At the time of this review, this movie is sitting at a 6.4 user rating. I don't get it. I found it to be really pretentious and clunky. The acting is awful, the effects are trash. I can see the influence that some classic giallo films had on the director, but the execution was poor. There are several scenes of overt, graphic sexuality, that I found to be way too much. Trust me, I'm no prude, but this was WAY over the top and none of it was of any necessity to the story. All in all I was very disappointed with this film. I thought the trailer looked pretty good and I had high hopes. I definitely wouldn't recommend it.
14 Reviews
Fun!
BandSAboutMovies24 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The cast of a film arrives to the movie's wrap party, but someone has dressed up as the slasher from the film and begins to stage their own kill scenes. One by one, the cast is killed off until the true nature of the evening is revealed.
This movie takes a page out of Scream by having a cameo by Cerina Vincent who is talking to her manager, played by Tom Savini, before she's killed before the rest of the cast buy The Mistress, the film's slasher, just like in the movie she just made within the movie.
So who is the killer? Director Mason Maestro (Robert Donavan)? His wife Lily (Monique Parent)? The cast members - Carter (Ben Kaplan), Stoney (Steve J. Owens), Troy (Brandon Patricio), Lana (Sarah Poledna), Harper (Sarah French), Amber (Gigi Gustin) and Jamie (Adam Bucci) - or the producer (Frédéric von Anhalt)?
This film - directed by Marcel Walz - styles itself as a giallo and while it's more of a slasher, it's still rather enjoyable. It even has a shower scene out of nowhere. I imagine watching it with an audience will be a total blast.
This movie takes a page out of Scream by having a cameo by Cerina Vincent who is talking to her manager, played by Tom Savini, before she's killed before the rest of the cast buy The Mistress, the film's slasher, just like in the movie she just made within the movie.
So who is the killer? Director Mason Maestro (Robert Donavan)? His wife Lily (Monique Parent)? The cast members - Carter (Ben Kaplan), Stoney (Steve J. Owens), Troy (Brandon Patricio), Lana (Sarah Poledna), Harper (Sarah French), Amber (Gigi Gustin) and Jamie (Adam Bucci) - or the producer (Frédéric von Anhalt)?
This film - directed by Marcel Walz - styles itself as a giallo and while it's more of a slasher, it's still rather enjoyable. It even has a shower scene out of nowhere. I imagine watching it with an audience will be a total blast.
Wants to be meta but fails.
Patient44421 November 2023
This production right here looks a little cheap to be honest, thus I do not believe it had much of a budget. Considering the kill shots, it definitely tried to rely more on creativity, but sadly they went with the shaky camera.
Now it does look like That's a Wrap decided to make fun of the slasher genre, forgetting that Scream made an entire franchise that is still going strong even today, with this exact theme. So if you don't have the budget, if you are not coming off as original, why choose this path?
Anyway, Scream was fun, complex and unpredictable. This one has close to no plot, you can describe it in one sentence, but that would mean spoiling it.
Anyway it's just about a killer with a mask, killing people, while sometimes remembering that it wants to spoof the genre.
All in all, bad dialogue, bad characters, weak acting, no development of whatsover, just scene after scene with a new weak kill.
I won't recommend it sadly, it fails as a horror comedy or plain slasher.
Cheers!
Now it does look like That's a Wrap decided to make fun of the slasher genre, forgetting that Scream made an entire franchise that is still going strong even today, with this exact theme. So if you don't have the budget, if you are not coming off as original, why choose this path?
Anyway, Scream was fun, complex and unpredictable. This one has close to no plot, you can describe it in one sentence, but that would mean spoiling it.
Anyway it's just about a killer with a mask, killing people, while sometimes remembering that it wants to spoof the genre.
All in all, bad dialogue, bad characters, weak acting, no development of whatsover, just scene after scene with a new weak kill.
I won't recommend it sadly, it fails as a horror comedy or plain slasher.
Cheers!
Wondering if I watched the same movie
Nobudgethorrorjunkie6 October 2023
Seems to be a lot of overly positive reviews for this movie early on, i'm guessing it's probably by the cast and crew trying to pad the ratings here. I get what the Director was going for with the lighting, but when every single scene is lit with the same colors, it starts to lose it's effectiveness very quickly. There were a couple decent kills, and there is no shortage of nudity. Those two things alone will more than satisfy a section of the horror fan community, but those looking for a coherent story...need to look elsewhere.
That brings me to the acting. Not terrible, but no real standouts here, maybe Sarah French. Sarah has been at this a long time and seems to be stuck in a rut of ultra low budget movies, that's not necessarily a bad thing...just expected her to break through to more mainstream movies by now.
