The Barn

I can tell I'm going to love a movie within the first five minutes.i really cannot praise this film enough. This movie was amazing. It's got definite 80s horror vibes , it's clear that a lot of heart and soul and love for a dying genre went into making this. Wonderful feelings of nostalgia. It's shot wonderfully, it's creative, the characters are likable, the costumes and makeup are fantastic, amazing soundtrack , the acting is great in my opinion, I mean it's a throwback to 80s horror. Everything in this movie is perfect. It's cheesy over the top outlandish goofy gruesome and a general horror masterpiece. Definitely DEFINITELY worth a watch and then several more .

So the movie is pretty cheesy and campy, but that was also clearly the intent. I thought it was hilarious.

Judging by the recent plenitude of (horror) movies - and even entire TV-series - that are either taking place during OR unmistakably paying tribute to the 1980s, I think it's safe to say that a whole new generation of filmmakers suffer from "homesickness" (by lack of a better term) towards the decade in which it was so much easier and more fun to produce and watch horror movies! There's noticeably an immense longing for the good old times when stereotypical characters and clichéd plot lines weren't world-widely criticized on the Internet before the movie got properly released (what Internet?), when dumb teenage protagonists were still getting into physical trouble rather than belittling each other via social media, and when horror victims were still being massacred by killers & monsters with hideous make- up effects rather than by digitalized computer creations. "The Barn" obviously also belongs in this trend and, although not as popular or hyped as "Stranger Things" or "The Final Girls", it's definitely worth checking out for fans of old-school splatter as well as amateurish yet enthusiast low-budget film making. It's almost Halloween in the year 1989, and the 19-year-old but still very immature buddies Sam and Josh are petrifying the neighborhood children and annoying their teacher (cameo of none other than Linnea Quigley). The next day, on their way to a Halloween concert with a few more friends, they stop at a godforsaken barn where according to an ancient local legend three sinister Halloween monsters lie buried. Against the will of firm legend-believer Sam, the group knocks at the door and thus awakens the Boogeyman miner, Hallowed Jack-o-Lantern and Candycorn Scarecrow. The monsters promptly go on a killing spree in the nearby town Helen's Valley, with as gory highlight the extermination of nearly the entire village during the annual Halloween dance. Writer/director Justin Seaman has a lot of heart for the genre and many bright ideas, and therefore you also gladly forgive the lack of style and the many directorial defaults. There are too many overlong dialogues, redundant sequences and questionable performances, but it doesn't matter all that much because this is a full-blooded Halloween feature and highly recommended for the fans. Too many gore-highlights to choose from, including decapitations, eye- gouging, pickax in the head, etc… There's also a good soundtrack and – like it was the case in the 80s - even a bit of totally gratuitous nudity.

This is a pretty decent indie film. It was fun and ridiculous all behind the back drop of an 80's retro storyline (complete with a 80's glam band score.) I won't give any spoilers away but this is an enjoyable Halloween movie that doesn't take itself too seriously.

A delightful horror film from 2016, brought to my attention by the esteemed Brett Petersel.

The team behind "The Barn" has infused every frame with a playful love letter to the horror films of yesteryear, a sentiment that will resonate deeply with cinephiles like myself who hold a particular fondness for 80s horror cinema.

This production is a potent cocktail of the sexual fervor of youth, the dusty allure of old barns, the mystique of cult mythology, and the raw essence of truly independent filmmaking. Granted, the effects and even some of the acting might leave a bit to be desired, but for those who, like me, prioritize the spirit and essence of what the film represents, these minor imperfections won't detract from the overall experience.

For those who cherish the 80s horror aesthetic, this film is a must-watch. It's a nostalgic trip down memory lane, filled with nods to classic tropes and iconic imagery. The film's soundtrack, a synth-heavy homage to the era, further enhances the retro vibe.

The characters, while perhaps not the most nuanced, are endearing in their own right. They embody the archetypes of 80s horror, from the rebellious teenagers seeking thrills to the wise old caretaker who warns of the dangers lurking in the shadows. The film's villains, a menagerie of classic monsters, are brought to life with a blend of practical effects and CGI, creating a delightfully campy and nostalgic experience.

The film's narrative, while simple, is effective in its execution. It's a tale of youthful folly and the consequences of tempting fate. The pacing is brisk, the scares are plentiful, and the ending is satisfyingly gruesome.

"The Barn" is a film that wears its heart on its sleeve, a celebration of the horror genre and its enduring appeal. It's a film that will leave you grinning from ear to ear, even as you jump at the jump scares and revel in the nostalgic atmosphere.

So, gather your friends, pop some popcorn, and prepare to be transported back to the golden age of horror cinema. "The Barn" is a film that's sure to delight and terrify in equal measure, a testament to the enduring power of independent filmmaking and the timeless allure of a good old-fashioned scare.