PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Spoofing works of horror is one thing, but pulling off an original horror comedy requires a whole other level of creativity, wit and balance. Writer/director Scott Dunn (Schlep 2016) tackles this challenge with his first feature that dabbles in the genre, Mandao of the Dead. How does it hold up? Let me tell you!
Living off of his deceased father’s cereal royalties, Jay Mandao (Director Scott Dunn) wants nothing but to be left alone. However, his adult nephew-in-law, Jackson (Sean McBride), who knows nothing about responsibility, is making this anything but easy. One night, Jay’s desire for a peaceful, quiet life is further shook when he discovers an ability to astral project. Using this newfound ability, Jay and Jackson encounter the ghost of Darth (David Gallegos: 2-Headed Shark Attack) who has a limited time to reverse his deadly fate.
I know. The synopsis sounds more grim than funny. However, the balance between horror and comedy is where this lighthearted feature shines. Surrounded by a music score that somehow works, Dunn and McBride have an onscreen comedic chemistry that boasts dry humor with every line.
Dunn’s frustration draws out several chuckles as he deals with his clueless, irresponsible nephew. From destroying a tent that smells like SARS to his reluctant involvement in a murder investigation, Dunn is humorously believable as a non-adventurous recluse with an annoyance for his lost cause nephew. Likewise, McBride is equally convincing as a hopeless mooch with an obsession for his ex-girlfriend, Maeve (Marisa Hood), who believes she is a vampire. The character development between Jay and Jackson matches the plot as the story moves from quirky to weird and heartfelt while Jay learns to appreciate the people he has in his life.
Also along for the ride are Sean Liang as Cousin Andy and Gina Gomez as Fer. Though only appearing a few times, Liang earns a few laughs with his character’s jealousy when he discovers Jay’s spontaneous astral projection. Gomez adds an equal amount of humor as a no nonsense Uber driver chauffeuring Jay and Jackson around town while the two stumble through their paranormal investigation.
Perhaps the only real shortcoming I can point out is the backstory between Jay and Fer. While this is a minor complaint, the film hints time and again that there is more than what meets the eye. However, we do not get much explanation other than a possible fling that didn’t end well. Or maybe it’s all part of Jay’s inability to connect with another human being.
With simple, yet effective, cinematic effects providing an eerie element, it is safe to say that Mandao of the Dead does the best with what resources it has available offering balanced horror and comedy in one serving. Obviously on a budget, this feature holds back from becoming overly complicated while taking you through a crazy story of astral projection, time travel, ghosts, vampires and murder. Though the humor is nothing side splitting, Mandao of the Dead is a fun, original indie horror comedy that garnishes some laughs along the way. It can now be found streaming on Amazon VOD.
