Beast Mode

After his controversial star goes missing, a down-on-his-luck producer inadvertently kills the star he's trying to court for his latest movie, and in the rash to correct his mistake hires a look-a-like to replace him, but the clean-up process to complete the ruse turns him into a shape-shifting monster and must now save his film.

This was a highly enjoyable horror/comedy. What really works great here is the comedy in the setup where it builds the exasperated nature of his work and career that sells the desperation of the situation. The absolutely cheesy beginning where it focuses on the plight of the producer to get the movie going and deal with his disgruntled and controversial star who has all the hallmarks of a spoiled movie star which is quite funny. The accident and resulting need to keep it hidden from the studio bigwigs in charge are also genuinely funny which gives the first half a rather fun light-hearted tone that's immensely appealing and immersive. That also manages to work quite well with the start of the horror elements being introduced. The transformation effects are appropriately given a stylish werewolf-style addition to the mythology where the change occurs and he runs wild on the crew attacking the make-up artists and savagely pulling them apart before running off into the night. The ways in which it spreads throughout the industry with their inadvertent use of the special cream which causes them to become one is a fine touch, and the look of the best itself is a fine one giving off a rather vicious practical look. These help to hold the film up for the most part while there are some issues with this one. One of the main faults is where most horror/comedies fail in that the comedy doesn't always work for the film. So much of the goofiness and slapstick comes across as highly suspect in terms of actually being funny that most of them could've been removed without much change at all, resulting in several moments where it's a huge struggle to get through because the comedy is so bad. The exasperation and frustration that comes about with trying to hide everything are far more impressive and genuinely funny, making the comedy rather hit-or-miss. The other issue is the seemingly underwhelming finale that could've been fun but just seems odd and weird. From the haphazard race to get the antidote to the afflicted member at the party, the bizarre interruption to provide closure for their own needs yet surprisingly comes off with no motivation and a lame resolution and the halfway decent brawl between the monsters is undone when it's realized that this is really the clearest look at the design all film long. A series of tacked-on epilogues for most of the individuals go nowhere and could've been trimmed out altogether, mostly leaving this one somewhat cold at the end.

Rated Unrated/R: Graphic Violence and Graphic Language.

Well, "Beast Mode" wasn't exactly the most memorable of movies that made it out of 2020. When I sat down to watch "Beast Mode" from directors Chris W. Freeman and Spain Willingham I hadn't even heard about the movie. But the movie's poster/cover was interesting and caught my attention, and the fact that the movie was labeled as a horror comedy definitely won points with me.

But the movie wasn't really a bag of potato chips and then some. Sure, it was watchable, but it was hardly an outstanding addition to the horror comedy genre, and there are far better movies readily available in this genre. But yes, it was watchable, albeit a less than mediocre overall movie experience.

It was primarily the storyline that didn't really tickle me in all the right places. The storyline just felt too simplistic and at no point throughout the course of the movie did I feel like the writers delved into a well of aces. The things portrayed in the storyline were just too bland, I'm afraid.

The acting in "Beast Mode" was adequate, and lead actors C. Thomas Howell and James Duval definitely carried the movie well enough, when taking into consideration the limitations imposed upon them by the simplistic script and storyline. It was fun, though, to see familiar faces such as James Hong, Ray Wise and Robert Costanzo make appearances in the movie.

All in all, "Beast Mode" came and went without much of a stir. And this is hardly a movie that has enough contents to it to support more than a single viewing. My rating of "Beast Mode" settles on a four out of ten stars.

I cannot figure out why I found this so entertaining. The acting is hammy, the story is lame, except for some adult themes it reminds me of a live action Saturday morning kiddie show. But it was more fun than a lot of what's on TV these days.

Worst horror movie of the year, but the way theyve overdone their task of gruelling gore blood and horror ,amplifies everything else about this film, because the comedy is beaming through the ointment of hell.'

so if you can collaborate with a terrible story, bad special effects, and a very ironicly angeled gorehorrorcomedy its a recommend, i had a few laughs and thats usually a sign of clever devious filmaking. there aint much else to say that its a bad acted, bad story that has a fortunate outycome in the end.

so its a cultclassic for the nerds, thinks the grumpy old man

I don't think this is anything special but the 3.5 score must be hating. The premise is a little bit out there with the face cream, but the cast does a good job. Solid B horror movie score.

You got Frank from Donnie Darko in two roles, C Thomas Howell, and freaking Ray Wise. Thats 80s, 90s, and 00 nostalgia wrapped in one.

Think of this as B monster movie comedy cheese Dorian Gray with an LA/Hollywood setting, and theme of being shameless for fame.

The beast-looking monster is created when someone puts on the shaman drug dealer's face cream and is changed because they are being controlled by an ancient parasite. I bumped this rating up a star because look, I bought this movie from Dollar Tree, and I'm very entertained. I will probably go back and grab a few more copies for stocking stuffers lol.

/End Review.