Cast
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Caitlin Stasey
as Mäddy Killian
Sianoa Smit-McPhee
as Leena Miller
Brooke Butler
as Tracy Bingham
Amanda Grace Benitez
as Hanna Popkin
Reanin Johannink
as Martha Popkin
Tom Williamson
as Terry Stankus
Nicholas S. Morrison
as Ben Fector
Chris Petrovski
as George Shank
Leigh Parker
as Manchester 'Manny' Mankiewitz
Jordan Wilson
as Vik De Palma
Felisha Cooper
as Alexis Grace Andersen
Michael Bowen
as Larry
Natalie Castillo
as Bikini Girl
Cody Saintgnue
as Cody
Shay Astar
as Ms. Wolf
Crew
Director
- Lucky McKee
- Chris Sivertson
Producer
- Robert Tonino
- Andrew van den Houten
Reviews
Wuchak
***Weak first act and confusing/ugly vibe hamper wannabe hip horror (non)comedy***
Four cheerleaders (Caitlin Stasey, Brooke Butler, Amanda Grace Benitez & Reanin Johannink) rise from the dead with the help of a wiccan teen (Sianoa Smit-McPhee) to exact revenge on several football players at a school in Southern Cal.
You can tell that “All Cheerleaders Die” (2013) is a remake of the director/writer duo ’s 2001 indie of the same name because it’s reminiscent of horror flicks of the late 90s, like “The Rage: Carrie 2” (1999), “The Craft” (1996), "The Faculty" (1998), “Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2” (2000) and “Ginger Snaps” (2000) mixed with bits of “Carnival of Souls” (1962/1998) and “Dawn of the Dead” (1978).
Unfortunately, it’s the least of these because the campy opening is neither compelling nor amusing and the movie doesn’t get interesting until the midpoint. The flick is confused about what it wants to be and strapped with a confusing script coupled with a lame docudrama vibe. Meanwhile the tame Sapphic twaddle doesn’t help.
Still, most of the actresses cited above have their unique appeal and there are some entertaining aspects. The creators just need to learn how to tell a compelling story with worthy protagonists that’s less befuddling, not to mention grasp how to execute amusement.
The film runs 1 hour, 29 minutes, and was shot in Los Angeles.
GRADE: C/C-
Oct 20, 2019
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller/Comedy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. All Cheerleaders Die presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by blending supernatural elements with realistic human reactions.
Director Lucky McKee brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of All Cheerleaders Die took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 110 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 242 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While All Cheerleaders Die shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Twelve Monkeys, which focuses more on action than character development, All Cheerleaders Die subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Brazil and Miami Vice explore similar territory, All Cheerleaders Die stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 31, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 29m
Where to Watch
