Abnormal Attraction (2018)
Director: Michael Leavy
Writers: Michael Leavy, Steven Della Salla, Jason Leavy
Stars: Michael Buscemi, Malcolm McDowell, Leslie Easterbrook, Jim Hanks, Gilbert Gottfried
In a world where fairy tales are much more than tales, monsters and humans are forced to live alongside one another. Much like in our world, many people find it possible to peacefully coexist, however there are plenty of others who do not. Nick Lane (Nathan Reid) is one of the few people who stand in the middle and try to bring both sides closer together instead of pushing them further apart. However, when the tension that has been building between both sides reaches its breaking point, the middle isn’t necessarily the best place to be. Nick’s morals are tested, and his own weaknesses are revealed as all these problems come closer to home. ‘Abnormal Attraction’ – where it’s weird to be normal.
Abnormal Attraction is a twisted fantasy comedy from director and co-writer Michael Leavy, that looks to bring the world of mystical creatures, monsters and fantasy together in a modern world where they coexist with humans. Taking a similar approach to Shrek (2001) and Monsters Inc (2001), where the characteristics of the monsters are somewhat misunderstood. Incorporates everyone from the abominable snowman to the tooth fairy, we see a very different side but with its deliberately offensive and twisted adult humour this is not one for family viewing.
The film itself is broken up into three chapters, with the events overlapping as they are all happening simultaneously, adding a different angle to the story as it unfolds. I like the way in which the stories are connected, each one offering a different perspective to events and introduces you to a variety of surreal characters. At times it almost feels like a sketch show, as we are introduced briefly to characters for their comedy moment, before swiftly moving onto the next. This actually works perfectly for a lot of the characters, such as a blink and you’ll miss her moment with Medusa having trouble on a date or Dracula attempting to do what he does best.
The film has some great moments but the funniest scene for me is when Dr. Stanley Cole; played brilliantly by Bruce Davison, is asked by work colleague Nick Lane to cover his AA meeting. Expecting this to be an alcoholics anonymous meeting Cole is soon in for a surprise when he realises that this AA meeting is not for alcohol; instead it is for those who have an Abnormal Attraction. For some this may just be an attraction towards the mythical creatures such as leprechauns, who they find irresistible. Whilst others take there obsession perhaps a step too far, with each scenario uncovering a more disturbing scenario. Had some of these scenes been adapted in a normal every day situation with ‘normal’ people it would have come across a lot more sordid and perhaps unsettling. However, with the excellent tongue-in-cheek execution of Abnormal Attraction, it manages to get away with it. Admittedly some of these scenes are still a bit disturbing and a relationship regarding a Sasquatch comes to mind, but nonetheless they are also still extremely funny.
The film includes some familiar faces including; Ron Jeremy, Leslie Eastbrook and Melanie Iglesias as well as some distinctive voices such as Gilbert Gottfried as the Pig Man and the voice of Malcolm McDowell as the Boogeyman. Malcolm once again proving his suitability for comedies with a perfect delivery of the dialogue that had me laughing every time. With the film putting such a diverse spin on the ‘Abnormal’ it was also good to see Tyler Mane, given an opportunity to do something surprisingly different with his character. As an actor known for playing the monsters behind the makeup or mask, it is nice to see him portray a very different side to the character, even if he is a Cyclops.
For me the most memorable character was Jason Leavy who delivers an energetic performance as foul-mouthed Finbar. He may be someone who is likely to divide opinion, but I thought his over the top persona worked well for the comedy in the film – especially when on screen with the straighter personalities of Nathan Reid as Nick and Nicole Balsam as Alyssa.
Where some of the prosthetic’s and characters look quite good, the body costumes and makeup for a lot of the characters still highlighted the films low budget. For fans of independent films this won’t really be an issue, as it still does enough to distinguish the characters and is therefore easy to overlook the shortfalls. In some cases, it is still better that some of the CGI monsters that are created so they haven’t done too bad.
Abnormal Attraction is a brilliantly funny bad taste comedy, which also manages to successfully deliver a relevant commentary on the social prejudices. What it lacks in budget regarding some of the makeup and effects, it certainly compensates with the animated performances and numerous cameos throughout the film. Not for those who are easily offended, but if you are looking for a comedy which pushes the boundaries with its adult humour and still has a message to put across this is one to check out.
Abnormal Attraction is available on-demand and on all digital platforms now.
Review of the fantasy comedy Abnormal Attraction
Movie title: Abnormal Attraction
Movie description: In a world where mythical creatures are real, monsters and humans are forced to coexist; and as prejudice and insecurity pulls everyone apart, three separate storylines manage to come together.
Director(s): Michael Leavy
Actor(s): Steven Della Salla, Jason Leavy, Michael Leavy
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy , Horror
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Abnormal Attraction
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
