By Jacob Cameron

VHS: Mixtape is the 9th overall film in the VHS franchise. It continues the tradition that has preceded the previous 5 entries. That being the stories centered around a theme; music, in the case of Mixtape.

Because this is an anthology film, this review will cover the wraparound segment and each individual segment with an overall grade to tie it all together.

Wraparound 

The wraparound segment contains several interludes parodying an MTV style music show. These interludes are hosted by the heavy metal band GWAR. GWAR brings an interesting and cloying take to these segments. Their over-the-top style was too much to bear at times. Not to mention the overarching theme of the wraparound segments in VHS films to have a loose connection at best. This wraparound could have been better.

“DANCE, DANCE, DANCE, DANCE”

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE, DANCE was directed by Renee Zhan and stars Barbara Crampton and Josh Willis. It tells the story of a studio attempting to reboot a children’s puppet show. The show was canceled due to a grisly incident that has been shrouded in mystery. A notable fact here is that the focus is on the puppets of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. The puppets are the stars of the segment causing chaos at the end. There are some similarities to Buddy here, in that a children’s program is indeed hiding a secret. But this was a strong opening segment with a shocking ending.

“HEARTBEAT”

HEARTBEAT was directed by David Moreau, and it tells the story of an influencer couple who find themselves trapped in a facility used for sonic experiments. On its face, this doesn’t sound that terrifying. But this minimalist premise is taken to its most extreme form. What starts fairly simple becomes dark and extremely complicated. With another shocking ending that comes out of nowhere in the best way possible. A highlight of the overall film to be certain.

“THE MUSIC OF MR. SZE”

THE MUSIC OF MR. SZE was directed by Ernest Dickerson, who directed Juice and Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight. It tells the story of a young man who, while shooting a documentary, hears music coming from the apartment of his upstairs neighbor, Mr. Sze. Sze is playing for an audience of one; a very demonic one. Dickerson has a great track record of quality in terms of filmmaking, and, in terms of technical aspects, this is no different. This segment contains a twist that could prove divisive. The segment leans into the realm of cosmic horror with a pinch of H. P. Lovecraft. This could turn some off; but the segment is worth giving a chance nonetheless.

“DEATH TONE”

DEATH TONE was directed by RZA, legendary leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. It tells the story of a young woman who finds a tape from her late father containing instructions on how to make the perfect track. All instructions involve the grotesque and the gory. The main character is played by Neela Jolene, and she is a standout of the whole film. RZA leans on his understanding of music and sound production, which leads to some genuinely shocking moments. There is heavy influence from American Psycho throughout. But this ultimately is a mute point as the quality of the segment shines.

Ultimately, this film proves that the VHS franchise continues to produce quality after 9 entries.

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 stars