An anthology about aggressive antagonistic adversaries accommodates approximately all accumulative assimilated horror attributes amounting to another arbitrary assortment of assailants in an average asinine adventure. A Comedy of Horrors Volume 1 is an anthology film with various directors containing four short films connected by several vignettes.

The Substitute

A substitute teacher, Mrs. Evanora (Kathy Searle), introduces herself to a kindergarten class. She recounts her favourite stories from the titular book, frequently interrupted by Principal Bill (Bill Steffey), deflecting him at all costs.

Written and directed by Ken Arnold and Dan DeLuca, these vignettes connect the short films. Many questions get raised the film blatantly ignores. Over time they’re more distracting than anything, wishing it would get on with it. Searle overacts making her more cartoonish than scary. Her actions and motivations are inexplicable just like how her presence isn’t explained.

Welcome to Clown Town

Starting in 1988, a house party is interrupted by an unknown killer and brutally murdered. In modern times a series of murders happen again. Two cops, Sheriff Skittles (Ken Arnold) and Deputy Dimples (Dan DeLuca) must solve the case. It takes place in a town literally full of clowns with names like the aforementioned cops. They interrogate numerous suspects after investigating crime scenes as the murder mystery progresses.

Written and directed by Ken Arnold and Dan DeLuca. The acting is average as well as the writing. The directing is pretty straightforward with point and shoot methods. The silly premise is based on a one-note joke more suited for a sketch comedy act than anything. The jokes get old fast too. I appreciate originality but the execution of the concept was poor.

Fun with Furklee

Larry (Jimmy Billinger) brings his date Daisy (Jaci Jones) home to find out she’s a fan of his old tv puppet show. Against his wishes, she takes the Furklee puppet (Michael Paradiso) out of its case. They’re both in trouble when he reveals the puppet is alive and has a taste for blood.

Directed by Jamie Nash, innovative camera movements are used to display the insanity of the scenario. The eccentric killer puppet is unpredictable and menacing because of the way it’s shot. Inventive camera tricks are used to bring Furklee to life. It also boasts great gore practical effects. The writing by Bud George cleverly doesn’t rely on puns or jump scares but instead on inane situations with a satisfying conclusion that seems fitting for the premise. He weaves in suspenseful moments as the story goes off the wall, in the best ways possible.

Last Maid Standing

A maid of honour, Mary (Melanie Mahanna), reveals a dark secret to her bridal party before committing suicide. The Bride, Debbie (Anna Fagan), and the others fight for their lives for a chance of surviving the weekend.

Written and Directed by Nick Tucker and Taylor Hamilton. The acting is amazing as each character has distinct personalities with their own time to shine. This has a pleasing climax going in directions I wasn’t expecting. It’s easily the highlight of the film.

Good Head

An actor, Cooper Bradley (Matt Servitto), and his assistant Amanda (Addie Weyrich) visit make-up artist Shane (Henry Zebrowski) to make a clay mould of his face for his latest film. During the process, he performs a voodoo ritual. Stuck in his workshop of horrors, Cooper and Amanda must escape with their lives.

Written and directed by Dan Triandiflou, he takes a cliché premise and fills it with quirky dialogue and memorable moments. It’s shot with a spooky atmosphere with a touch of comedy for a great mix. Weyrich stands out with her precise comedic timing and dry sarcasm.

Overall, A Comedy of Horrors Volume 1  has its flaws and perks. A few segments overstay their welcome, while others are genuinely entertaining. I’d recommend this to hardcore horror fans if you love ham and cheese served with your terror. I may not be a fan but others might eat it up. How’s that for food for thought? And remember, it’s full of clowns, bridesmaid carnage, incantations calamities, and a killer puppet… oh my!

5 out of 10