In 2010, the premiere of the comedy slasher "Homicide Holiday" Canadian production, created by several small film studios. No one particularly hoped for the success of this picture, in advance ranking it to the rank of ordinary thrash, designed for a narrow target audience, mostly consisting of teenagers. Directed the shooting of the beginning 38-year-old director Eli Craig, he also co-wrote the script together with another debutant Morgan Jurgenson. And the cast of Killing Holidays did not amaze the imagination: Alan Tudick and Tyler Labin are unlikely to be classified as big stars, although in the track record of the first there are several brave secondary roles in good films, for example in the full-length film adaptation of the series Firefly - the film Mission Serenity (2005). “Homic Holiday” although not justified the budget invested in the production in the amount of $ 5 million, but caused approval from fans of the genre, and in general the film became a hit of the season.
It is possible that "Homicide Holiday" did not pay for itself did not make his director and screenwriter Eli Craig a sought-after specialist, but still praise should have led him to more turbulent activity. But then came the failed TV version of Zombieland in 2013, so Eli Craig took a break again, this time it lasted for four years, but during this time he was able to find a new original idea for the production of the film in the same genre that brought him first success and some fame, while creating the script he did not need anyone’s help, although noticeably immediately, Craig was inspired at the time of writing. And for the filming of his new film called “Little Evil”, Craig found funding in his home country – in the United States, and gathered under his banner a strong cast consisting of Adam Scott, Evangeline Lilly, Clancy Brown, Sally Field and stand-up comedian Bridget Everett as a woman who had sex reassignment surgery.
The character of Adam Scott is a young attractive man named Gary Bloom, who recently found his happiness next to a pleasant woman named Samantha (Evangeline Lilly). And now they are married, but one thing remains: Gary can not make contact with the young son of Samantha Lucas (Owen Atlas), who immediately makes an unpleasant impression, being a closed boy with a very angry, one can say even a demonic expression. And then, as much as Gary did not believe in idyll, terrible and mystical events begin to occur, and soon the man realizes that his stepson is somehow involved in this. In general, Little Evil is a kind of interpretation of genre films, the start and concept of which was given by the horror classic Omen (1976). Only here to find the balance of comedy and mysticism Eli Craig this time failed. Initial Impressions is a typical horror movie about a child demon who is capable of frightening things. But then, about the final third of Little Evil, Craig suddenly remembered the comedy and began to consolidate genres, but it was impossible to save the picture.
The fact that Eli Craig did not manage to create something authorial and adrenaline, as it was in the case of Killing Holiday. It seems that attempts were made to caricature stereotypes and clichés, which began to form immediately after the popularity of Omen. But Craig only got duplicate patterns, which in no way caused not that laughter, but even smiles. All attempts to play the fact that Bridget Everett’s heroine was a man until recently also looked frankly weak. And Adam Scott is very difficult to call a comedian, and his character was too similar to his character from another horror film with elements of the comedy Crampus (2015), only there was a comedy first, and then horror. Evangeline Lilly plays briskly, but without much brilliance, in general, just as much as necessary to embody a quite light character. But the two-time Oscar owner Sally Field was pleasant to see on the screen, although she is more in the status of a guest star, as is Clancy Brown, who is so remembered in the image of the central antagonist in the classic of the fantastic action movie Highlander (1986).
The verdict is that I personally had a strong desire to see in “Little Evil” at least some glorious moments that made “Homic Holiday” really funny and scary spectacle at the same time. But for some time there is another variation on the theme of a demonic child, and then Eli Craig seems to suddenly remember about the comedy and begins to push it hard, which causes a strong imbalance in the Little Evil, and even a strong acting game does not help the situation.
5 out of 10
Horror movies and parody have been on the move lately. Most popular films will eventually get their own comedy version. This time, we have something different “Omen” from the director, and part-time screenwriter Eli Craig.
Honestly, I like these movies. You can look at an already famous painting from a humorous angle. But that's not the case. Honestly, as for me, the tape “Little Evil” is quite boring and monotonous film. Humor, even a toilet in it is not, but rather a set of miniatures that “something” resemble the classic “Omen”.
The plot is again banal and largely repeats the original. The adopted son, who is very difficult to survive the new boyfriend of his father and has paranormal abilities, clearly not directed towards the creation of peace on earth.
