Are you in search for a horror movie with a tantalizing premise coupled with stellar storytelling? How about a movie with intelligent characters fighting a super scary villain? If that is what you’re in the market for then Danishka Esterhazy’s The Banana Splits is not for you. However, the film is so ridiculous and hilarious that you should give it a chance. Allow me explain.
This over-the-top comedy gore-fest takes place in a world where The Banana Splits TV show was never cancelled. When a boy and his family attend a taping of the show, the fun quickly fades and the beloved characters embark on an unpredictable killing spree. It’s a weird premise. That goes without saying.
But it works. And it’s quite a bit of fun. This movie effectively layers light and dark themes with predictable but enjoyable results.
I will readily admit that the script is a bit spotty, making some of the dialogue come off as a bit robotic. At times I got the impression that even the actors were unsure of the collective merits of their lines.
The film also suffers from pacing issues. That is most notable in the introduction of topics that exist strictly as filler and do nothing more than bolster the film’s running time. However, when one is watching a flick about killer characters from a children’s television series, one must not be too picky.
The hilarity The Banana Splits Movie offers certainly outweighs the issues one could nitpick. This flick makes for a light hearted, breezy watch with some unique moments of surrealism. It’s the perfect feature to throw on with a group of friends and a few beers.
The actors are fresh and funny and their enthusiasm and willingness to be ridiculous makes up for some of the film’s shortcomings.
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The kills are a major highlight too. They’re almost as gruesome as they are funny. It’s clear that director Danishka Esterhazy was having a good time making this picture.
Branching off that I’d like to direct your attention to my favorite scene, linked below. I suspect that after you watch it, you’ll want to check out the whole film. Even if just out of morbid curiosity.
While this flick is lacking in substance, it still makes for a pleasant watch that doesn’t have the usual, cookie cutter, Hollywood ending. The Banana Splits Movie is far from perfect (by any standards) however it’s a very bearable film that deserves a watch. I’d advise downing a few cans of your favorite lager beforehand, though. It is now available on DVD.
Wicked Rating: 5/10
Director(s): Danishka Esterhazy
Based on: The Banana Splits by Hanna-Barbera Productions
Writer(s): Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas
Starring: Dani Kind, Romeo Carere, Steve Lund, Sara Canning, Eric Bauza, Finlay Wojtak-Hissong, Naledi Majola, Richard White and Maria Nash
Studio/ Production Co: Blue Ribbon Content, Blue Ice Pictures
Run Time: 86 min
Language: English
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