Murdercise

Murdercise is the kind of movie that knows exactly what it is: a low-budget love letter to 80s slasher flicks and aerobic workout videos, wrapped in a neon-soaked package of pure, unadulterated camp. Directed by Angelica De Alba and Paul Ragsdale, this indie gem doesn't pretend to be high art-it revels in its absurdity, and that's where its charm lies. It's "so bad it's good" in the best possible way, delivering laughs, gore, and a wild ride that's hard not to enjoy if you're in on the joke.

The plot follows Phoebe (Kansas Bowling), a fitness-obsessed nerd who lands a gig in a sleazy workout video, only to snap and start murdering her way to the top with the help of a mafia princess wild child (Nina Lanee Kent). It's as ridiculous as it sounds, and the film leans into every over-the-top moment with gusto. The dialogue is hilariously clunky, the acting delightfully wooden at times, and the kills-like a standout chainsaw-to-the-head scene-are gloriously low-fi yet effective. This is B-movie territory through and through, and it's all the better for it.

What's truly impressive is how much the production team squeezes out of what's clearly a shoestring budget. The 80s aesthetic-think sweatbands, Walkmans, and blue/purple lighting-is spot-on, capturing that retro vibe without breaking the bank. The soundtrack is catchy and fits the tone perfectly, while the practical effects, though simple, add a gritty charm that CGI could never replicate. For a crowdfunded indie flick, the lighting and sound are surprisingly solid-two areas where low-budget films often falter. De Alba and Ragsdale deserve serious props for stretching their limited resources this far and still delivering a cohesive, entertaining product.

The cast, including indie darling Kansas Bowling and the legendary Ginger Lynn, throws themselves into their roles with reckless abandon. Sure, it's not Oscar-worthy, but that's not the point-everyone's clearly having a blast, and that energy is infectious. Jessa Flux's bratty demand to have her "tits seen" and Bowling's coked-up, chainsaw-wielding finale are moments of pure, unhinged joy that stick with you.

Murdercise isn't for everyone-it's too rough around the edges and proudly silly for mainstream tastes. But for fans of 80s slashers, horror comedies, or just gloriously bad cinema, it's a treat. It's a testament to what passion and creativity can achieve, even with next to no money. A&P Productions have crafted a scrappy little film that's rough, raw, and ridiculously fun. I'd watch it again in a heartbeat.

This review highlights the film's low-budget appeal, praises the production's effort, and embraces its "so bad it's good" vibe while keeping it concise and engaging, perfect for an IMDb user review.

I mean, this is bad. It is lovely, but it is just a homage to 80s slashers in the most terrible way.

It raised $50k or something on crowdfunding platforms, with cameos from some patrons.

The characters are obviously one-dimensional, the plot ludicrous, the soundtrack a lovely 80's tribute with no 80s songs, and on and on it goes.

Some of the actresses are over-acting in the best possible way, and it is certainly charming, but let's not pretend this is a cinematic masterpiece. It is what it is. It does what it is supposed to do, but it cannot escape what it is.

If you liked 80s slashers, especially the low-budget ones, this is for you. For anyone else - you could spend your time more wisely.

I thought we stopped making nonsense like this in the eighties.

Murdercise seems to have been made in backlots and unused offices by wannabe porn stars playing dress up and pretend.

Everything, and I do mean everything is awful.

The acting, awful. The direction, awful. The plot, awful. It seems very much like a film made during covid and that is not a compliment.

I usually don't like to give one star ratings to movies anymore because it takes a lot of effort to get an indie film made these days. But in this case, I will make an exception. It has a depressingly cheap and sleazy feel to the whole thing.

No date is given but the setting is obviously the wonderful 1980's. Within the first minute or so a busty babe has stripped off and is taking a shower, a few seconds later and she is murdered. The main plot has a group of attractive young women shooting a fitness video in a studio (on tape, naturally), our main girl Phoebe is all innocent but sleazy director Gino and his cameraman want more sex than exercise. "All those girls out there are strippers, perverts and communists!" exclaims Phoebe before she loses the plot and turns into a killer. But she's not alone, oh no - for good measure a pair of fake cops with a taste for sex and murder are thrown into the mix for (very) good measure. The slasher movie "Killer Workout" aka "Aerobicide" (1987) springs to mind. Murdercide, with its blue/purple lighting, mist machine, Walkman, sweatbands and VHS tapes etc is a very good homage to the 1980's. The budget was obviously low, some of the acting is "bad" but I'm sure that was intentional and some of the kills are pretty gory. The best one has a man have his head chainsawed in half. I went into this not expecting much but I'm pleased to say that I enjoyed it, pretty good fun and a movie that I'd probably want to watch again. Catchy soundtrack too.

Yeah so it's not gonna ever go mainstream...so YAY!!! A fun movie made by independent art makers. A fun watch and made with love. Big fan and thoroughly enjoyed this whole thing! Yay A&P Films for keeping indie art alive. I ordered the DVD and seriously enjoyed it. I encourage at least a watch. Indie art doesn't cost 100 million dollars and it shouldn't. ITS funny and sexy and was made to entertain indie fans. Gorgeous people in this...all the exercise ladies and drew maverick and Josh parks made me cheer extra. I wish this played in my area so happy to have gotten to get the DVD. Seriously...in the vein of troma ...this is epic.