The actors. Very mediocre. First of all, this statement applies to Adam Scott, who played Gary (the main character) and Owen Atlas, who played Lucas (the smallest evil). If the first has in his track record in this picture only one emotion on the face, then the baby’s game did not work. What is it, what is it? And this is not even in terms of the fact that the role itself is gloomy and verbose. On the positive side, I would like to note Bridget Everett, who played a lesbian friend of the main character, Al. This full actress looked rather harmonious in the frame and became, perhaps, the decoration of the film by Eli Craig.
As a result, the tape is honest for once. It's quite lookable, but the overwhelming number of viewers will be very disappointed.
5 out of 10
You probably haven’t heard of director Eli Craig (as I have), but you’re certainly familiar with his debut film Kill Holiday, where he successfully juggles ideas about the genre of horror films like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, in general – slashers. So it is not surprising that his next feature-length film continues to explore the facets of horror films, this time the films about child anthropologists (" Oman, Rosemary's Baby) were targeted.
Little Evil is a comedy drama disguised as a deconstruction of horror films. The film is about a couple who recently played their wedding and began life together. But here’s the bad luck: his wife (Evangeline Lilly) from a previous marriage has a 5-year-old child-devils, who still strives to kill or eliminate her mother’s new husband (Adam Scott) from the family.
At first, the film really makes fun of the cliches, but it turns out that this is not very interesting to him, and they cause only a slight grin, nothing more. At one point you start to think, “Maybe all this seems like a hero?” And here the film reaches its apogee of parody and unreality, that you begin to fully convince yourself that this movie is a metaphor for the relationship between stepfather and stepchild. And it's damn cool and charming. And it is very similar to the fact that the director himself had experience of such relationships - it is painful to feel the soul of a person who had a hand in making a film. The most important thing is that here is considered not only the point of view of the stepfather, but also the child, as well as his mother, who, very comically, does not notice any oddities for her son. But the film is more about a friend story between father and son. In addition, the topic of self-identification and freedom of choice was touched, which very much fit into this fantastic plot.
Ironically turning the horror genre on its head into a family melodrama, the director achieves the amazing effect of the viewer’s empathy, and Adam Scott, who perfectly fits into the role, leaves us no chance, forcing us to empathize with his hero. And, as the film decides to go beyond the expected empty parody, it deserves to remain in the history of the horror genre, at least as a curious example of mixing genres and going beyond the usual canons of horror.
Director Eli Craig has a cool comedy called Killing Holidays. This movie made me laugh and I still remember it today. When I learned about the release of a new comedy from this director, and especially since it was played by Canadian beauty Evangeline Lilly, I decided to appreciate it with pleasure.
I must say that the film “Omen” 1976 cult horror film for all time. I've been afraid of this movie since I was a kid, and that story is really scary and interesting. Now we have a parody of her. Craig directed a black comedy called “The Little Evil”, in which he shamelessly mocks the theme of Omen – the Antichrist.
We see the main character who married a charming woman with a child. He loves her and wants to be a father to her child, but the boy is far from simple. He is silent, creepy, and strange things happen next to him all the time. Soon the main character realizes that his stepson is a real creature of hell.
This comedy is light and funny. There were times when you couldn’t help smiling. In general, the film is not a failure, but it can not be called a masterpiece. In general, the movie is unusual, and everything looked strange. The theme of Antichrist and Evil is rarely mocked and filmed black comedies. Only now I remember "A very scary movie 2", in which they parodied "The Exorcist". If there was only one scene, then there is a whole, complete film.
The black comedy is atmospheric and felt like it was being worked on. Adam Scott plays in a big movie for a long time, and now the mass audience remembers him for his role in the TV series Big, Little Lies. I never paid much attention to him, but in this unscrupulous comedy he played well, and everything rested on him.
The star of “Lost” Evangeline Lilly in this picture was a breath of fresh air, and she constantly wanted to look, I wanted more and more scenes with her participation. Young Owen Atlas was successfully selected for the role of the exchange, a boy played very eerie. In general, the cast was clear. In a small role, it was pleasant and unexpected to see Sally Field here, I love this charming, American actress.
Little Evil is an American, black comedy with horror elements of 2017. Such a movie could only be brought to life in America and nowhere else. The picture laughed, and once you can safely watch it.
There is no greater task in life than raising a child. After all, there are no rules and regulations about what should be the ideal upbringing of a child. In this regard, there is often a certain fear about the correctly chosen “course” of education. Especially if that child is not yours. A little laugh on this topic and fantasize decided American director Eli Craig.
The plot of the picture is a retelling of the cult “Omen” directed by Richard Donner, how much of its non-trivial disguised parody. When throughout the screen time, the entire creative team of the picture literally rolls many key moments of the picture into the asphalt. Along the way gets the “Poltergeist” of the late Tobe Hooper and a whole brood of old-school horror films of those times.
