Bad Hair

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.

'Bad Hair' is directed by Justin Simien and takes in 1989, as an ambitious young woman gets a weave in order to succeed in an image-based music television network. The network, now under new management, sees a bright future for the woman if she adheres to the culture. Her flourishing career may come at a great cost when she realizes her hair may have a mind of its own. This dark comedy horror film looks at African heritage, culture suppression, and workplace toxic culture with a fun slasher twist that I had a lot of fun watching!

First the acting by Elle Lorraine is fantastic. She carries the weight of the film and does it with grace. The moments where they are showing her weave being put in are some of the most disturbing and cringe inducing scenes I witnessed at the festival. The give you PTSD by randomly inserting the horror throughout the film and keeps the audience on their toes and not sure what to expect. The supporting performances are all very strong and they are all having fun in the movie.

The film is incredibly smart in its content, and maybe doesn't realize it's potential toward the end of the film. I loved when the film explored the mystery of the weave, where it came from, what it can do. But that is kinda stopped short and a random "slasher chase sequence" takes you out of the story and is a false ending. If they had shrunk that scene down and gave us the true ending sooner I think this would be the strongest horror film of the year.

Overall, 'Bad Hair' is a fun watch, with good storytelling and great horrific cinematography. There are strong performances and a unique ending, even if the lead up is more generic.

Reminded me of The Simpsons Halloween Special called 'Hell Toupee'. Fake hair comes alive and turns the person evil.

As I've seen the story done before, I can't say it was original. But I can say that I enjoyed this slightly different take on it.

The acting was on point (apart from Jay Pharoah), I mean I love the guy and his impressions are A-class, but his acting leaves a lot to be desired. This is the 2nd film I've watched with him in and both times he was the weakest link. Hopefully, he continues to get roles and his acting game improves.

There was a great cast, with so many familiar faces, it was a real treat..and some really good special fx, for what is essentially, 'hood cinema'.

I also love the 80's flavour. The clothes, the music etc. Real nice touch.

Nothing groundbreaking, but would definitely recommend.

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.