cool and inspiring that the director wrote it when he was a kid and finally was able to bring it to life. The story and look really does have a childlike Halloween essence to it. It reminds me of 1980s B horror movies with a mash up of the monster squad and hocus pocus. The attention to detail from the costumes to set was amazing, especially the skating rink. It feels and looks like a 1980s horror movie. FYI if you are into goofy dialogue and spoofy movies then you will be GREATLY disappointed as this film does take itself just serious enough not to make fun of itself or horror film in general. If you love older horror films, then you will be able to appreciate this one. The are also a lot of visual shot references to other films I picked up on like a night on elm street, maniac, cannibal holocaust, Halloween and TCM. Cool added bonus Ari Lehman showed up near the end of the film screening to watch. HOW KEWL IS THAT?!? I ordered a DVD copy a few days ago, can't wait to watch it with the family. This will be a new annual Halloween viewing for sure -S.M.

Caught this flick at Midsummer Scream Halloween Fest. If you are a fan of eighties movies you will appreciate the effort put into the Barn. It is a nostalgia film that makes you miss the days of big hair,video stores, malls and arcades. In terms of quality, the film is shot very well with some exceptional camera work and lighting. I actually got on my phone after the film had finished to see what year it was made because parts seemed like real 8mm or 16mm film. Would I call it a great film??? No, but is any film great??? I'd say it was a blast to watch. I heard one person call it a Halloween party movie and it's just that. People will love this or hate it for their own reasons. Some solid acting and my god THE MUSIC! Whoever did the background music (not the band songs) this person knows there stuff let me tell you. It has a sort of 'Planet Terror' look with the film burns that helps sell the vibe even more for me, but may turn off some movie snobs. More than anything it did capture the spirit of Halloween--- not to the degree of Trick r Treat (I'm sure with a bigger budget they might have) but they did a good job none the less. It doesn't look like a big budget Hollywood independent with its overall quality, but I also don't think it would have the same charm if it did. It has its own look and for me it works. I buy it. It's not a hardcore horror film, I would compare this to the likes of the Monster squad meets Night of the demons with an almost magical Little Monster feel to it. My only gripe is that one of the characters def needed more "scream" time before getting the cut -I won't spoil the kills- but I found myself being jaded that this character's bit ended early on. I truly hope they make a sequel to this movie because I want to know what happens next! I give it a 9/10. -1 for killing off my favorite character in the movie!!!

So I have to admit that I have been following this film for a long time (years its seems like), but luckily I was able to finally see it on the big screen at it's Texas premiere at the Alamo Drafthouse last week. I won't ruin anything from the film, but I must say from the story line and trailers (which are great BTW) I assumed this film would be a straight parody of 80s horror films. But to my surprise it was not like that at all. If you're looking for straight scares, you won't find it here- as this is much more of a love letter to those retro films. Yes it certainly feels like it could have been released in 1989, but the film doesn't poke fun at the genre at all nor does it feel self aware that it is indeed a "horror film". The cast was surprisingly good for being comprised of relatively unknown actors and the characters they portrayed were very likable. The Special FX were far better than I imagined they would be and the music was killer. This film had every opportunity to go the complete "cheese" route, but it didn't. It walked that fine line of fun/silly but authentic with sometimes a serious tone in the story arc. You could tell the production team must really have a soft spot for 80s B Movies. If you love films centered around Halloween, Monsters, and Rock music... then I highly recommend you track down this flick!