Imagine a journey into a haunted hotel where time loops, ghosts abound, and chaos reigns supreme. That’s the experience awaiting viewers in the quirky 1987 flick “Bloody New Year,” directed by Norman J. Warren. Set against the backdrop of a bizarre New Year’s Eve celebration, this movie is a mishmash of supernatural occurrences that somehow become clearer as the clock strikes midnight.
The adventure begins with two British couples, an American tourist, and a fellow named Spud exploring an eerie abandoned hotel. Think of it as a blend of ‘The Shining,’ ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer,’ and a hint of ‘Scooby Doo.’ This group finds themselves inexplicably trapped in their surroundings, with bizarre events unfolding one after another. From a man punching through a woman’s stomach to twisted ‘Twilight Zone’ references, ‘Bloody New Year’ invites viewers to embrace its absurdity as it merrily rolls toward chaos.
The film opens with a black-and-white home video from New Year’s Eve, 1959, where guests are dancing their way into a new decade. Just as the music swells, a woman is pulled through a mirror, catapulting the narrative into the vibrant ’80s. The transition is more implied than explicit, adding to the film’s peculiar charm.
Among the cast is a pair named Rick and Janet, along with their friends Lesley and Tom. Their friend Spud soon encounters Carol, an American who finds herself in a tilt-a-whirl predicament that seems like something straight out of a whimsical nightmare. Yet, the gang’s attempts to assist soon lead to them being stranded, their boat having sunk, and discovering the mysterious Grand Island Hotel with its eerily festive Christmas decorations in the middle of summer.
In a twist filled with practical effects, the hotel comes alive with ghosts and zombies, complicating the group’s endeavor to escape. While the time-travel plot might not win any awards for originality, it does provide enough intrigue to keep viewers engaged. The hotel’s oddities, such as a sentient fish net and a mysteriously absent hotel staff, create a cocktail of hilarity and horror.
The film’s underwhelming acting and uneven editing become part of its endearing charm. Its bold, if not bizarre, artistic commitment showcases an appreciation for the wacky and nonsensical, making ‘Bloody New Year’ a cult classic to watch post-midnight. As the narrative unfolds, it intertwines a ghostly cabaret singer with a convoluted love triangle, leaving audiences questioning more than just the plot. It’s a movie that relishes in asking ‘what if?’ more than ‘what now?’
Described by some as akin to a discount hangover from Party City, the film navigates a bizarre array of enchanted objects, from a killer fish net to a peculiar staircase vulture. While the film invites viewers to laugh at its continuity errors and flawed special effects, it also offers an unexpected sense of enjoyment as each illogical scene unfolds.
Despite its many quirks, ‘Bloody New Year’ pays homage to the dedication of filmmakers who committed to such an eccentric project. The movie serves as a reminder of cinematic creations that defy conventional sensibilities and embrace the oddities. Warren, who faced challenges during production, later contributed to its restoration in 2019, ensuring its peculiar legacy endures.
Streaming on Tubi, ‘Bloody New Year’ stands ready to entertain those brave enough to dive into its supernatural splendor. It’s a testament that sometimes, movies are less about making sense and more about evoking a feeling—no matter how perplexing.
‘Bloody New Year’ delivers a delightfully disjointed experience that draws viewers into its whimsical world of supernatural twists and turns. With a mix of absurdity and ingenuity, it offers unexpected moments that resonate long past viewing, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a midnight adventure. Embrace its peculiarities and let the chaos unfold.
Source: Yahoo
