UNPLEASANTVILLE (Short Film Review)

Directed by: Colton Tran

Written by: Colton Tran, Carl Joglar

Running Time: 18 minutes

 Child-friendly horror can range from good to downright terrible. Where does Colton Tran's UNPLEASANTVILLE (which played before WEREWOLF FEVER at 2010's Salty Horror Film Festival) stand? It's somwhere inbetween. Part of this may be my own personal stance though. I hate when something is too cutesy and UNPLEASANTVILLE definitely got too cutesy every now and then.
It definitely has an original story and you have to respect that! It was also directed with skill and was beautifully shot. If I didn't know better this looked and felt like a big budget production that was made for children. I don't mean that in a derogatory way, but I just didn't dig how (I can't really think of a better word) cutesy it was. There were a few moments that made me laugh though and it was directed with skill.

Grade: B-: This is one for the youngins, so not all horror fans will dig it. However, it was made with geniune love and affection, that definitely comes across to the audience watching the film. I may not have enjoyed it as much as other horror shorts I've seen, but it was aimed for the younger audience, therefore if you have a youngin then you should show this short to them. I guarantee it will keep them entertained and not make you want to claw your eyes out (like most kids shows today).