CHECK YOUR MORALS AT THE DOOR
DVD, Blu-Ray & Streaming – “Cheap Thrills”
Review by Ray Schillaci
There is so much wrong going on in “Cheap Thrills,” but none of it is the acting, writing or production. In fact, it almost feels like somebody’s fever dream of a reflection of today’s society. The sad part is, it’s far from being dream-like – a darkly comical tale of wants, needs and the measure of a man’s machismo. On the other hand, the tale can be related more in simplistic terms by suggesting it’s the nouveau rich seeing how far us poo’ folk will go for a buck.
If we dare to look at this as the latter, we miss the whole point of this complex modern parable delivered to us with great alacrity by first time director, E.L. Katz and writers David Chirchirillo and Trent Haaga (writer of the insanely taboo, but great “DEADGIRL”). Katz has the luck to have a great cast as well to keep this fascinating and uneasy fable going until we fight ourselves from hiding our eyes and cuffing our ears.
Pat Healy and Sara Paxton, who had such great chemistry in “The Innkeepers”, play out once again to their strengths and deliver unsettling performances that will be talked about long after the film is finished. It also helps that David Koechner (“Anchorman” 1 & 2) provides laughs with his devilish dares and Ethan Embry (“Empire Records”) although rough around the edges, proves to be more of a grounding rod for the rest of us.
Two down-on-their-luck souls happen to meet a wealthy couple looking for their own special brand of entertainment. What is so clever about this film is the way it sets us up as one of the players of one upmanship. Vince (Embry) declares there is no way he is eating shit or blowing his friend for any money.The host of their game, Colin (Koechner), is repulsed that they would even think that he would suggest such an idea. From there it’s fun ’n games until our players attempt to outdo each other.
To understand why anybody would subject themselves to such antics, one would have to place themselves in the dire situation that Craig (Healy) and Vince are in. This is set up beautifully in a very understated way. We’ve been introduced to Craig’s family, their struggles and it’s a tough one, but Vince’s story sounds like so many relatable sad stories that so many of us can relate to and he slowly becomes the everyman that we feel more empathy for. I don’t want to go any further in explaining the story or the character nuances, because this film is best going in fresh and demands to be seen with others.
The tone, dark comic touches and the uncomfortable feeling you get from watching these players together is reminiscent of “Fight Club,” but scaled down with a near edgier quality. There are scenes that will literally make you gag, laugh out loud and cringe. You may even have second thoughts about recommending it as I did after it ended. But “Cheap Thrills” is anything but it’s name. E.L. Katz and company have developed a provocative piece of cinema that lingers on the mind long after it is over.
Directed by: E.L. Katz
Release Date: March 21, 2014
Run Time: 88 Minutes
Rated: NR
Country: USA
Distributor: New Artists Alliance
