THE BABYSITTER (2017)

Directed By: McG 
Written By: Brian Duffield 
Cinematography By: Shane Hurlbut 
Editor: Peter Gvozdas 

Cast: Judah Lewis, Samara Weaving, Robbie Amell, Bella Thorne, Hana Mae Lee, Emily Alyn Lind, Andrew Bachelor, Miles J. Harvey, Leslie Bibb, Ken Marino, Chris Wylde 


Cole is madly in love with his babysitter Bee. She's hot, funny, and popular. One night, in a moment of defiance, Cole secretly stays up his bedtime to discover she's actually a cold-blooded killer who's in league with the Devil. He now must spend his night evading Bee's band of killers who will stop at nothing to prevent Cole from spilling their dark secret. It's up to Cole to survive the night.


This movie is actually better than one would think. Even if at time it almost feels like the cinematic equivalent or longer version of the mood and video “Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne

The screenplay for the film was featured on the 2014 blacklist; a list of the "most liked" unproduced screenplays of the year.

The movie is one where you know what you are going to get from the opening scenes. This is a pure popcorn type film. As it reminds you of a more horrific HOME ALONE type premise as that is the main defense. As the main character tries to survive and Is learning life lessons along the way.

Though it mainly focuses on the crush/relationship between the main character and his babysitter. One of the few people who gets him and his references and defends him and is impossibly beautiful and open to him.

How when the truth comes out. It's not only the rejection but the betrayal he feels.

Director McG's over the top style and over eager editing can be distracting. It actually works here with the material. As this is more designed to be a teen horror film that is aware and ridiculous. It's witty yet never can be taken seriously.

The film plays to his strengths. As it starts off cheesy enough and gets more dangerous but becomes more vital. As the film never slows down. As it has a bombastic music video style of telling the story that has an injection of energy in most scenes. It immediately sets up the characters and their relationships as well as their dimensions. So that we can quickly get to the action and know where every characters loyalty lays.

The film at times feels like a Michael bay production in more of a small scale Only here with more nuance. As at times McG usually manages sequences of great style and grace with the corresponding camera work. Usually in his other movies though often cuts it short with the rest of the film and disappointing highly editing. (THIS MEANS WAR) luckily here he manages to calm his impulses. Keeps to his goal. Haven't enjoyed any of his films since the CHARLIE'S ANGELS movies. As this also taps into pop culture it helps.

The film never feels like a horror film. It is more a teen comedy with horrific elements. As it explores teen crushes and sexuality and then follows it up with some gory kills. All played for laughs With over stylized action.

The film has so much super imposed writing on the screen at times. That it makes you feel like you are more in a video game, but also like it is trying to explain or spell out things instead of letting the audience experience it or figure it out for itself. As there is really no reason for it, but it does emphasize theatrics and more try gun to tap into it's audience with social media and the internet.

Against ones Better judgement the film is really enjoyable. As long as you are looking for a film that doesn't make you think nor tries too hard to be something it's not like smarter. You will find yourself having a good time as the film keeps a consistent tone throughout.

You won't even notice the obvious questions that would arise. Like for such a well populated suburb how is it that no one notices all of this going on. As the characters are sloppy and loud.

If you are looking for something more silly this film is for you. It’s a wild gruesome roller coaster ride


Grade: B-