Known for Barbershop, one of the greatest comedies, the Fantastic Four films you may only remember because of Chris Evans or Jessica Alba and a bunch of wasted comedic opportunities up till now. 2023 brings a light back to the dimly lit scene that was Tim Story’s long filmmaking career, all with the help of writers Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins. 

 

A brisk and hilarious satire on the slasher genre, while also poking fun and acknowledgment toward numerous other types of horror. The Blackening is a clever horror comedy that fully embodies the concept of what if the entire cast of possible victims were black, playing on the stereotypical horror concern that a minority is always going to be the first to get slashed. The cast have immense chemistry with one another and their genuine interactions through their dialogue makes for all the better comedy. There are some wild stereotypes, but the writers and actors go all out with their creation, producing a film that is clearly trying to jab at these issues while capitalizing on them in the same breath. 

 

While attempting to blend the genres, the film certainly leans more on the comedy than the horror. The slasher elements are simplistic and the jump scares lack the fright, but its with the character reactions that make the film all the more interesting. Tim Story’s The Blackening is like a Wayans’ film at the peak of their career but removing the crude parody for sharp satire. The film is unpredictable, an absolute blast and one to be seen with a crowd; the packed theater enhanced the overall experience substantially.