"Cheerbleeders" Review - Written by Anthony Thurber

Cheerbleeders
Year: 2008
Director: Peter Podgursky
Stars: Laurel Vail, Wyatt Fenner
Studio: USC School of Cinematic Arts
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Official Website: http://www.cheerbleeders.com/





“Cheerbleeders” is about Penny and Devon (Laurel Vail, Wyatt Fenner), a couple of high school outcasts, who are hated by their classmates, in a small Idaho town. Then one day, during a high school project Penny inadvertently casts a spell on Devon, turning him from an outcast into the hottest kid, in school, as no woman can resist him. Soon, Penny finds out that Devon’s new popularity could unleash a bloodbath of epic proportions at their high school.

Peter Podgursky does a lot in 12 minutes than most directors would do in a full-length feature. "Cheerbleeders" is punk rock's version of "The Evil Dead". This was a very well directed and wirtten horror-comedy from Podgursky. His direction was very good. I liked the way he directed this film, as this is a film really grabs your attention. Podgursky does this, by the various shots that he uses for the action sequences. It gave that punk rock feel that makes you get into the rhythm of the film or a song in that genre. The action also gave that you that feel that you’re warped into one of those campy comic bookish films, where the action feels like its coming out of the pages, like an earlier Full Moon Entertainment film in the Paramount days. What also made Podgursky's direction very good, his ability to get the performances that he needs, in order to achieve this flow that this film has. He manages to make sure that there’s chemistry with the two leads. It's one of those films's that if the main actors don't have chemistry, the movie is going to fall. This movie does not fail, as both of the lead did a very good job making their characters interesting, so that you can get into the flow of the film.

Another thing that made this film very good was the screenplay. Podgursky does a very good job making the film very comic book like. He achieves that, by doing two things. First, Podgursky creates a story that would grab a mainstream moviegoers attention. He does that by adding elements that you would see in a sex comedy, a zombie horror film and a teen buddy film. Those elements worked very well, as it makes the story original and accessible to everyone. The other thing that Podgursky does well is making the humor work, so well. That's what really makes this short film, a gem. He times those one-liners so well, as they were funny at that point of the story. The lines gives you laughs and makes you come out of this film, with a good feeling, as a fan of horror and comedy films will have a fun time with this one.

This is a film that I highly suggest you check out, if it's playing at a festival near you. If you are a punk rock fan or someone that likes quirky horror films then this film for you. “Cheerbleeders” is a very fun and horrifying look that leaves you wanting more.

Review Rating: Five Stars