Overall this is passable for a background movie while you clean the kitchen maybe.
Oh yeah, that open was about 7 or 8 mins too long.
That brings me to the acting. Not terrible, but no real standouts here, maybe Sarah French. Sarah has been at this a long time and seems to be stuck in a rut of ultra low budget movies, that's not necessarily a bad thing...just expected her to break through to more mainstream movies by now.
Overall this is passable for a background movie while you clean the kitchen maybe.
Oh yeah, that open was about 7 or 8 mins too long.
It Gets Dumb at 7m 25s
arfdawg-110 March 2024
Starts off OK with some interesting directing and a hot voluptuous older woman.
But within a few minutes the movie crumbles into a silly disarray of stupidity.
Makes sense with all the ridiculous reviews comparing this in a lemming way to Argento. I've personally never liked Argento (I know a lot of people claim to like him) but this movie is nothing like his films.
At least those have style and substance.
Nothing makes sense in this movie. Beginning with the security guard who points his flashlight at the woman but it's not even on.
The music track sucks too.
It's just quite a badly made movie with third rate actors and gimmicky directing that will bore you to death.
But within a few minutes the movie crumbles into a silly disarray of stupidity.
Makes sense with all the ridiculous reviews comparing this in a lemming way to Argento. I've personally never liked Argento (I know a lot of people claim to like him) but this movie is nothing like his films.
At least those have style and substance.
Nothing makes sense in this movie. Beginning with the security guard who points his flashlight at the woman but it's not even on.
The music track sucks too.
It's just quite a badly made movie with third rate actors and gimmicky directing that will bore you to death.
It's about time
haskel-7295111 November 2023
Finally, Marcel Walz makes a decent movie. Is is perfect? God no, but it's better than anything he's done before. The director of the absolutely horrid remake of Blood Feast had made several really lousy direct to video then streaming films and this had the look of yet another. Surprisingly, this turned out to be decent. The acting - for a change is actually alright. No one's winning an award, but nobody really stunk it up either. The script is acceptable, not brilliant but alright. Then there's the direction. Let's be honest, til now Marcel Walz has been Uwe Boll with a breast fetish, but he reigned it in just enough for this to be a watchable and fairly entertaining movie.
A great horror film with Dario Argento style
SteveZarebski30 August 2023
Really enjoyed the style and kills and costumes and soundtrack a must see for giallo fans, Sarah and the whole cast and crew did a great job I hope to see more films to come from Sarah and everyone involved it was great to watch. Something that had me guessing from start to finish. I love films that have great twists and turns like this one I will be checking out this director's other films as well. I rented it on itunes Canada as well I hope the film keeps doing well and more people see it and enjoy it this could start another generation of giallo horror films to and others to come out now...
That's a ... cameo
kosmasp1 September 2023
No pun intended - there are quite a few people that you may be able to recognize in the movie. Some only in it for a few seconds. There is also a Psycho homage and I'm quite sure a lot more, if I cared enough to pay attention - same goes for you of course.
That said, the movie is not making any secret what it is about. This is a slasher, the director does not care about your feelings or if you want quality - well you got the wrong movie, if that is the case. This is delightful when taken for the low budget slasher fest that it is ... that said: you really have to dig it and you really have to suspend your disbelief. It doesn't even matter what the reveal is ... I already forgot. But the blood fest is ... immense! Which also means you can't be easily offended ... but that's a given with Walz movies I reckon ...
That said, the movie is not making any secret what it is about. This is a slasher, the director does not care about your feelings or if you want quality - well you got the wrong movie, if that is the case. This is delightful when taken for the low budget slasher fest that it is ... that said: you really have to dig it and you really have to suspend your disbelief. It doesn't even matter what the reveal is ... I already forgot. But the blood fest is ... immense! Which also means you can't be easily offended ... but that's a given with Walz movies I reckon ...
Delivers the Goods!
kyleallencole95 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I gave this one 10 stars because I enjoyed every minute of it!! What a great and fun giallo inspired slasher flick. I loved how the film mainly took place at a film studio. The smaller settings make these kinds of films more intense and thrilling.
The cast here did an excellent job in their roles, especially Sarah French and Monique Parent.
Had so much fun trying to guess on who the mistress killer was, definitely wasn't expecting the reveal of the killer. I've seen plenty of movies where usually the first person to leave a party or something and dies first, but their death is not actually shown, typically turns up to be the killer.
The design of the mistress in this was pretty awesome too.
