Monsters, Marriage and Murder in Manchvegas

Monsters, Marriage and Murder in Manchvegas is a 2009 indie flick sporting a quirky title that was directed by Charles Roxburgh. The movie features an ensemble cast of Marie Dellicker, Matt Farley, Bryan Fortin, and John Gelinas, among others. Although it is a low-budget film, it boasts a unique brand of charm that commends it to fans of indie cinema who appreciate creative, idiosyncratic storytelling.

In its essence, Monsters, Marriage and Murder in Manchvegas is a quirky fusion of horror, comedy, and romance. The plot centers on a delightful hodgepodge of wacky occurrences, peculiar characters, and unusual events all charmingly set in the small town known as "Manchvegas."

The film opens with an offbeat group of friends hailing from Manchester, New Hampshire, nicknamed Manchvegas. Predictable suburban life loses its grip as Matt, Gwen, Bryan, and Rod go about their ordinary lives, testing their luck on discarded lottery tickets, and wandering amidst the captivating beauty of the dense woods surrounding their town.

Their life takes turn when they begin sharing tales about strange, mythical monsters lurking in the woods. The stories, initially told in jest, take on a real twist as they stumble upon surprising evidence that indeed, some inexplicable creatures are sharing their town’s peripheries. As the plot thinckens, the foursome takes it upon themselves to investigate these curious tales and embarks on an intrepid monster hunting expedition.

While the story is partly creepy, it also loops in various comedy sketches that are well-designed in their engaging nature promising hearty laugh out loud moments. It uses monster lore and local urban legends, executed in hilarious ways, creating a highly enjoyable balance of scare and fun.

Parallelly, the plot introduces romantic detours that make for dramatic narratives. Gwen, played by Marie Dellicker, is wooed by both Matt and Bryan, adding a romantic triangle subplot to the story. The local annual 'marriage lottery' ups the ante, creating fascinating romantic possibilities that further complicate their relationships.

The film explores the dichotomy of the paradoxical feeling of fear and hilarity inducing it in the audience with the interplay of elements like the anticipation of something dreadful followed up by the reveal of something comically absurd. This twist of the harmless with the ostensibly threatening, absurd with the ordinary, weaves together a series of eventful vignettes that make up the essence of the film.

The characters are vivid, authentic, and believable, adding to the audience's investment in their journey. The lead actors Marie Dellicker, Matt Farley, Bryan Fortin and John Gelinas showcase excellent performances that lend the movie its charm and draw you into the quirky universe of this film. Meanwhile, breezy pacing, catchy tunes, and an energetic soundtrack add to the atmosphere of jubilance and playfulness while not compromising on the intense scenes where needed.

The cinematography by Tom Scalzo deserves special mention as it beautifully captures the essence of American suburbia. The colors and tones give the film an almost nostalgic feel that superbly complements the story's retro-horror vibe.

Monsters, Marriage and Murder in Manchvegas, with its unique narrative structure, improvised dialogues, and innovative forgiveness of a budget, is a testament to the brilliance and authenticity of indie cinema in its true essence. It reminds us that not all good films require vast budgets or star-studded casts but rather are often about zany ideas, intuitive storytelling, and a love for creating something fresh and engaging.

In conclusion, it offers an enjoyable cinematic journey for those on the lookout for something fresh, unpretentious, and eccentric. A film that is a delightful blend of charm and chaos, with a dash of nostalgia thrown in for good measure. While the slightly obscure title may depict an impression of an over-the-top dramatic flick, Monsters, Marriage and Murder in Manchvegas is much more, a lighthearted indie comedy that never takes itself too seriously, promising a trip down the delightful, quirky rabbit hole of indie American cinema.

This movie is sure to provide an unforgettable viewing experience for film enthusiasts willing to delve into a world where monsters, romance, and unexpected chaos combine to provide a humorous escape from the ordinary.