VHS 85 (2023) Film Review

Let’s go back in time again.

The VHS franchise is such a mixed bag at this point that I do wonder how one would enter into it anymore. The first two have a more distinct and linked feel. Anymore, we’re kind of just using the franchise as an excuse for various directors to flex their short horror chops, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

I didn’t jam on 99 as much as others and looked forward to this one quite a bit. Back in 85, we’re treated to weird fashion and bad cameras. I feel like the others made themselves more moored in the time where this one seems more circumstantially linked. 

First segment:

Follow a group of idiots who have a water skiing trip go awry. Excellent practical effects! Story is okay. This one is echoed later in the film and works better then. I think it could have been combined.

Second segment:

Follow some unlikable newscasters who go through an Earthquake. The directing of this one was really jarring to me.

We have a pretty tense tale of survival that takes a supernatural turn. The directing is so tight that it makes it somewhat dizzying to watch. Interesting story dragged down a bit by using era-specific cameras for found footage. The story is mostly too dark to truly enjoy-couldn’t see what was going on.

Third segment:

I didn’t get this one at all.

Fourth segment:

Here we have the conclusion to the first segment as we watch terrible people get what they deserve. Gory, yes. Scary, no. I didn’t like either of these segments. 

Fifth segment:

Interesting concept marred by weird filming. 

Wrap segment:

Probably the best of the bunch. This one feels like it should have been its own movie.

Overall, I didn’t jam on this new entry that much. I think they were playing it a bit safer with more conventional horror stories this time. No one segment spoke to me other than the wrap.