Chubbies

Chubbies is an outlandish, comedic and in-your-face horror film released in 2014 by Director Mike Hartman. It combines the soul of '80's teen sex comedies with classic sci-fi horror, wrapped up with oddball humor and unforgettable characters. It stars Gary Boettcher, Slasher Dave, Patrick L. Dear and David Gibson, who all carry the screen with their diverse acting skills, infusing every scene with the necessary ingredients for a perfect Halloween scare.

In this over-the-top flick, it's Halloween night, 1988 at Bowl-O-Rama, a chillingly ordinary bowling alley turned haunted horror ground. The unsuspecting employees continue with their routine, enjoying the night in their eclectic styles, completely oblivious of the galactic terror that's about to be unleashed upon them. Among these locals are Kelly (Gary Boettcher) the charming nerd, Suzy (Patrick L. Dear) the 'let's party' cheerleader, and Billy (David Gibson), the gruff no-nonsense jock. Each character brings their own style to the vibrant set.

Just as midnight rolls around, the place gets unexpectedly invaded. Not by your classic horror movie monsters, but by an alien species capturing teenagers and spreading cosmic terror. The invaders are represented by a unique, hilariously disturbing creature, designed with special effects that pay homage to classic 80’s horror. The alien's bizarre method of takeover is something to behold. They aim to conquer the Earth, as they believe it to be the coolest planet in the universe, and they initiate their plan quite uniquely - through a party invasion.

Much of the film's charm lies in its humor, which strikes a unique tone and pays tribute to both teen sex comedies and Sci-Fi horror of the '80s. With a title that reflects the invasion of the alien creatures, the term 'Chubbies' cleverly encapsulates the goofy yet menacing identity of these extraterrestrial beings. The movie excels in blending its various genre influences – the nostalgic 80's vibe, sexual humour, teenage rebelliousness, and genuine spooks from the impending alien invasion all play out interdependently in this entertaining tale.

In true 80's fashion, the film also features an engaging rock and roll soundtrack, helping to further immerse viewers into the era. The songs, bursting with adrenaline and youthful spirit, set the mood for a fantastical, ghostly, and humorously risqué Halloween night.

Moreover, the movie showcases excellent camera work, capturing the suspense, thrill, and humor with the right angles and panning. The exquisite shots highlight the chilling aspects of unanticipated danger lurking behind the lanes of the otherwise benign bowling alley. Coupled with the ostentative lighting embellishing the outskirts of horror and comedy, Chubbies keeps viewers on their toes, anxiously anticipating the next turn.

Besides, the film's screenplay recommends itself through both its surprise factor and its hilarity. Despite its absurd premise, Chubbies keeps a straight face, resulting in some highly entertaining exchanges and situations that play out in hilariously unexpected ways.

Furthermore, Chubbies is not only a cascade of visceral thrills and high-energy humor but also a commendable showcase of practical special effects and makeup. The alien invaders and the aftermath of their nightly antics are realized through impressive prosthetics and special effects makeup, a feature that maintains the nostalgia and charm of the decade.

The cast, especially the quintet of principal actors, deliver perfectly pitched performances. They manage to infuse charm and likability into their broadly written characters with a compelling blend of earnestness and humor.

Chubbies is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with genuine frights, gut-busting humor, eerie mystery, and performance chemistry that's a delight to watch. It's perfect for those seeking some gutsy rushes of adrenaline, sprinkled with hearty laughs and surprise elements throughout. It's an homage to an era - provocative, silly, fun, horror-filled, and remarkably entertaining.

In the simplest words, Chubbies is a ludicrous Halloween romp, full of belly laughs, with unique teen characters and alien chaos, designed to entertain those in search of the extraordinary. Halloween night 1988 will never be the same again.