Horror Movie Review: Fanged Up (2017)

Fanged up is a horror comedy that was directed by Christian James, it released in 2017. Interestingly, the screenplay was co-written by Daniel O ‘Reilly or as he’s more commonly known Dapper Laughs. A comedian of sorts who rose to fame through social media sites like Facebook & Vine. Although, he’s likely now more famous for a string of controversies that severely damaged public perception of him. Personally, this is the first time I’ve ever heard of the guy. Anyway, I’m mentioning this because this film happens to star him as well.

Jimmy Ragsdale is a loveable rouge who is thrown into a high-security prison for the weekend when his blood group is revealed to be very rare. However, it is immediately obvious that something isn’t quite right. He’s placed in a cell with a Russian inmate named Victor played by ex-WWE superstar Wade Barrett (Stu Bennett). Thankfully, it isn’t long before they become friends. Victor attempts to help Jimmy settle in but they have much bigger things to worry about. Namely, the warden who just so happens to be a blood-sucking vampire. Along with a group of misfits & his ex-girlfriend, Jimmy must fight to survive.

Firstly, Fanged Up is quite possibly the most British horror comedy I have ever seen. I’m almost certain that a viewer from anywhere but the UK would find it very hard to follow. Not only that but with a lot of the language used, many of the jokes would likely fly over their heads. It is packed full of sarcasm. If you enjoy that type of comedy then I’m happy to report that there are plenty of laughs to find here.

Say what you will about Daniel O ‘Reilly but I did find him very funny here. Don’t get me wrong, the comedy is very dumb. However, it is just the right kind of stupid that tickles me. Jimmy does walk a fine line in which he almost annoys but then he’ll say or do something that just cracked me up. There’s something so genuine and British to the ways he reacts in certain scenarios. Basically, you’ll likely either love him or hate him.

Secondly, I have to give the film some credit for what is a rather unique setup for a vampire film. There is a decent amount of gore on display and it doesn’t hold back when it gets going. The effects are good considering the obvious limitations. Unfortunately, there is some dodgy looking CGI blood splatter. I would have liked more of a focus on the horror aspect of the film but what it does deliver isn’t bad by any means.

The weakest aspect of Fanged Up is quite simply the story. Seriously, its paper thin but ultimately not that important. A horror comedy doesn’t necessarily require a compelling tale. It simply has to bring the blood and the funnies. In my opinion, Fanged Up delivered both to me so I can’t complain. On the whole, I had a lot of fun with it.