Just Before Dawn

I’ve seen my share of slasher movies, and even the worst ones stand out in some way. My Bloody Valentine, Edge Of The Axe, Mortuary, they all have something that makes them memorable, whether it’s the setting or the casting or odd plot twists. Just Before Dawn can’t even succeed in that regard. It’s the single plain potato chip of slasher movies. The cinematic equivalent of a 1984 Ford Escort. It’s the visual representation of the emotions one feels shopping for socks. Literally every facet of this movie is taken from other movies. There isn’t a single original idea to be had. Woodsy setting? The Burning, Sleepaway Camp, or Friday The 13th. 20-something cast? My Bloody Valentine. Backwoods, inbred family? Deliverance (or, a prototype of Wrong Turn). Cop character that accomplishes little to nothing? Sweet Sixteen or Butcher Baker Nightmare Maker. Killers preferring a machete? Back to Friday. It’s like the movie was written as a checklist instead of a script. If you watch this movie, you will not only forget it when it’s over, you might do so while it’s on. It is white noise, empty calories, and the smell of tap water. There is nothing bad, because there is nothing here. It’s as perfunctory as one can get in a slasher movie. Hooptober 2021 bonus #2/24