by Shane Conto
What could possibly make a horror film about demonic animatronics even better? Stick Nic Cage on them and it will be a ball! This might sound like the perfect B horror movie formula… or a recipe for absolute disaster. But you know what? The premise is so intriguing that you have to at least check it out. Willy’s Wonderland is a crazy and all-in on this fantastic premise. But can director Kevin Lewis maximize that crazed potential of such a concept?
The most important aspect of this film that must work is the protagonist.
When your main antagonist is a gang of animatronic creatures, the charisma of the lead has to work double time. Oh boy… Nic Cage is just the trick. First thing to clear up, this is a silly and campy film. The film is working best when there are laughs to be had. What is so interesting is that Cage does not say a single word of dialogue. How does that even work? Cage certainly makes it work. Whether it is a knowing stare or slow-motion removal of his sunglasses, it is all to perfect effect. Cage maximizes his magnetic charisma as he makes cleaning montages feel epic and cool. What is even cooler? Cage’s character chugging down sodas and playing pinball. Cage comes to play in the action scenes too as he fights a large Gorilla with a plunger (just to name one example of the absurdity of this film). Cage versus the animatronics is the film.
But does that really take up all 90 some odd minutes of the film?
Unfortunately, it is not. The film seems to be uncomfortable with just allowing the runtime to consist of a wordless protagonist fighting a horde of animatronics. The story adds in a group of nondescript teenagers who are either too bland to be interesting or too annoying to really want to spend time with. They honestly come off as a distraction from the rest of the film. But honestly, the other characters feel like they are in the film to either set up the film at the beginning, or to provide heavy-handed exposition. Is the backstory interesting? Sure, but is it also a tad derivative of films like Child’s Play? Yes.
We have established that the characters and story are a bit flat outside of the central protagonist, but how is the filmmaking?
The film has a serious low budget feel with blurry visuals and exaggerated lighting throughout. It does create a certain grindhouse feel that heavily utilizes the slow motion for campy effect. This film never really feels like it is supposed to be taken seriously, so why not have some fun with it? The effects are cheesy and low tech with what seems like people in costumes and laughably fake blood splatter. The tongue-in-cheek approach to it all does make it feel vintage and endearing. The low budget also puts Lewis in a tight spot, causing quite a few action sequences to be overly edited to hide the effects. The soundtrack is a highlight with its mix of electronic and organ play and it really ties the atmosphere together.
Should you be checking out Willy’s Wonderland this weekend when it hits VOD?
That is a good question. Do you love some cheesy fun? Do you like some silly and over-the-top effects and action? Are you one of the many who loves some Nic Cage in your life? If you check yes on all of the above, this will be exactly what you are looking for.
Grade: C+