At the same time, no matter what a parody the film was, the creators of the tape managed to put a second depth into the picture, which is the main morality of the picture. By comical situations and frivolity, the creators of the film raise not only the topic of the responsibility of raising a child, but also the topic of the lack of love for children from their adoptive parents. After all, not every person is able to accept another person’s child as his own and love with all his heart.
Almost seven years ago, the director of the film Eli Craig very brightly flashed a magnificent film “Homicide Holiday”. Where he with particular ease managed to create a combination of serious horror film and parody comedy. He tried a similar trick here as well. However, the hitch in so many years and the lack of directorial experience over the years has borne fruit. Unfortunately, not the best.
I was not personally impressed by the film. Craig managed to make quite a "pretty" and sterile film. Where it would seem, everything is arranged in its shelves, the picture is shot like a textbook and you do not want to talk about any frank flaws. However, to hook when viewing the picture, the creators alas failed. Just like to make you laugh or at least make you smile.
He played the role of Adam Scott. Adam Scott is one of the underrated actors of our time. Because in this case, he literally pulls the whole movie out on his shoulders. Evangeline Lilly, who managed to create an image of a real mother on the screen. A mother for whom her child is always the best, kind and good. I was not impressed by Owen Atlas, who, in my opinion, failed to fully reveal himself in the image of the Antichrist.
5 out of 10
Little Evil is a very interesting mix of a parody of Richard Donner’s iconic Omen and an important message regarding the upbringing of the younger generation. Of course, the film could have turned out just great, but the creators of the picture failed to use all the available potential for unknown reasons. Therefore, it is not surprising that the film does not manage to cause any emotions and it is easily forgotten immediately after viewing.
A pleasant and cute fantastic comedy with notes of serious drama from the director who gave us “Homicide Holidays” in his time. Honestly, I was surprised and didn’t expect to like the movie. Netflix once again delights its viewers with quality content. I will note the amazing work and the right choice in the genre direction of the picture. The authors did not turn this story into a typical American stupid comedy. In the end, everything turned out very competently and subtly.
The main character of the film recently married a sweet and wonderful woman who already had her own child. The hero began to educate his stepson, when he suddenly realizes that this baby is a real Antichrist. Our hero has to fulfill his mission and show incredible resilience, courage and realize important things that concern any father.
It’s nice to say that the director was able to achieve the perfect balance between humor, drama and horror. Elegant scenes in which there is light fun in a frightening atmosphere, will appeal to many lovers of both comedies and horror. Sharp and competent transitions from laughter to fear fit perfectly into the overall structure of the narrative, and sound elements and suitable music only enhance the already necessary effect of perception.
A good casting has done its job because it’s nice to watch actors, it’s nice to watch them, empathizing with them in any danger.
I’m sure a lot of people will like it because it’s a really good movie to watch at home. Everybody watch!
So suddenly in 2017, Netflix gives us a great parody of the legendary Omen.
Of course, I apologize in advance if the creators of Little Evil somehow conceived their offspring, but what else could it be?
It's funny. I frantically burned over the best friend of the main character. A male friend played by Bridget Everett. Great jokes, loud screams, logic of actions. Something to me this character remotely reminded Walter Sobchak from the “Big Lebowski”, and connoisseurs will agree with me – “Big”, as a masterpiece film, did it Walter. It’s rare in movies that minor characters get so much attention.
No, the main character here is good too. But it's Adam Scott, he's sweet, after all. And he's playing the "normal" here. Evangeline Lilly refreshed her memory after Lost. I remember, like many people, drooling at her on the show.
The boy himself, aka the Antichrist, coped with the role reluctantly. Specifically, I did not burn over him, and I should not have – the role of the young actor is simple and, one might say, episodic. Despite the fact that the film is kind of about him, but the main features are revealed in the occupations in parallel and somewhere around the bush, which personally pleased me.
Yes, someone who watched will probably say that “Evil” is nonsense and stupidity, they say, so many such parodies were already there, nothing new and original in the genre did not bring. I don’t remember any other such high-quality parodies. Maybe they were, but a long time ago. What is it that we, film lovers, spend our whole lives riding the same film on the reel?
But I agree, with the exception of great humor, the film will not impress. He's also kind. That is, the emphasis here is not on any hardness, but on a completely banal spiritual turn. Maybe I was in a mood and my brain was looking for anything to laugh at, and I laughed from the heart. I recommend it to everyone. Look, you guys should come in.