Horror-comedies can inhabit a wide range of spaces, and this is definitely of the most unserious variety. It's pointedly blunt and over the top, emphasized with stylized split-screen, consciously overdone music, multiple flashbacks, and excessive sprays of blood. Greatly exaggerated personalities, heightened character drama filled with tropes, sight gags, purposefully hackneyed dialogue, and an unequivocal twist on a classic scenario paint this as illustrating the most absurd side of the genre. I had somewhat mixed expectations, but honestly, 'I had a bloody good time at House Harker' is aptly titled: This is a lot of fun!
The effects look great and are cheekily amusing, including a substantial amount of blood. Work by the makeup artists is outstanding - both the deep red that adorns the chief cast as the bloodbath begins, and the carefully considered appearance of the vampires. For that matter, the supporting cast are wonderful as they lean into the chewing of scenery allowed by the creature feature format.
And the primary cast is superb; these are comedic roles, but the characters are recognizably different from one another, written more solidly than I'd usually anticipate from such a film - and the assembled actors slip into their parts readily. Whitney Moore especially stands out; as Paige is a more serious-minded foil to her siblings and friends, Moore adopts a sardonic strength of personality on top of her natural charm and wit, and she's a joy to watch. Arlan Godthaab is also a highlight as the Harker's senior citizen neighbor Walter, bringing a great conviviality to a man of hidden depths. Of course this isn't to count out Noel Carroll, Jacob Givens, or Derek Haugen, giving Charlie, Gerry, and Ned great life while playing up each figure's peculiarities.
It's not just the characters; the writing is strong generally. Yes, this is a silly romp, but it's a romp that's crafted with great love. The overall narrative is swell, and individual scenes are written and executed with a deft hand and fine detail. Dialogue is perhaps a bit too much at times, but it's all in the spirit of having a good time, so without a particular glaring fault, it's hard to nitpick.
I don't think there's a great deal more to say. This picture plays in a familiar space, and is unlikely to be recalled as an essential classic, but nor does it carry any pretense otherwise. It has no aim but gory, ridiculous, horror-flavored entertainment, and in that it handily succeedswith some good laughs while unquestionably being a film all its own. Viewers who don't generally care for horror-comedies won't find anything to change their mind here, but if you want a funny, bombastic take on the vampire genre, this is very much worth checking out. 'I had a bloody good time at House Harker' is clever, lively, and highly enjoyable, and gets my strong recommendation.
