The Yellow Balloon

From the troubled minds that brought us The Space Rodent comes this horror comedy that mixes a Cabin in the Woods setup with a Scary Movie atmosphere.

The Yellow Balloon: The Curse of Vincent Vile (unconnected to the 1953 movie, The Yellow Balloon) sees a group of friends head to a remote cabin in the woods in order to help one of their own, Mia (Justine Leverett), get over a recent breakup. Upon arrival, things go from bad to bat-shit crazy within minutes, especially once Ringmaster Vincent Vile (Scott Somers) rocks up with 99 yellow balloons (or maybe more?).

Morris opens his film with a cool horror synth score, and the film is littered with references to classic horror movies, so fans of the genre know they are being handled by an aficionado. The use of practical effects is impressive throughout the movie, creating a sickening sense of disgust in many of the scenes, including two, that’s TWO, grossout ejaculation moments that were perhaps ill-advised but certainly memorable.

Ringmaster Vincent Vile, but you can call him Vincent Vile, is a suitably creepy character and easily the strongest aspect of the movie. He deserved more screen time, and had the filmmakers eschewed the plethora of yellow balloons for more moments with him, it would likely have elevated this piece. Sadly, the floating yellow balloons never feel properly scary; instead, the audience will either find them silly or be indifferent to them.

The chemistry between the friends is fun; the way they constantly razz on each other felt jovial and provided the best moments of comedy in the movie. Sadly, the script sees them embark on a number of bizarre and elaborate set pieces that never really solidify into a proper storyline. The result is, instead, a collection of skits meant to amuse and distract without questioning the reason we are watching all this. A more precise plot is needed, rather than offering us a variety of scary moments in the form of balloons, a videotape, a former circus performer, a shifty neighbour, and helium voices.

Kudos and plaudits are deserved for introducing such an enigmatic character as Vincent Vile; moviegoers deserve to see that guy in more movies. For The Yellow Balloon, it will depend on your penchant for horror. For some, this will pop; for others, it’s likely to float away into the ether.