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The Banana Splits Movie

The Banana Splits Movie (2019)

Sep 04, 2019 1h 29m Horror Thriller

A boy named Harley and his family attend a taping of The Banana Splits TV show, which is supposed to be a fun-filled birthday for young Harley and business as usual for Rebecca, the producer of the series. But things take an unexpected turn - and the body count quickly rises. Can Harley, his mom and their new pals safely escape?

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Directed by Danishka Esterhazy

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Danishka Esterhazy
Writer
  • Jed Elinoff
  • Scott Thomas
Producer
  • Adam Friedlander

Reviews

Gimly
5/10

I've never seen the actual _Banana Splits_ show. Honestly, before I heard that this was getting made I wasn't aware that the _Adventure Hour_ even existed. So maybe I started at a disadvantage on this one. For me though. as someone with that perspective? The _Banana Splits Movie_ was just okay.

_Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._

Dec 28, 2019

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Thematic Analysis

This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Banana Splits Movie presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Danishka Esterhazy 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 2019, 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 The Banana Splits Movie took approximately 22 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 126 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 205 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2019, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Banana Splits Movie shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, which focuses more on action than character development, The Banana Splits Movie subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like I Was a Teenage Serial Killer and Nemesis explore similar territory, The Banana Splits Movie stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 4, 2019
  • Runtime: 1h 29m