The kills were the best part and just as gruesome as I was hoping they would be!!
Definitely one of the better movies I rented off of amazon.
Hopefully this one comes out on DVD soon. Great job to everyone involved in this!
I also enjoyed the last second of the film when the killer eerily says "That's A Wrap." Perfect ending!
The cast here did an excellent job in their roles, especially Sarah French and Monique Parent.
Had so much fun trying to guess on who the mistress killer was, definitely wasn't expecting the reveal of the killer. I've seen plenty of movies where usually the first person to leave a party or something and dies first, but their death is not actually shown, typically turns up to be the killer.
The design of the mistress in this was pretty awesome too.
The kills were the best part and just as gruesome as I was hoping they would be!!
Definitely one of the better movies I rented off of amazon.
Hopefully this one comes out on DVD soon. Great job to everyone involved in this!
I also enjoyed the last second of the film when the killer eerily says "That's A Wrap." Perfect ending!
A sweet slasher type film that gives nods to the genre and pokes fun at the industry
hitmanromero9 September 2023
The basic synopsis: A scuzzy director holds a wrap party for his cast and people start to die. Excellently directed by Marcel Waltz and written by Joe Knetter and Robert L. Lucas, That's A Wrap is a fun horror/slasher that has some awesome kills, lots of blood and gore, and if you pay attention, pokes fun at the "big time" industry. Horror fans will easily recognize the subtle and not so subtle nods to other movies (Scream, Psycho, Giallo movies) to name a few and a few cameos! Monique Parent is spot on as the "aging" actress willing to do anything to keep her spot, and Robert Donovan is the perfect sleazy, paranoid director. The excellent cast also includes the amazing Cerina Vincent, Gigi Gustin, Adam Bucci, Ben Kaplan,Sarah Polednak, Brandon Patricio,Steve J. Owens, Dave Sheridan, and Jed Rowan. The star of the show is the amazing Sarah French, who once again shows how Uber talented she is.
A creepy and well made slasher film!
writer-662497 October 2023
If you're a fan of well written, well-acted, and well directed slasher horror films, check out "That's a Wrap." It's a fun film with creative kills and a terrific story about the cast of a slasher horror film stalked by a slasher at a wrap party. Marcel Walz did a wonderful job directing, and Joe Knetter and Robert L. Lucas wrote a phenomenal screenplay with great characters and plenty of gory scares! The cast, led by Sarah French, Cerina Vincent, Monique Parent, and Robert Donavan, is amazing. It's these types of creepy and awesome horror films that make me a horror fan for life! Highly recommended!
The Mistress Has Arrived!
shagee797725 August 2023
Director Marcel Walz brings us "That's a Wrap," a Giallo-inspired film that defies the notion that the end of summer is a cinematic dumping ground. Creepy and eccentric Director Mason Maestro completes what he believes to be one of his best movies and hosts a grand premiere for "That's a Wrap." As the cast gathers to celebrate, the horror takes a horrifying twist when the slasher character, the Mistress, transcends the screen and turns the event into a real-life slasher scenario. The film expertly melds suspense and tribute, delivering captivating scenes with meticulous attention to atmosphere, direction, writing, cinematography, and more. The cast, led by Monique Parent and Sarah French, injects humor and authenticity into their roles, while actress Eve Marlowe is in a delightful homage to Hitchcock's Psycho adds intensity.
The movie's patient crafting of each scene enhances its suspenseful impact, and the practical old school slasher FX by Joe Castro and his team maintain the tension without excessive CGI. Sarah French's performance stands out, exemplifying her prowess in the industry, and the film pays homage to Giallo, Hitchcock, and Brian De Palma, showcasing Marcel Walz's unique directorial style. "That's a Wrap" is a visually exhilarating experience that fearlessly satirizes the industry and the dynamics behind the camera.
The movie's patient crafting of each scene enhances its suspenseful impact, and the practical old school slasher FX by Joe Castro and his team maintain the tension without excessive CGI. Sarah French's performance stands out, exemplifying her prowess in the industry, and the film pays homage to Giallo, Hitchcock, and Brian De Palma, showcasing Marcel Walz's unique directorial style. "That's a Wrap" is a visually exhilarating experience that fearlessly satirizes the industry and the dynamics behind the camera.
Fabulous "Giallo" Homage and Hollywood Satire!
