Destroy All Neighbors (2024) Movie Review
In the opening credits of "Destroy All Neighbors," a quirky horror-comedy about irritating neighbors and a self-proclaimed "serial manslaughterer," a few notable names catch your eye. Rich Zim animated the wild and trippy opening credits, taking viewers on a bizarre journey through a constantly changing tunnel filled with ear wax, eyeballs, microchips, trees, and more.
Gabriel Bartalos, the special make-up effects supervisor, is another standout with a track record that includes working with cult-favorite artists like Matthew Barney and Frank Henenlotter. The main stars are Jonah Ray Rodrigues, known for co-hosting "Mystery Science Theater 3000," and Alex Winter, who co-directed "Freaked" and also co-produced "Destroy All Neighbors."
Don't miss Charlene Lee, the casting director, whose past credits include "Beef" and "Fargo." She's also been involved in noteworthy series featuring comedic talents, such as "Review" and "Sherman’s Showcase."
Destroy All Neighbors Movie Review
Give credit to Lee and her team for bringing together the cast of "Destroy All Neighbors," a comedy that prioritizes ensemble camaraderie over plot intricacies, surreal humor, practical effects, or standout individual performances. While you might not recall specific details, the memorable moments arise from the evident fun the on-screen performers are having together.
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The plot takes a dark twist when Will accidentally ends up killing Vlad. Before that, we see Will navigating the music scene as a sound mixer for Scotty (played by Thomas Lennon), a spineless studio guy aiming to please the demanding musician Caleb Bang Jansen (played by Ryan Kattner), known for his tantrums and drug use. Will also encounters Auggie (played by Christian Calloway), a persistent homeless man always asking for a free croissant. However, it's essential to note that the plot isn't the main focus here; the emphasis lies on the comedic interactions and dynamics among the characters.
The enjoyment you'll get from "Destroy All Neighbors" depends on your taste in laid-back comedies, especially if you appreciate the clever humor in certain jokes, like Scotty's recurring misconception about rock 'n roll. There's also Swig Anderson, the ex-prog-rocker turned online music guru, who dishes out free advice to listeners like Will while divulging way too much personal information, from alimony to disposing of human remains. While these jokes add some flair, they often struggle to carry entire scenes, posing a challenge in a movie with a light plot that follows Will navigating the chaos of standing up for himself.
In his standout moments, Ray captures the essence of his character's conflicting anxieties, fitting seamlessly into the West Coast comedy scene filled with amusing jabs at washed-up artists, plagiarized movie scripts, and all-day jam sessions. Ray's ability to collaborate and share the spotlight with his co-stars, such as Deol and Daly, stems from his experience co-hosting "The Nerdist Podcast" and collaborating with "Mystery Science Theater 3000" creator Joel Hodgson. It's a low-key delight to see Ray's banter with the cast, including a surprise comedian not credited in the opening but listed on IMDb – if that makes sense to you, you might be the target audience for "Destroy All Neighbors."
However, the real reason to watch "Destroy All Neighbors" is Ray's exceptional performance as the straight man. His chemistry with the co-stars adds an essential playfulness that makes you want to spend time with Will and see where the plot takes him. The best movie's success is a testament to Lee and her team, who are the true MVPs behind the scenes.