Totally Killer: A Cheeky Blend of Horror and Time-Travel Fun

Directed by: Nahnatchka Khan  

Starring: Kiernan Shipka, Julie Bowen, Olivia Holt, Randall Park

**Rating:** ★★★★☆

Imagine "Halloween" meeting "Back to the Future," and you have "Totally Killer," a delightfully cheeky horror-comedy that masterfully blends time-travel shenanigans with slasher thrills. Directed by Nahnatchka Khan, known for her work on "Always Be My Maybe" and "Fresh Off the Boat," this film delivers a fresh twist on familiar genres, all while keeping the audience engaged with clever humor and a plot that, surprisingly, makes sense.

Plot Summary:

The movie opens on Halloween night in 2023. Jamie Hughes (Kiernan Shipka) is your typical teenager, ready for a night out with her friends. Her mother, Pam (Julie Bowen), is overly protective, haunted by the Sweet Sixteen Killings that occurred 35 years ago. These murders have cast a long shadow over their small town.

When Jamie accidentally finds herself transported back to 1987 via a time machine, she seizes the opportunity to prevent the murders and change history. However, convincing the 1987 townsfolk of the impending danger proves challenging. The town’s sheriff (Randall Park) and the locals, steeped in 80s culture, are predictably skeptical of Jamie’s warnings.

Performances:

Kiernan Shipka shines as Jamie, effortlessly navigating between the roles of a surly teen, a grief-stricken daughter, and a determined investigator. Her performance is both engaging and relatable, anchoring the film amidst its wild genre mash-up. Julie Bowen and Olivia Holt deliver strong performances as the present-day and teenage versions of Pam, respectively, with Holt’s portrayal of a mean-girl ringleader adding depth and humor.

Nostalgia and Humor:

"Totally Killer" excels in its nostalgic yet fresh take on the 80s. The film’s humor often stems from Jamie’s culture shock as she encounters casual misogyny, constant smoking, and the quirks of 80s life. The soundtrack, featuring hits like Bananarama’s “Venus” and Echo and the Bunnymen’s “The Killing Moon,” complements the era while adding an extra layer of fun.

Clever Storytelling:

One of the film’s strengths is its inventive storytelling. The narrative occasionally flashes back to the future, showing us the present-day consequences of Jamie’s actions in 1987. This clever device keeps the plot dynamic and engaging. The film also explores the insularity of small-town life and the pitfalls of peaking in high school, providing a surprisingly poignant commentary amidst the laughs and thrills.

Horror Elements:

While "Totally Killer" is entertaining, its horror elements are less compelling. The slasher scenes lack finesse, and some, like a stabbing in a waterbed, come off as sloppy. The identity and motive of the killer are overshadowed by Jamie’s resourcefulness and charm, making the horror aspect secondary to the film’s comedy and time-travel intrigue.

Conclusion:

"Totally Killer" is a delightful blend of horror, comedy, and time-travel fun that keeps you entertained from start to finish. Its clever script, engaging performances, and nostalgic yet fresh take on the 80s make it a must-watch. Although the horror elements may not be the film’s strongest suit, the overall experience is so enjoyable that it's easy to overlook. 

Now playing on Prime Video, "Totally Killer" is perfect for a fun movie night, offering a mix of laughs, thrills, and a healthy dose of 80s nostalgia.