Saturday, July 19, 2014

CHASTITY BITES (2013)



Directed By: John V.Knowles 
Written By: Lotti Pharriss Knowles 
Cinematography By: Justin Thomas Ostensen 
Editor: Phillip J. Bartell 

Cast: Allison Scagliotti, Francia Raisa, Lousie Griffiths, Amy Okuda, Eve Gordon, Jennifer Gimenez, Stuart Gordon, Greer Grammer


In the early 1600's, Countess Elizabeth Bathory slaughtered more than 600 young women, believing if she bathed in the blood of virgins that she would stay young and beautiful forever. Still alive today, she's found a perfect hunting ground for her 'botox' as an abstinence educator in conservative America, and the young ladies of San Griento High are poised to be her next victims. But will her unholy ritual finally be stopped by Leah Ratliff, a feminist blogger and ambitious reporter for the school paper?

This supposed horror comedy is more comedy then horror. As that seems to be the main focus and the only reason the film counts as horror is it's rather bleak outlook, the supernatural element involved and death and violence. Though the later seems to just go with the territory here like the filmmakers had to be reminded to include it on the proceedings.

In fact there is so little violence except for some language and certain scenes this could easily have ended up on television with very little editing and still not be seen as racy.

The film seeks to be some kind of satire that fits more Into an 80's or 90's setting.

It might have been better as a teen comedy that just goes to extremes when it comes to hitting the point of staying a virgin for an incentive.

I will give the film credit for embracing a more traditional horror scope rather than try to go with the latest fad of the genre such as found footage, possession or just plain old gross out. It is a breath of fresh air that shows effort and originality. I only wish it had been better made.

The film has a predictable premise and has some original ideas. Unfortunately those ideas are stuck in a film that quickly becomes not necessarily boring, just simplistic and mundane. There is no excitement as well as very little entertainment as even a person who doesn't watch many movies would find this film predictable.

Which makes the films gimmick questionable. Like leaving it a mystery at first as to who is killing all these people when it is fairly obvious.

The characters don't act like real people they appear I be smart but seem to be at the mercy of what the script calls for them to do or act. Especially when towards the end certain characters who weren't very deep in the first place are willing to do anything for the villain with very little incentive or argument.

It just seems like such a waste. That if the film had been thought out and really tried to be original. It could have been something that a few of the scenes hint at.

It feels long even at just over 90 minutes.

The lead Allison Scagliotti is noteworthy as she seems to play an interesting character. In search of a better film that deserves her.

It's not all bad of this film had played more like an homage it might have even been acceptable. As the cast seems willing to be silly and get gruesome, bit somehow this film seems to have he depth and play out like a comedic after school special. 

Grade: D

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