Bad Hair

This is a satirical horror film set in the 80's. And it deals with the pressures that black women faced ( are facing) when it comes to the music/video/film industry - setting the bar much higher to look a certain way to be accepted as " beautiful" . And in this case, it is hair weaving to get that particular straight hair look.

We follow Anna played by Elle Loraine, an aspiring executive assistant on a music video show made for black audiences called Culture. Her world is turned upside down when her mentor is removed from the show and is replaced with an ex-model named Zora, played by Vanessa Williams. Zora insists that Anna would be better off if she looked a certain way, suggesting she go to her hairstylist for the new weave ... and ... things don't go well for a whole bunch of people ...

The cinematography was interesting, there were four scenes in particular where the use of colors, shadows and silhouettes was perfect. The 80's was captured brilliantly - as someone who lived through all that it was spot on without being too intrusive. Sometimes period pieces get in their own way - not so with this film. It is a comedy and meant to be campy and there were a few laugh out loud moments for me including one from Vanessa Willaims.

My only complaint was that the run time was a bit long - while the ending was funny in some parts, the final fight went on too long and could have used some "shearing".

This movie gets a complex balance of themes just right...it's not quite a horror film...far too tongue in cheek and humorous. But the humor is subtle, not in your face. It has some messages but doesn't take itself too seriously. Most of all: the entire cast is extremely committed! Not one phoned in performance. Speaking of the cast, it helps to know the black entertainment industry because a ton of people are in this: where else can you find Blair Underwood, Usher, Laverne Cox, and MC Lyte in small supporting roles? This movie should have you smiling quite a bit...and Vanessa Williams never fails to deliver in her patented Dominique Devereaux attitude...who else can serve up a line like "My Killer Weave Support Group?" Meanwhile, you really don't need to know all but the rudiments of black hair and weaves to get the plot...if you don't: it's a movie in the vein of Death Becomes Her...where vanity comes at a price. Not for nothing, it also gets black 1989 perfectly. The clothes. The music. The conflict between natural and processed hair. The fact that this has such a low rating is incomprehensible to me.

This is a fun one. Love that it's set in the 80s. This movie is a cross between Little Shop of Horror and Jennifer's Body. It's campy and fun and sadly reminds me too much of the first and last time I got a sew in.

I mean that's what they say right? On the other hand, having good hair is important if you want to be in front of the camera. Having "bad" hair seems to help too ... but for how long? And who is really benefitting from that hair? Exactly something you will find out in the movie.

Now don't get it twisted: the movie is quite predictable to say the least. Still it is fun in the romp and out there kind of way. The effects are decent enough (considering the low budget nature of the movie) and actors are well cast too. Don't be too squeamish, do not expect much than a horror ride that is almost beyond ridiculous and you'll be entertained.

Definitely a must-see for anyone who enjoys horror with a comedic twist.

Don't be fooled by the context (African-American TV show in 1980's LA, and an African-American centric plot).

This is way beyond "hood films", as I've seen some other reviewer call it (I've never heard that one before, but I instantly knew what this guy meant). Case in point: I'm a effing middle-age white european guy miles away from LA and I had a hell of a lot of fun watching this! Not only that, I was watching this and all the while saying to myself "This is so good!".

I've read comments about the story, about the cast... The cast is very good, and the story, although not new, is a very refreshing take on all the tropes it feeds off of. But still, nobody mentions that this was perfectly directed and edited.

In my library, this gets a place next to Ghostbusters. Well, maybe on the shelf below it, but anyway.. this is a great movie nobody will regret watching.