STAGE FRIGHT (2014)

Written & Directed By: Jerome Sable 
Music & Lyrics By: Jerome Sable & Eli Batalion 
Cinematography By: Bruce Chun 
Editor: Christopher Donaldson, Lisa Grootenboer & Nicholas Musurca 

Cast: Meat Loaf, Minnie Driver, Douglas Smith, Allie MacDonald, Kent Nolan, Melanie Lieshman, Brandon Uranowitz, Ephraim Ellis

A snobby musical theater camp is terrorized by a blood-thirsty killer who hates musical theater.

I will give this film credit of originality of vision. I only wish the film stayed as fun and inspired as the first third of the film. Since after that it slowly crashes and burns.

The film mashes up two genres that seem like they wouldn't go together. Once the film begins they work off each other splendidly. Then all of a sudden the film seems to get off track. Then it seems to become more of a run of the mill horror film.

It seems that the film has a hard time deciding what it wants to be. Just like the lead characters and trying to find their identity. Is it camp? Comedy? Horror? Musical? As the film seems to have a bit of each, but either not enough or too much.

It doesn't help that though the characters are various ages. They may seem to be teenagers and the actors chosen look Close to their character actual age. So when the killings occur. Knowing the characters or not it feels harsh and excessively cruel. No matter how bad their behavior or character is. It's like an R-rated Disney horror comedy. As it is more innuendo and really only goes graphic on violence.

The film has Minnie Driver in it for a cameo.Meat Loaf is a supporting character and for all the B-movies Meat Loaf has done he has managed to become a decent actor. He is better then the material here. Though you would believe it would be a natural fit. Here he just seems majorly wasted. Worst of all he seems like even he knows it.

I can see this film gaining an audience as a cult film, As it reminds me of the movies i watched late night on USA Up all night. Devoted to B to Z grade movies on weekends Late night. this film has it all it Fells like a 80's horror film Video store discovery as well as having a bit of a Troma Movie Studios Vibe. though better in production, Budget and quality.

Pretty much in the second Act everything seems to go to basic and stay there. There are inspired moments, but not enough to make the film feel like anything different then what is it there. An inspired opening that sets up a film you are excited to watch. Then starts to lower your expectations as it goes on. As you hope to see so e of that originality again and hold out hope for a surprise that never comes.

The musical sequences and songs are catchy and noteworthy.

I really wanted to like this film and love that meet loaf was starring in a horror musical. Unfortunately this film wasn't up to his talent. It's a shame as the cast is fun and give it their all.

It just seems like the film needed more of a tighter direction, focus and style.

 Grade: C-