It’s beyond incredible that Joe Dante is almost 70 years old and still making entertaining movies. His latest film, Burying the Ex focuses on a laid back guy named Max who works at a horror boutique. Max is dating an environmentally friendly blogger named Evelyn. Evelyn is great in bed but that’s about the only thing holding their relationship together. As a result, Max wants to break up with her. He thinks Evelyn is crazy, controlling and just an overall crabby pants. But because she’s unpredictably, Max doesn’t is afraid to break up with her! When Evelyn gets hit by a bus and dies, he doesn’t think he will have to worry about that. But unfortunately for Max, he and Evelyn made a promise to each other (unknowingly right in front of a voodoo doll) that they would be together forever!
After Evelyn’s death, Max feels bad, especially since he was just about to dump her. For a while, he mopes around his apartment being depressed. But he eventually runs into a girl named Olivia. Olivia and Max met previously when he was with his jealous girlfriend. Evelyn felt threatened because Max and Olivia shared a love of horror films. Max tries to put Evelyn behind him so he and Olivia can begin getting to know one another.
Related: Exclusive Interview With Joe Dante
Overall, this film isn’t unique whatsoever, however it’s a very playful entertaining film. It reminded me a lot of My Boyfriend’s Back and had some vague similarities to Warm Bodies. Naturally, it’s a bit predictable but that isn’t necessary a bad thing.
As for the performances, I think that all of the players did a great job in spite some overly precious dialogue.
I was hoping for more gore, I felt like it lacked a lot in that department. The deaths on the other hand were very creative. The effects were average but I’ve felt that way about several of Joe Dante’s other films. They tend to be a little more tame than I would like, at least his later work. But it could be worse.
Burying the Ex is not meant to be taken too seriously. And you will be more likely to enjoy it if you don’t set your expectations too high or take it too seriously. While it isn’t one of Joe Dante’s greatest films, I still think it’s worth a watch. Burying the Ex is now available on VOD.
WICKED RATING: 4/10
Title: Burying the Ex
Director: Joe Dante
Writer(s): Alan Trezz
Stars: Anton Yelchin, Ashley Greene, Alexandra Daddario
Year: 2014
Studio/ Production Co: Voltage Pictures
Budget: Unknown
Language: English
Length: 89 Minutes
Sub-Genre: Horror Comedy
