Massacre Academy (2021)

Having watched the trailer first, which put me in skeptical mode as these types of slasher horror spoofs have been overdone lately and not terribly well, I was pleasantly surprised as horror-comedy Massacre Academy went on to lovingly crush all skepticism. Yes, I said lovingly. Set in 1987, writer-director Mark Cantu captures the era with an eerie delight. Managing to keep a film of this nature from being a clichéd disaster is pretty commendable.

Paying homage to 80’s/90’s Slasher films and a heavy dose of Scream influence, we are introduced to our lead, feisty heroine Kris McNeil (Jess Uhler). She is one of the survivors of the Orrstown Killings that took place two years ago by a psycho called Carnie the Clown a.k.a. Henry Lee Palmer (Dave Sheridan, who incidentally played Deputy Doofy in Scream spoof Scary Movie). Palmer lost his his job due to Kris and her parents interference follwing some inappropriate behaviour on his part, which led to Henry losing it, taking on the persona of Carnie and executing his death vendetta.

Kris is obviously still traumatized by the ordeal and in therapy, yet she does not get a break. It is revealed that Carnie may be back! A killer, perhaps a copycat, has risen taking up the Carnie the Clown mantle and picking up where Carnie left off last time on his way to getting to Kris to complete his unfinished business.

I have to say, my favourite death scene involves another survivor of the Orrstown Killings, but I won’t expand on that for fear of spoiling. Kudos to Special Effects/Makeup artists Carah Chafin and Miranda Lynn Chapman for this and other perfect 80’s style death scenes included in the film, I just had to applaud their effort.

Cantu flawlessly captures the essence, the vibe, the look of the 80’s… like totally to the max! Being a child of the 80’s, Massacre Academy completely took me back. It was difficult to believe this was a 2021 release.

Not super gory, yet with a substantial amount bloody feasts to enjoy, Massacre Academy delivers more than enough to please most avid horror fans. Cantu also keeps the action and pace moving steadily forward, with rarely any dull moments. That is another plus in my book that makes Massacre Academy a standout and hold up as well as it does.

Acting-wise, the substantial ensemble cast (with too many to mention all), delivers strong work. Sierra Mitchell makes her film debut here and flourishes in the role of Kris’s younger sister, Maggie, bringing depth to a second lead role. Breakout performances included smaller-part actors such as Shawn C. Phillips (Kyle) who’s bumbling frat boy survivor is spot-on brilliance, and horror legend Felissa Rose (as News Anchor Hannah Goldman), who’s reaction when learning of Debbie Levine’s (hilariously portrayed by April Golebiewski) destiny in the end credits, while in the midst of reporting on the newest killings, is nothing short of hilarious. Jackie Martling (Howard Stern: Private Parts, Searching for Bobby D) also appears in a small cameo as Jack the Janitor, and his shtick at the end credits, too, is golden.

Also making notable appearances are Rick Dutrow, Ashley Reign, Christina Krakowski, Brian Ceponis, Jennifer DiBlasio, Stephanie Swift and many more. This should give you an idea of the size of the cast involved and scope of the production.

Massacre Academy is a fun film which I predict will pick up a cult following of its own in the coming future.

My overall rating: 8 out of 10.