What if a zombie themed episode of horror-fantasy shows Are You Afraid of the Dark? or Goosebumps had a baby with a bunch of neon glowing lights? Well, it would probably look very much like Torey Haas’ screwball horror-comedy The Neon Dead.  For lead character Allison Hillstead, that means teaming up with a pair of screwball paranormal exterminators to take on a horde of neon monsters, all while bathed in a wash of borderline giallo-inspired bright lights.

 Despite its flaws, there’s a charm in watching a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously.  Or in this case, at all. 

A true micro-budget affair, expect the typical pitfalls of low budget horror.  Namely, the acting.  Actress Marie Barker plays lead heroine Allison Hillstead to mixed results.  She has all of the makings for a plucky final girl, but often comes across as manic and grating.  Greg Garrison plays Desmond, Allison’s foil turned love-interest and one half of the paranormal hunting duo.  Garrison’s stereotypical slacker approach to anti-hero Desmond often comes across as smarmy, instead of the loveable anti-hero as intended. The only truly likeable character is D. Dylan Schettina’s Jake, the half of the paranormal hunting duo that actually knows what he’s talking about. Unfortunately, plot circumstances have his character mostly relegated to the background.

When it comes to cinematography and special effects, the low budget actually works in the film’s favor.  Written and directed by visual effects artist Torey Haas, there’s a wide range of effects on display.  From stop motion puppetry to cheesy prop store masks; practical effects to over-the-obvious computer generated work, Haas seamlessly blends it all into one obvious homage to the ‘80s. The effects and constant use of vivid color is what makes the film work on a certain level.

 This is a film that fully embraces its camp and silliness.

Narratively speaking, it’s familiar and thin.  The characters really have no arch or growth; they’re simply there to move the plot along.  Uneven pacing in an otherwise short run time can make the film drag in places, too. But this really isn’t that type of film.  This is the type of film that knows exactly what it is and is perfectly happy to exist as such; an ‘80s inspired horror-comedy visual spectacle. This is a film that fully embraces its camp and silliness. While much of the humor will land far better with a younger audience, there’s a lot of inspiration to be found for those who think they’ve seen it all.  Little touches that do manage to play against type, like the scene that sees our protagonists enlisting unexpected aid against the main foe.

Despite its flaws, there’s a charm in watching a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously.  Or in this case, at all.  For crying out loud, the lead antagonist is simply dubbed, “GuySmiley.” In terms of plot, humor, and visual aesthetic, this really does feel like an overlong episode of childhood horror show Are You Afraid of the Dark? It might be fantastic gateway horror for those looking to introduce their children to the genre. For the experienced horror fanatic, however, there’s not much there beyond its visual charm and campy humor.

The Neon Dead lights up DVD and Digital HD on September 13th, 2016.THE-NEON-DEAD-KEY-ART