Powertool Cheerleaders vs the Boyband of the Screeching Dead

I was lucky enough the catch this indie gem at Frightfest London 2022 and it did not disappoint. A horror comedy musical filled with heart, gore and some really fun performances from a clearly passionate cast that put everything into the movie.

The movie follows a misfit cheerleading group called 'Power Cheer', the girls enter a reality TV contest and come up against the Starmen (whose intro harmony had me in stitches every time) and things soon veer into the supernatural territory with a cursed wishing necklace that brings a load of Zombie/Demons to the party, resulting in some great splattery gore. There's also a really fun love story involving a severed hand but I'll let you find out about that for yourself!

The writing is spot on with one-liners and jokes that land well, both in dialogue and the songs which had me tapping my feet quite a few times.

This film is a very pure example of micro budget indie filmmaking at its best and I had a fantastic time watching it. It can be scrappy around the edges in some places but all that is totally forgiven moments later when the next hilarious song kicks in. Check this out as soon as you can, you won't regret it.

Powertool Cheerleaders vs The Boyband of the Screeching Dead is an indie horror-comedy-musical that's as wild as its title suggests. It follows waitress Emily, who must overcome her fear of cheerleaders to lead a misfit squad in a TV talent show. Things go haywire when a cursed talisman turns their boyband rivals into zombies, forcing the girls to use friendship and power tools to survive. The film is packed with self-aware humor, catchy but campy songs, and practical effects that shine on a budget. It's chaotic, clever, and wonderfully trashy, with fourth-wall-breaking antics and meta references. A love letter to Troma-style horror and a fun, bloody romp for those who enjoy campy musicals with a twist.

I really enjoyed the film, another great showcase of Pat Higgins' directing talent! He manages to deliver all the gore and scares we've come to expect, but this time, he adds some musical numbers. I was skeptical about how a horror film could balance musical comedy with the intensity of gore, but Higgins nails it perfectly.

The film makes you genuinely care about what happens to the characters. It's refreshing to see that depth in a genre where that's not always the focus.

I have to give a special mention to Alan Ronald-his standout song midway through the film is an absolute highlight. It really captures the spirit of the film. Overall - a unique blend of horror and humor that's definitely worth a watch!

This is one of those amazing films where you wonder (in a good way) what am I watching? This is a genre bending delight. The film is well written with some lovely one-liners and funny insights. The plot revolves around a TV talent contest with the competition including a cheerleader group and a boy band. The musical numbers are catchy and inspired. My favourite number was "I am just a guy dying on the floor". Please watch if you get a chance as I was lucky enough to catch this at the World Premiere in London. Funny, original and imaginative. Charlie Bond and James Hamer-Morton are great as the leads and are well supported by a strong cast.

Unlike anything I've seen! Powertool Cheerleaders vs the Boyband Zombies is a film that knows what it is and delivers. Breaking the fourth wall, middle aged women dressing like teenage cheerleaders, breaking into song, death lighting cues, zombies, a credit roll BTS song, and of course a severed hand straight outta Adams Family! It doesn't take itself seriously and that is the best thing for a film like this.

The film takes big swings stylistically and due to its comedic nature certain forgivable allowances are given to its production quality and the effects. That being said the musical numbers are a fun escape from the dark humor that is the film.

Grab a beer, pop the corn, turn out the lights and enjoy!