Abnormal Attraction

directed by:
Michael Leavy
written by:
Steven Della Salla, Jason Leavy, Michael Leavy
genre:
Comedy

So... let me just put it out there. I'm that weird adult who still laughs whenever someone farts. For all my responsibilities and expected adult behavior, that long gone kid in me never took with him, my love for ridiculous comedy. The cruder the better. Before watching "Abnormal Attraction" I perused the trailer and was instantly excited. This was going to be great! Right? Truthfully, if you find the trailer amusing... it doesn't hold a candle to the actual film. This movie is awesomely funny, amazingly crude at times... and maybe... just slightly long. More on that below.
The nutshell version of the film? Monsters, creatures, and anything not quite human live together with... umm... humans. On the surface things are reasonably good. You even have humans and non-humans relating with one and other. Sexually I mean. However, like any good story, things are not quite so peachy just under the surface. That's right kiddies... we're talking racism. But I'm jumping the gun a little.
Stemming from the first scene in act one, us viewers get the chance to follow along with the characters introduced. One by one, from their perspective. From each take on the main arc, more of the overall plot is revealed. It's an effective way to tell a story, especially one of bad creatures Vs good humans. Or... good creatures Vs bad humans. Essentially, we have the small group of evil creatures who want to kill all humans. To do this, they've enlisted other creatures in a very cult-like way. Then we have the humans who hate creatures. You get the idea. I could write about the potential serious message of the film, hiding in the shadows like some of the monsters in the film... but I'm not going to. For me, this movie was all about having fun. And that's exactly what I did.
As we follow along with the character in focus at the moment, we are introduced to pretty much every creature/monster who has ever existed. It felt that way anyhow. These stories go their own directions, using a lot of flashbacks, and then in perfect circle fashion, end up in the same place. The real fun of this movie however, is laughing along with the characters. Laughing at some of the make-up works - and just generally having a great time. "Abnormal Attraction" doesn't take itself seriously... why should you? If you're looking for the next meaningful visual experience - that opens doors in your mind... don't look here. If you're looking for a good time? You've found it.

Now... when I wrote that "Abnormal Attraction" doesn't take itself all that seriously, I meant regarding the feel of the movie. They want you to have a good time. Obviously. But a lot of work has clearly went into giving off that easy-peasy feeling. That old saying of something looking much easier than it actually is? Totally applies here. This is a big film in terms of story and cast. The fact it's all come together, the way it has, is a huge achievement. As I've implied or outright stated... this movie is funny as all hell! Some gags may be considered tasteless... but that's the point. That's what makes it so damn funny. If you're easily offended turn back now. If not, loosen your belt because you're going to laugh.
But things are not perfect. Between the large cast of familiar faces and voices, and under the excellent, if not on purpose, corny acting from everyone - there is a darker side to this production. A slight weight on the main plot - a lot of stuff going on at the same time resulting in a slightly long winded film. Had this movie been twenty minutes shorter, keeping only what was needed - well reader... you get the idea. Right now it's great. It could have been excellent. In my humble opinion of course.
They say if it doesn't need to be there, or move the story forward... don't put it in. No truer advice has ever been given, or not taken in this film. The perfect example would be when the snowman is trying to explain why he hates humans. We get a flashback. A flashback that is absolutely not needed. He gives the answer himself, in the same scene... without the flashback. "Abnormal Attraction" is full of scenes like this. Scenes that cement what the viewer already knows - but are not needed - because we already know! It can be hard to cut scenes from a film - but has to be done - usually by someone not directly involved with the script. That's why they made directors cuts! To put back in all that was taken out. But other than feeling a little long - the production itself is pretty darn good. No sound issues I can remember. Some great visuals and yes, even a lot of gloriously cheesey makeup effects! Leavy has directed a laugh out loud funny film. No question about that.
So here's the deal. If this form of comedy is your cup of tea... you're going to love this. Really. If you're not quite into the pre-teen kind of comedy... there's still something here for you. You'd almost have to be inhuman not to laugh during certain segments. At the end of the day? "Abnormal Attraction" is slightly long, but totally, completely worth it.
... one more thing. I swear Finbar was based on that small handed guy from the "Scary Movie" franchise. Hil-a-rious!