Comedy in films often can be hit or miss with audiences however when it crosses over into another genre such as horror then it’s definitely dancing on a fine edge. While Blaine Thurier’s (Kicking Blood [2021]) feature creates some humor, mostly thanks to the cast, not all the comedy works effectively well, yet that doesn’t discount the film, as he and Jason Stone (creator and producer of the new Hardy Boys series) clichés found often in the movies that contain teenagers, high school, and sexual situations. The usage of the poster is sexual in nature and eludes to a “tramp stamp” and clearly reveals the intention of the flick, noting at the time of the release those tats were all the rage, but actually it explores the ideal family as part of satanic coven and how one teen son holds satanic supremacy reign or a thousand years of godly rule with hypocrisy to both though not fleshed out enough.
Neil (Jesse Carere) a regular high school kid and his best friend Matt (Daryl Sabara (The Green Inferno [2013])), are ordinary teenagers with a typical interest in girls, but are very awkward around them; Neil’s quirky, but good at magic tricks (plays later into the story). His parents Gary (Jon Dore) and Shelly (Emmanuelle Vaugier (Mirrors 2 [2010])) are devout to the lord and savior and believe in a strong religious education for Neil; there’s just something a little different about them, they practice rituals at a Satanic Church chapter, held by mysteriously odd fellow named Sheldon (Cary Elwes (Bram Stoker’s Dracula [1992])) and his wife Mary; however, a secret involving Neil’s 18th-birthday awaits him. Simply the matter of him remaining a virgin for this ritual to occur to ensure 1,000-years of turmoil and chaos on Earth; hence the inverse of the Christian faith of 1,000-years of peace. On the evening of the blessed event, Neil lays upon the altar and just when everything appears set (we all know it’s not) he and Matt run away from the cult all with the intention of getting him laid, by any means necessary. Let the quest begin, from place known for position, which Matt jumps at the chance to make sure is safe and get his jollies; then to a high school party where Neil makes pitiful plea to his friend Denise (Annie Clark (Solo [2013])); although the evil-doers hunt relentlessly using all sorts of associates and characters to search for Neil, who’s needed pure and before sunrise. Hence what should be a heavy laugh riot journey finds itself taking a few laughs, but never really allowing itself the freedom to go nuts, with raunchy dialogue and scenes. There’s one clever aspect that might be a slight turnoff to some viewers as it asks the question what determines a virgin, its that the Christian morality type or something leans to alternative lifestyle, though never answered the option is abandoned, due to unraveling of their plans. While one likely to enjoy Elwes grotesque mannerism as awkward version of Vincent Price; and Neil’s father shows life into his role with misguided intentions but comes across in natural comedic manner from Dore.
Set design, is often overlooked, unless it’s significant to the central point of the plot, well the same goes for topic description, this is all in regard to the ‘Church of Satan’ theme, and while there’s the traditional Satanic Temple, and the many off-shoots from it there are some basic core elements, this production disregards most of them. Which truly is an ‘oh please’ moment with so many horror films using that devilish aspect it seems simple enough for reference material but even in a comedy to omit the obvious puns is blasphemy. Frankly, most of the movie has difficulty in trying to decide which avenue to explore, and muddles aimlessly into corny teenage cliches, thereby ignoring the audience. The actors all strive to work with material, it doesn’t appear if ad-lib was encouraged, which often works in these productions,, the script sadly leads into dead-ends with exploring the interesting views it is raising concerning religion, teens, and sexual attitudes.
So, what exactly is the main takeaway of this production, there was a lot of hope and promise for it, however it takes the teen sex comedies squeezes them in a narrow alley without allowing to flex itself freely, hence provides an uneven and quite familiar route for viewers rather than enjoying humorous follies of both religion and sexual moments. While the writers create some comic moments, along with colorful dialogue it conjured a few light laughs and deep groans; mainly to do that attempted to please the hyper-sensitive individuals of its intended market rather than just going-all-out like that of Hell Baby [2013] or Party Bus to Hell [2017]. Teen Lust has enjoyed a heavily rotation on many free streaming services, thanks to distribution from Entertainment One, and producers exactly knew where to locate their primary audiences squatted in front of their private screens.
TAGLINE:
- Get laid or die trying.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1718915/
IMDb Rating: 4.7/10
Baron’s Rating: 4.0/10