Babysitter Wanted (Blu-ray / DVD)
Steve Barton
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Reviewed by Uncle Creepy
Starring Sarah Thompson, Matt Dallas, Bruce Thomas, Bill Moseley, Kai Caster
Directed by Jonas Barnes and Michael Manasseri
Distributed by Big Screen Entertainment
It’s inevitable that after a first glance people are going to be comparing this movie to Ti West’s badass flick The House of the Devil. Well, wise up, kids! Babysitter Wanted has been around since 2007; it has just taken a bit longer to get to the gates in terms of distribution. Wow, are we happy it’s finally here, though, because it is pretty friggin’ bitchin’ in and of itself.
After leaving her very Christian home for college, Angie (Sarah Thompson) finds out that fending for herself is something that she’s going to have to learn how to do in a hurry, especially if she wants a bed to sleep in. Not keen on resting her nights away by snoozing on the floor of her filthy new apartment, Angie does what all kids do when in need of some cash – she looks for some quick odd jobs. The first one she finds seems harmless enough – babysitting. What could go wrong?
Holy shit.
I don’t want to get into too many more details plot-wise because it would only serve to spoil the good time you are going to have watching Babysitter Wanted so let’s just say that this is in no way your typical babysitter in peril exercise. Far from it. In fact things get so “out there” that you’re not going to be sure whether you should be laughing, screaming, or both.
The film’s only real fault lies in the fact that at times some crucial moments play a little bit on the silly side of the fence, but they are few and far between and then get themselves right back on track. No harm, no foul.
The one thing people mainly complained about regarding The House of the Devil was that its pacing is so slow. We dug the deliberate pacing, but if you are one of the ones who didn’t, you can now rest easy, folks. You won’t be complaining about that issue here because the last third of the film barely gives you time to breathe. Co-directors Jonas Barnes and Michael Manasseri have expertly crafted a tale filled with genuine chills, gore, and enough truly dark humor to keep you both enthralled and entertained the whole way through. The smart thing to do would be to watch both these flicks as a double feature as they complement each other perfectly.
Once you’re done with the film itself, head on over to the DVD or the Blu-ray’s supplemental features (identical on both releases), where the macabre mayhem spills right on over. Things kick off with what is probably one of the most enjoyable commentary tracks I’ve listened to in a while featuring directors Barnes and Manasseri along with producer Kimberley Kates. This trio is as lively as they come, and they’re as happy pointing out the film’s technical shortcomings as they are playfully ribbing one another. The affection that they share for the movie, the horror genre, and each other is nothing short of infectious; and I hope they make another movie together soon, if only to be reunited for another audio track. From there you get your basic behind-the-scenes featurette, a music video, a few trailers, and a look at Babysitter Wanted‘s unique online campaign. There’s nothing bad to say about the bunch, but we really have to give a special nod to the cast interviews section, which is hosted by … by … well, the Anti-Christ. How can you not dig that?
In the end I found myself both delighted and infuriated by Babysitter Wanted. Well, let me rephrase that — I was happy with the movie itself but pissed off that I had allowed it to fly below my radar for so long. Do yourself a favor. If you’re looking for a demented good time, see this film as soon as you can. We can only hope that Barnes and Manasseri will be in the market for a new babysitter soon. People with weak stomachs need not apply.
Special Features
4 out of 5
Special Features
4 out of 5
Categorized:Reviews
