Hanky Panky

Sam (Jacob DeMonte-Finn) is mistakenly invited to a remote mountain cabin getaway. It's a gathering of friends and non-friends. Well, this got real weird out of nowhere. It is definitely an indie. At least, the filmmaking is very indie. It does have Seth Green and his real-life wife. Initially, I was going to give this a negative review, but the craziness won me over. Apparently, somebody wanted to put in some of the weirdest ideas into a movie and I'm all for it. When the napkin started to talk, I wasn't sure what was happening. I don't mind one bit that the wire is fully visible. There are moments where I laughed at the absurdity, but I wouldn't call this movie funny. Everybody is putting it out there, but nobody is actually all that funny. This is stupid, but I enjoyed some of the stupidity.

This film clearly operates on a low budget, and it shows, from the awkward ADR to the dry, sometimes redundant dialogue. The idea of a sentient handkerchief is wildly original and fun, reminiscent of quirky B-horror movies like Jack Frost or The Stuff. Unfortunately, the execution doesn't always match the creativity of the concept. The intro drags, and while there are some genuinely funny moments, the film often leans more on "tell" than "show," which hurts its pacing. The special effects are campy, possibly intentionally so, but still distracting. It seems aimed at a niche audience, likely those who enjoy "so bad it's good" cult films. The actors deliver occasionally amusing performances, though not always likable. The beginning is stronger than the middle, which loses momentum and made it hard to stay engaged through to the end. Still, it has enough odd charm to entertain the right viewer.

In the quirky world of cinema, "Hanky Panky" stands out as a bold attempt at merging eccentricity with profound themes. Set against the rugged backdrop of the Utah mountains, this film weaves together elements of fantasy, friendship, and romance in a way that is both captivating and bewildering.

First and foremost, it's impossible not to appreciate the sheer creativity behind the concept. The idea of a man finding companionship in a sentient napkin, of all things, is undeniably original and lends itself to moments of both hilarity and heartwarming connection. The filmmakers deserve credit for daring to explore such unconventional territory.

However, where the film falters is in its ambition. While the premise is refreshingly unique, it feels as though the story tries to juggle too many elements at once. From saving the world from a dark evil to exploring themes of love and self-discovery, the narrative sprawls in multiple directions, sometimes at the expense of coherence and depth.

Despite these shortcomings, the film does have its moments of brilliance. The acting, in particular, shines brightly, with the cast delivering performances that are both sincere and engaging. The chemistry between the protagonist and his unlikely napkin companion is palpable, elevating the absurd premise into something oddly touching.

In the end, "Hanky Panky" is a testament to the artistry and imagination of filmmaking. While it may stumble in its attempts to do too much, it ultimately succeeds in offering a charming and entertaining experience. If nothing else, it serves as a reminder that even the most outlandish ideas can find resonance on the silver screen.

Hanky Panky is a film with a 3rd act epic showdown is between a handkerchief and a hat. The film follows Sam, played by Jacob DeMonte-Finn, who has accidentally been invited to spend a weekend at a cabin. He soon gets to know these odd characters and is warned by his talking handkerchief that chaos will ensue and it does. As I watched the film, I could really feel the actors and crew having a lot of fun creating the film. It's always great to see filmmakers making their own paths by getting their friends together and creating something their own way. That is something that I am striving to do myself. I will have to say that I'm not sure if the humor always worked for me. At times it felt like only a select group would enjoy it. Besides that, all of the characters have really interesting and odd qualities to them that fill the movie quite well. Seth Green plays a minor role by voicing the evil hat. I grew up watching Robot Chicken and Can't Hardly Wait, so it was really cool that he was involved in the film. Lindsay Haun and Nick Roth's directing styles are a little subtle here to accommodate a more casual, improvisational film so it would be interesting to see what they could do with another material. Will this become a cult film? The audience will have to deem that. My theory on the sequel name is 2 Hanky 2 Panky.

Hanky Panky is a low-budget horror-comedy with a cult following in the making. It's a bizarre mix of nonsense, horror, and humor that somehow works. The self-aware jokes and quirky characters, especially Sam and his talking handkerchief Woody, provide a strange emotional core amidst the chaos. While the rough humor and language might offend some, fans of cult classics will appreciate the film's commitment to its oddball concept. Hanky Panky triumphs also despite its limitations (cast paid all expenses out of own pocket), demonstrating the creativity of the filmmakers. My guess is that this movie will get more and more famous over time. Great recommendation if you like something different to watch. And a well deserved 7/10.