Were one so inclined it would be easy to critique the movie, and Alan Trezza's screenplay specifically. The plot development doesn't play by any strict rules; this is a title that's far more about the spirit of the tale than its lettering. That applies just as well to the characters, who are effectively modernized archetypes of the genre if not stereotypes: the well-meaning male protagonist who communicates poorly, and the weakly matched girlfriend who is overbearing and jealous; the boorish best friend (or half-brother, as it were) who gives bad advice, and the innocent. A few distinct flavors present in varying measures (love of pop culture, and horror above all; environmentalist flourishes; teen comedies), some of which are employed better than others. Some of the dialogue or scene writing outside the core premise is a tad weak. But then - how much do any such factors really matter? It's safe to say that from top to bottom this is a movie that only wants to have fun, and by and large that's just what 'Burying the ex' does, with flying colors.
So maybe it's not quite an essential must-see. But to whatever degree the feature is less than perfect, in most ways it's simply fantastic. The dual elements of horror and comedy are blended terrifically, and every last tinge of both is executed splendidly. Thus do we get slight facets of body horror and raunchiness, and gross-out gags applied to both ends; sharp dialogue and situational humor, contrasted or paired with blood and gore; and so on. Any effects look great, practical or special, and stunts are just as assuredly well done. This looks and feels like a relatively small movie, and in the director's own words it was, but any limits that the production may have faced are in no way reflected in its quality or entertainment. As if to illustrate the point, the cast is clearly having a blast, and that reverie is wholly passed on to the audience. It's safe to say that Anton Yelchin is swell in the lead role, illustrating the versatility he had as an actor that he applied so deftly throughout his career, even if this isn't a part that demanded the utmost skill. Alexandra Daddario and Oliver Cooper lean even more fully into the outrageousness, and it's a pleasure as a viewer just to watch them cut loose; the same can surely be said of the rest of the supporting cast.
I dare say, though, that the real star of 'Burying the ex' is Ashley Greene. While all involved were having a good time, for no one is that more true than the person who gets to throw herself about and spend the majority of these ninety minutes as the decomposing undead. Greene was a sparkling gem as Alice Cullen in the 'Twilight' series, and while taken to very different ends here, she exhibits the same big, wholehearted personality as Evelyn; add the particulars of her character, and who wouldn't revel in the morbid as she does? On that note, while the costume designer and hair and makeup artists here did good work generally, when it comes to Greene and Evelyn they really "let their freak flag fly," as the colloquialism goes, and the changing appearance of Evelyn throughout is indisputably one of the top highlights. Few are those features, however excellent they are otherwise, wherein the premier strength boils down to focus on a single character and the player representing them, but all told, thanks to both Greene and the makeup artists I think that's definitely the case here.
Filmmaker Joe Dante is no stranger to horror-comedies, and he leads the project with a good-natured, mindful polish that's gratifying. One readily recognizes a kinship between this and 'Gremlins,' nevermind the man's other credits. Add in a delightful soundtrack and a solid score from Joseph LoDuca, and top-notch production design in addition to all the other superb contributions from behind and in front of the camera, and when all is said and done this is highly enjoyable, earning a strong recommendation. Ultimately the specifics in Trezza's screenplay are notable, but in no way weigh so heavily on the proceedings as to dampen the experience. 'Burying the ex' is a movie that knows exactly what it wants to be, and it does it very well. Perhaps one doesn't need to go out of their way for it, yet whether you're a fan of someone involved, or horror broadly, or just wanting something light and fun to watch, this is worth checking out if you have the chance.
So maybe it's not quite an essential must-see. But to whatever degree the feature is less than perfect, in most ways it's simply fantastic. The dual elements of horror and comedy are blended terrifically, and every last tinge of both is executed splendidly. Thus do we get slight facets of body horror and raunchiness, and gross-out gags applied to both ends; sharp dialogue and situational humor, contrasted or paired with blood and gore; and so on. Any effects look great, practical or special, and stunts are just as assuredly well done. This looks and feels like a relatively small movie, and in the director's own words it was, but any limits that the production may have faced are in no way reflected in its quality or entertainment. As if to illustrate the point, the cast is clearly having a blast, and that reverie is wholly passed on to the audience. It's safe to say that Anton Yelchin is swell in the lead role, illustrating the versatility he had as an actor that he applied so deftly throughout his career, even if this isn't a part that demanded the utmost skill. Alexandra Daddario and Oliver Cooper lean even more fully into the outrageousness, and it's a pleasure as a viewer just to watch them cut loose; the same can surely be said of the rest of the supporting cast.
I dare say, though, that the real star of 'Burying the ex' is Ashley Greene. While all involved were having a good time, for no one is that more true than the person who gets to throw herself about and spend the majority of these ninety minutes as the decomposing undead. Greene was a sparkling gem as Alice Cullen in the 'Twilight' series, and while taken to very different ends here, she exhibits the same big, wholehearted personality as Evelyn; add the particulars of her character, and who wouldn't revel in the morbid as she does? On that note, while the costume designer and hair and makeup artists here did good work generally, when it comes to Greene and Evelyn they really "let their freak flag fly," as the colloquialism goes, and the changing appearance of Evelyn throughout is indisputably one of the top highlights. Few are those features, however excellent they are otherwise, wherein the premier strength boils down to focus on a single character and the player representing them, but all told, thanks to both Greene and the makeup artists I think that's definitely the case here.
Filmmaker Joe Dante is no stranger to horror-comedies, and he leads the project with a good-natured, mindful polish that's gratifying. One readily recognizes a kinship between this and 'Gremlins,' nevermind the man's other credits. Add in a delightful soundtrack and a solid score from Joseph LoDuca, and top-notch production design in addition to all the other superb contributions from behind and in front of the camera, and when all is said and done this is highly enjoyable, earning a strong recommendation. Ultimately the specifics in Trezza's screenplay are notable, but in no way weigh so heavily on the proceedings as to dampen the experience. 'Burying the ex' is a movie that knows exactly what it wants to be, and it does it very well. Perhaps one doesn't need to go out of their way for it, yet whether you're a fan of someone involved, or horror broadly, or just wanting something light and fun to watch, this is worth checking out if you have the chance.