Yeti and Squidworth's Halloween Nightmare: Good Edition

For someone so intensely determined not to be typecast, Jon may have the worst view of the sheer power of Yeti and Squidworth's iconography. Maybe that's why Halloween Nightmare has such a low-key, leisurely paced feel to it: despite introducing some of the most expressive original HMC designs and sporting some of the best looking scenery displayed in some of the strongest camera angles I've seen in any short film, it feels rather like a film made to promote something else than a standalone in itself. That was probably Jon's intention, as it was created for the Frightfest back in October, but the sort of 'precursor' atmosphere it attains definitely works in its favor. It's not one of the greatest films ever made, but it's one of those things you see on favorites lists time and time again.

This is a review of the 'Good Edition' of the film, which Jon released earlier in the year. Many of the complaints I and others had about the original, such as the effect a distinct lack of music and sound effects had on the pacing, have been fixed. Michael Jackson's Thriller has been laid over the relatively silent first two-thirds of the movie, and it works to a great effect. There are a few other touch-ups and differences if you know to look for them, though it's been so long since I saw the original release that I've lost track of what was an improvement and what was already there. But to be honest, I enjoyed the original release so much, as it was such an unexpected gem in an otherwise disappointing theme-based film festival, that the touch-up was almost entirely cosmetic for me. It's never worse than it was the first time, and the Alien homage in the new death sequence definitely got a smirk.

If you're reading this and you haven't seen Y&S yet, congratulations. You belong to an insanely small minority of unfortunate people, and the lack of this film in your life is like a parasite attached to your head, that inspires comments from people on the street about how sorry they feel for you. But if you're dumb enough to be skeptical, I'll give a rundown of what this movie is about. Yeti and Squidworth are the smarmy bird duo you may have seen cameos of in REDUX or the 2003 3DMM Raspberry Awards. They come off as a kind of sarcastic, low-rent version of Redwampa's squirrels, by which I mean they're at the very least as expressive and iconic, just not as stomach-churningly cute, which works in their favor. You can't tell them apart, and I'm not sure if the main character of this film is one of them or if they're the two birds on the limb who finally notice him, or if they're even in this movie, but it doesn't really matter -- they're here in spirit, and they're one of the best character designs in years. The basic premise of the film is that a bird is struck by lightning while causing mischief downtown on Halloween, and starts murdering other birds in increasingly comedic ways. Can he be stopped before he causes too much damage? Watch the goddamned movie and find out, jackasses.

Jon's acting, most recently showcased in Liquid Sunshine and JDR Revival, brings these characters to wild, screaming life. Most of the voices in this movie consist of variations of shrieks, growls, groans, and gasps, the four major exclamatory sounds for any horror film. But they're done so well, and in such a hilarious way that Yeti and Squidworth acquire well-rounded, unique personalities even within the scope of such a short flick. Listen to the way the evil bird laughs maniacally as he rushes scythe in hand towards the screen during the first kill. Listen to the self-congratulatory "'Eyyyy!" as he drops it casually into the skull of another victim on the street. And my absolute favorite comedic monologue of Jon's, the complaints from the killer bird as another bird repeatedly slaps him across the face ("Sod a dog....aw, bugger me....aw, bloody 'ell....stop it....I said stop it!....I wish you'd stop it...."). I laugh every single time I watch that.

The conscience scene is what finally convinced me of just how great a knowledge of character animation Jon had. The angel and the devil don't sit still and appear in their own separate shots -- they point, they give sneaky sideways glances, they roll their eyes, they look over their shoulders, they interact with each other in such a detailed and awesome way that I knew I was watching the work of a professional. The ending is appropriately slapstick and corny, and this sort of style permeates through the whole movie. It's casual and makes for a fun watch several times after you've already seen it.

Did I have any complaints? Only that we haven't seen more of Yeti and Squidworth yet! These are some powerful, expressive, lovable characters that I can only hope aren't going to waste. As Jon confidently moves from genre to genre with Liquid Sunshine, Ringworld, and a few other projects he's mentioned to me, I heartily recommend a Y&S full-length at some point down the line. Avoiding being associated with a particular genre or series is fine, but don't avoid building on something that works if it hasn't lived up to its full potential yet -- especially when it has this much of it.

Critical Score: 86/100.
Personal Score: 92/100.

[Aaron Haynes]

Reviewed back in 2004, added with the movie to fill the archive.

Honestly, I think I underrated this. Yes, even with an 86%.

[Tuna Hematoma]

I thought the good edition was worse than the first, as what was changed/added (to what I remember) was really out of place and it made me sad.

[Aaron Haynes]

I don't remember the original very well, but I have little doubt that the Good Edition only improves matters. YOU CRAZY.

[Jon Barton]

Nice! Now review Devils + Angels, you know the one I released 5 minutes ago? Re-remember that Aaron? Aaron? AA-AARON! Ahh...

[Aaron Haynes]

Yes. Today.

Today.

I mean it this time.