READY OR NOT REVIEW
Starring: Samara Weaving, Adam Brody, and Andie MacDowell
Directed By: Tyler Gillett & Matt Bettinelli-Olpin (V/H/S & Devil’s Due)
Rated: R
Runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes
Ready or Not is an intriguing little comedic horror movie surrounding a family with a board game empire.Think Parker Brothers meet Milton Bradley.One of their sons, Alex is getting married.It’s family tradition that at midnight on your wedding night the family plays a game together to initiate the new member.Usually it’s something simple and mundane like Chess or Checkers.One option is “Hide and Seek”, if that card is drawn the new family member must hide and the family seek the new person out.And kill them as a sacrifice.
The movie takes the simple concept of hide and seek and turns it into a movie that is extremely reminiscent of Clue in a lot of ways.There’s a ton of dry humor, they’re playing a game, and no one really knows why they’re doing what they’re doing.
Our bride and new family member, Grace, played by Samara Weaving acts as the final girl if you’re familiar with horror movie tropes.You know this going in, but the how is the best part.The internet thinks Margot Robbie is the lead, because Samara and Margot do look alike.But it isn’t Margot Robbie, it’s Hugo Weaving’s niece. And in a lot of ways, Samara Weaving does look like Agent Smith.But I digress.
Ready or Not is full of over the top violence, humor, and lavish scenery.Great performance from Adam Brody, a man whose last film appearance I do not recall.It’s a black comedy for those who aren’t easily grossed out.A very unique movie, I’m having trouble comparing it to a lot of other things.Which is good. It’s nice to see such an original idea get made in a world full of sequels and reboots.
My big negative on this picture is that when a character is running, so is the cameraman.No, no, no.I paid to watch the movie.Not try and immerse myself in the movie.You tell me what’s happening on screen.Don’t make me decipher it on my own in a series of blurry chase scenes.It’s not often, but it is occasional, and it was distracting for me.
On a scale of “See It/Stream It/Skip It” – Stream It – Kind of a niche genre, so I don’t want to recommend everyone go see this, but it is worth a watch if you’re into horror comedies.
If you liked Clue, Murder by Death from 1976, or Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Indians you might like Ready or Not.But be warned, this movie is significantly more violent than those.
3 stars out of 5 for Ready or Not.