KolobosRexx7 October 2023
As a fan of all of Marcel Walz' films to date, and a massive fan of Italian "Giallo" film in particular, I was anxiously looking forward to his newest film, "That's a Wrap", and it definitely did not disappoint! Full of sly in-jokes to the Hollywood behind the scenes process, subtle jabs at current culture, and of course a loving homage to Giallo and Dario Argento films in particular, this film is a real treat! Featuring the always fabulous Sarah French, along with a number of modern indie-horror folks and 90's late-nite stars and even a Tom Savini cameo, along with some clever kills and a cool killer-design, this movie should not be Missed!
Quite a bit of fun with a lot to like about it
kannibalcorpsegrinder27 August 2023
Having just finished filming, the director of an upcoming horror film hosts a special cast screening party to give everyone one more chance to say goodbye, but when someone dressed as the killer in the movie starts killing everyone off they must find a way to stop the deadly rampage from continuing.
There's quite a lot to like with this one. Among the brighter spots to be had here is the fine setup of what's going on that gets things off on a fun note. The whole idea of the self-confident-if-delusional director trying to hold the contained wrap-party for the cast who use the time to get to know each other better leads to plenty of intriguing conversations about their movie roles or other personal issues. This provides the kind of touch to give us enough to get to know them and get a suspect list going while setting up the location used here to great effect as the part continues. This allows for the high-end use of strong slashing scenes taking place throughout here. The opening shot of the actress stalked by the killer through the facility is a solid setup using the film's emerging proclivity for neon-lit scenery and lighting that generates a solid stylish ploy. That type of appearance and style becomes a prominent part of the film going forward as the backstage locations where each of the attacks takes place focus on using the bright red or blue neon surroundings that end up allowing the killer to hide in plain sight and strike due to how well they're hidden. That continues on to the later scenes where the extended chase scenes throughout the facility. With stand-out scenes such as a victim showering to clean up after a drink accident, a couple trying to get together in a darkened hallway, or another couple being intimate on one of the sets alone offering up some fun scenes, there's a nice mixture of genuine staking scenes with brutal, over-the-top gore gags. The other big confrontation between the last survivor and the killer is a solid offering as well, featuring some fine cat-and-mouse moments and a fun resolution to all come together nicely for quite a lot to like. The film does have some big issues that hold it down. Its biggest factor is the whole motivation and reveal of the killer, who not only seems incredibly obvious but is one of the lamest reveal motivations in the genre. The whole point of the rampage is laughably stupid to think it could be pulled off successfully and is justifiably written off only to generate a new twist that's slightly better if still outright terrible at being a motivation for going on a rampage. As well, the film's idea of comedy where characters make meta references to movies only to have that happen to them is insulting, being the issues that bring it down.
Rated Unrated/R: Graphic Violence, Graphic Language, Full Nudity, a sex scene, and drug use.
There's quite a lot to like with this one. Among the brighter spots to be had here is the fine setup of what's going on that gets things off on a fun note. The whole idea of the self-confident-if-delusional director trying to hold the contained wrap-party for the cast who use the time to get to know each other better leads to plenty of intriguing conversations about their movie roles or other personal issues. This provides the kind of touch to give us enough to get to know them and get a suspect list going while setting up the location used here to great effect as the part continues. This allows for the high-end use of strong slashing scenes taking place throughout here. The opening shot of the actress stalked by the killer through the facility is a solid setup using the film's emerging proclivity for neon-lit scenery and lighting that generates a solid stylish ploy. That type of appearance and style becomes a prominent part of the film going forward as the backstage locations where each of the attacks takes place focus on using the bright red or blue neon surroundings that end up allowing the killer to hide in plain sight and strike due to how well they're hidden. That continues on to the later scenes where the extended chase scenes throughout the facility. With stand-out scenes such as a victim showering to clean up after a drink accident, a couple trying to get together in a darkened hallway, or another couple being intimate on one of the sets alone offering up some fun scenes, there's a nice mixture of genuine staking scenes with brutal, over-the-top gore gags. The other big confrontation between the last survivor and the killer is a solid offering as well, featuring some fine cat-and-mouse moments and a fun resolution to all come together nicely for quite a lot to like. The film does have some big issues that hold it down. Its biggest factor is the whole motivation and reveal of the killer, who not only seems incredibly obvious but is one of the lamest reveal motivations in the genre. The whole point of the rampage is laughably stupid to think it could be pulled off successfully and is justifiably written off only to generate a new twist that's slightly better if still outright terrible at being a motivation for going on a rampage. As well, the film's idea of comedy where characters make meta references to movies only to have that happen to them is insulting, being the issues that bring it down.
Rated Unrated/R: Graphic Violence, Graphic Language, Full Nudity, a sex scene, and drug use.
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