Better Watch Out (Storm Vision Entertainment) [Movie Review]

On a quiet suburban street, a babysitter must defend a twelve-year-old boy from intruders, only to discover it’s far from a normal home invasion.

Set during Christmas, the psychological comedic horror Better Watch Out takes its share of twists and turns. The film centers around a babysitter named Ashley (played by Olivia DeJonge) and a precocious 12-year-old boy named Luke (played by Levi Miller). Luke is love-struck by Ashley, who has babysat him since he was 9. Luke makes several attempts to romance Ashley and fails. A series of incidents begin to unfold, and the pair begin to realize they’re not alone in the house.

As the pair hide from room to room from the intruder, Ashley begins to sense that something is off about the entire situation. While hiding in the closet, she spots that the intruder is wearing a mask that’s owned by Luke. She burst through the closet to reveal that the intruder is, in fact, Luke’s best friend Garrett (played by Ed Oxenbould). This is yet another failed attempt by Luke to romance Ashley by being the hero of a failed robbery attempt.

Ashley realizes there’s more to Luke’s sinister plot and runs to get her phone to call Luke’s parents. Luke pushes Ashley down a flight of stairs, rendering her unconscious. Ashley comes to, now bound to a chair, as Luke and Garrett insist they play a game.

Without giving away too much of the story, I have to say I found this movie very enjoyable. It has many really cool twists, turns, violence, kills, and psychologically exciting moments. You really don’t see the second or third act coming, which makes this a must-watch for the holidays or anytime, in my opinion. The film has the presentation of a “Christmas horror comedy,” but it’s more like a dark comedy meets a psychological thriller with some elements of horror tied in. I’d give this film a solid 8 for its darkness and fun plot.

The film also stars Patrick Warburton, Virginia Madsen, Aleks Mikic, and Dacre Montgomery.

Director: Chris Peckover
Screenplay: Zack Kahn, Chris Peckover
Starring: Olivia DeJonge, Levi Miller,  Ed Oxenbould, Patrick Warburton, Virginia Madsen, Aleks Mikic, and Dacre Montgomery
Production Company: Storm Vision Entertainment, Best Medicine Productions
Release Date: September 22, 2016 (Fantastic Fest), October 6, 2017 (United States)
Run Time: 89 minutes

AJ Diaferio in 2022

AJ Diaferio is best known as the frontman for the hard rock band We’re Wolves. After garnering interest from millions of fans with their renditions of beloved active rock tracks, the group created their niche within heavy music with their debut album Evil Things. Aside from being the band’s fearless leader, AJ is a self-proclaimed horror enthusiast and movie memorabilia collector. It is evident that Diaferio’s fiery passion for movies and music is intertwined in every aspect of his work, making him a prime source for the latest in all things horror.

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