Founders Day
"No Full Review
"Founders Day" opens with "<PERSON>" (<PERSON>), witnessing the death of her girlfriend at the hands of a masked killer, armed with a gavel. Now right in the middle of a very heated mayoral election, more bodies start to pile up and <PERSON> finds herself caught in the middle of a bloody conspiracy.
Directed by <PERSON>, "Founders Day" is a lot like last year's "It's a Wonderful Knife", where I really do want to like it more than I actually do. It's definitely the kind of film that I see certain people just "not getting". (Apparent talk of people walking out of it or laughing at perceived serious moments) It's actually an intentionally over the top, hammy, and overtly campy slasher, that toys with its odd tone in a way that might confuse more than delight. The film suffers from trying to do too much and the fact that I was able to deduce the big reveal in the first ten minutes. The mystery itself for the first hour and twenty minutes isn't all that new and I'd be genuinely shocked if people weren't able to figure it out. However, that's where something kind of genius about the film comes from. 823
In the film's final twenty minutes, everything shockingly comes together in a scheme that's quite brilliant and makes one rethink much of the film's earlier flaws. I'll admit that I kind of loved the ending and all it implies, along with a few admittedly fun performances and characters. From hilariously over the top work from <PERSON> and <PERSON> (as the mayoral candidates, who hate each other's guts, not even putting things aside in life or death situations), <PERSON> (as the always candy eating police commissioner), the director himself <PERSON> (as the mayor's panicky aide), and <PERSON> (as "Mr. <PERSON>", the elderly, beloved teacher), who is actually quite awesome in the film. There's a sense of cheapness and inconsistency to the film, especially when so much appears to be going on at once, with much of it seemingly making no sense at first. However, it does feel somewhat intentional and comes together in a clever, fairly satirical fashion. Do I recommend it? I'm not sure. Am I glad I saw it? Actually, yeah I am." 698