Absolutely Fantastic

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

"There is so much ugliness in the world. Can't there be anyone who is utterly perfect?"What an odd combination of a slasher, dance numbers, surfing, cross-dressing, split-personalities, a murder mystery, and campy humor. I only chose to see Psycho Beach Party because of the presence of a young Amy Adams, who I will watch absolutely any movie for. Without her, I wouldn't have had much of a reason to finish this. I love campy, cult movies, but Psycho Beach Party didn't particularly amuse me. It wasn't bad, but this movie is really only worth seeing if you're a fan of the cast (which includes Lauren Ambrose, Thomas Gibson, and Kathleen Robertson), and for the cheesy, awesome ending. Watch the trailer, it should give you an excellent idea of whether this is for you.

Based on the stage play that was also written by Charles Busch, I was wary about this as I struggled with another of his films Die, Mommie, Die! But I enjoyed this a lot more. A satire on the beach movies of the 50/60's, combined with slasher movies, the film tells of a young girl who starts to hang with a group of beach kids, then starts getting black outs, just as some of the kids meet gruesome ends. Is she the murderer?...The film is very clever as it satirizes genre films, in a B-movie way, but without becoming too stupid or cheesy. There is a fine cast, many of whom have gone onto great things, Amy Adams for instance, and there is a fine performance from Lauren Ambrose (from 6ft Under) who plays the split personality Chicklet brilliantly. There is also a good performance from 'Neighbours' star Kimberley Davies.The recreation of the era looks fine and whilst the film never resorts to gross out humour or slapstick, there are some very funny moments, often from Charles Busch as the Police Captain Monica Stark or from two of the male characters gradual realization they are attracted to each other. The film starts quite slowly, but gathers momentum as it progresses and has a nice twist at the end. It reminded me a little of John Waters films, such as Serial Mom and Hairspray, it has much to enjoy in a camp, funny and slightly twisted way.More of reviews at iheartfilms.weebly.com

I am aware this movie wasn't supposed to be taken seriously. However, being made in 2001 the acting was horrible and the whole story was ridiculous. It actually could have been really funny if done a little better. It also could have been a great scary movie if there were better actors and effects. I don't recommend this movie at all. HORRIBLE. The effects were just cheesy as well as the dialogue. I actually recongnized some of the actors/actresses from movies or TV shows, but in this movie they all did a horrible job. Even though it was cheesy dialogue the actors/actresses could have done something to make it less painful.

You have to love camp to like this flick; as Lauren Ambrose's Chicklet learns about boys and girls, 60's style (with some 90's surprises thrown in.)As far as I know, Annette and Moondoggie never met any multiple-personality slashers (Too bad) but Busch's film more than makes up for that lack. Introducing cross-dressing cops, constipated surfers searching for their sexual identity and a possible serial Mom, "Psycho Beach" bends and blends teenage angst and softcore slasher porn.Best scenes: Starcat explaining his relation with MarlaDene to Chicklet; Starcat accidentally removing MarlaDene's bikini bottom while retrieving his frat pin...just because they are so totally out of the genre.6 out of 10.