As an indie filmmaker and actress, I tend to find the good things in even a bad film. However, after viewing OMG… We’re In A Horror Movie, I kind of want that hour and 40 minutes back. The end credits are good, though, so I’ll grant them that.
The story for OMG… We’re In A Horror Movie takes place present day (or close to it). Weekly board game night turns deadly for a group of six friends who find themselves suddenly living the plotline of a horror flick. Which, you know, would be fine if no one had ever seen the Scream franchise. A few moments are spent watching the group try and place who would fit which stereotype – am I the survivor girl? Hot chick who is murdered for being sexy? Token <insert race here>?
The main actor who kept me watching is Shanna Malcolm (Glee, Shameless) who portrays Tanya. I really enjoy Tanya’s sass and attitude, hoping against hope she would survive to the end. Did she? You’ll have to watch OMG… We’re In A Horror Movie to find out. Writer/director Ajala Bandele plays AJ, a black guy lacking soul. His performance lands a close second to Ms. Malcolm – very close. Her sass wins that for her. The rest of the cast is rounded out by Liz Fenning (Amy), Chris Hampton (Chris), Nils Jannson (Kyle), Brendan McGowan (Tom), and Sharon Mae Wang (Jesse). I really want to like these characters, but the performances just fall flat. The conversation is too obviously scripted and does not feel natural. There are moments the viewer can tell the lines are being read instead of spoken. It’s just my personal preference, but I would always rather hear lines that might not be verbatim to what was written, but roll more naturally off the tongue.
I give credit where it’s due, though. Whoever came up with the – well, let’s say “costuming ideas” for AJ and Chris mid-story – they get my applause. It is a definite, and welcome, change of pace from the typical horror film.
It’s difficult to say which particular group of fans will enjoy the film. There are bits and pieces that caught my attention in a good way. It just could have been way more entertaining than it is. It would likely be a decent flick to have on while you have company. Other folk around to watch and laugh, and yes, maybe pick apart the film with. Or is it only filmmakers who do that?!
Much credit to all for completing a film and having it released. I know how difficult it can be, especially these days, where the indie scene is (let’s face it) becoming over-saturated. It’s hard to get a film out there and noticed, and man… big kudos to them for accomplishing that.
It isn’t a bad film, it just didn’t grab me the way a horror film should – even a spoof. I give it 3 bloody palms out of 5.
OMG…We’re In A Horror Movie 
(3 / 5)
Running Time: 1:47 Rated R (language, violence, adult situations)
Director: Ajala Bandele
Writers: Ajala Bandele, Tom Hatfield
