All the Boys Love Mandy Lane Reviews
Lady D
Super Reviewer
August 28, 2007
This ticks a lot of the usual boxes for a typical teen Slasher, regardless it was one that flowed and was easy watching, predictable, but enjoyable in a guilty pleasure kind of way.
My predicted rating: 2.5
This ticks a lot of the usual boxes for a typical teen Slasher, regardless it was one that flowed and was easy watching, predictable, but enjoyable in a guilty pleasure kind of way.
LorenzoVonMatterhorn
Super Reviewer
September 20, 2011
A group of high-schoolers invite Mandy Lane, a good girl who became quite hot over the summer, to a weekend party on a secluded ranch. While the festivities rage on, the number of revelers begins to drop quite mysteriously.
REVIEW
Mandy Lane is a girl that, like the title suggests, all the boys at her school want to "get with." She has blossomed over the summer from Plain Jane to the hottest, most desired girl in school. After her and her geeky male friend get invited to a party, a freak accident occurs where the host of the party dies while trying to impress Mandy. Flash forward to the following year. Mandy gets invited to a party at a secluded ranch by a bunch of the popular kids. Partying and drinking ensues, and of course, the boys each try in their own way to get with Mandy, who seems uninterested in the whole situation. Needless to say, it doesn't take long before a mysterious killer shows up on the ranch and begins brutally killing off the teens one by one. The film does utilize the now clichéd "Scream" type ending, but with a minor twist that is still somewhat predictable.
Where "All the Boys Love Mandy Lane" advances the genre is in style. Whereas slasher films of the past rarely focused on production, cinematography, setting, etc.., the filmmakers behind "Mandy Lane" put a lot of effort into making the film look great. The cinematography is wonderful, and the isolated ranch location is used to full effect. It is definitely the right direction for this type of film, particularly if horror fans want people to start taking these films seriously as pieces of art.
It is sad that, as of even today, this film has not had a U.S. release either theatrically or DVD. Had it been released in theaters, I think it could have revived the slasher genre, which once again has become tired and clichéd ridden, much like "Scream" did in the mid 90's. Horror fans and fans of quality film making should check this film out--not only is it an above average slasher film with interesting characters, brutal deaths, and plot twists, but it is also a wonderful piece of film making with exceptional art direction, cinematography, and direction.
"Everyone is dying to be with her. Someone is killing for it."
A group of high-schoolers invite Mandy Lane, a good girl who became quite hot over the summer, to a weekend party on a secluded ranch. While the festivities rage on, the number of revelers begins to drop quite mysteriously.
REVIEW
Mandy Lane is a girl that, like the title suggests, all the boys at her school want to "get with." She has blossomed over the summer from Plain Jane to the hottest, most desired girl in school. After her and her geeky male friend get invited to a party, a freak accident occurs where the host of the party dies while trying to impress Mandy. Flash forward to the following year. Mandy gets invited to a party at a secluded ranch by a bunch of the popular kids. Partying and drinking ensues, and of course, the boys each try in their own way to get with Mandy, who seems uninterested in the whole situation. Needless to say, it doesn't take long before a mysterious killer shows up on the ranch and begins brutally killing off the teens one by one. The film does utilize the now clichéd "Scream" type ending, but with a minor twist that is still somewhat predictable.
Where "All the Boys Love Mandy Lane" advances the genre is in style. Whereas slasher films of the past rarely focused on production, cinematography, setting, etc.., the filmmakers behind "Mandy Lane" put a lot of effort into making the film look great. The cinematography is wonderful, and the isolated ranch location is used to full effect. It is definitely the right direction for this type of film, particularly if horror fans want people to start taking these films seriously as pieces of art.
It is sad that, as of even today, this film has not had a U.S. release either theatrically or DVD. Had it been released in theaters, I think it could have revived the slasher genre, which once again has become tired and clichéd ridden, much like "Scream" did in the mid 90's. Horror fans and fans of quality film making should check this film out--not only is it an above average slasher film with interesting characters, brutal deaths, and plot twists, but it is also a wonderful piece of film making with exceptional art direction, cinematography, and direction.
Nicki M
Super Reviewer
October 18, 2008
I am actually surprised it is rating so low on here. I mean, if you don't like teen horror flicks, you are not going to like this either, but for it's genre, it is not bad at all and though you have your usual crass teens getting polished off one by one, they are actually not entirely unlikeable and generic as in most. The girl characters in particular I was actually sorry to see killed - usually in these you just think, get on with it, she's awful, LOL. The boys a little less so, but you can't have everything in a b grade horror movie.
Above average horror with no name cast (not that I had ever heard of anyhow). Started off a little lame, and I was totally disgusted when the killer was revealed half way through, (I mean, what was the point of watching the rest?!), but it had a nice little twist I really didn't see coming and redeemed itself.
I am actually surprised it is rating so low on here. I mean, if you don't like teen horror flicks, you are not going to like this either, but for it's genre, it is not bad at all and though you have your usual crass teens getting polished off one by one, they are actually not entirely unlikeable and generic as in most. The girl characters in particular I was actually sorry to see killed - usually in these you just think, get on with it, she's awful, LOL. The boys a little less so, but you can't have everything in a b grade horror movie.
thefog1331
Super Reviewer
November 22, 2009
All in all not great but well worth a look for those searching for a new-gen slasher. Fair warning: there is an appropritae level of violence in this BUT understand this is not a gorefest.
My main problem is something Lurple has already said best, "...the ending of this movie could really have used a little more background explanation." And he's right because there just wasn't enough there to justify what has transpired for the last hour or so. Oh well, at least it doesn't ruin the film so that's always a good thing.
A well made though rather routine offering that fits nicely between teen slasher and thriller. There's nothing really new here by way of plot or presentation but the film works anyway mainly due to a solid performance from Heard and Welch and director Levine takes worn horror cliches and puts a slight, interesting spin on them.
All in all not great but well worth a look for those searching for a new-gen slasher. Fair warning: there is an appropritae level of violence in this BUT understand this is not a gorefest.
My main problem is something Lurple has already said best, "...the ending of this movie could really have used a little more background explanation." And he's right because there just wasn't enough there to justify what has transpired for the last hour or so. Oh well, at least it doesn't ruin the film so that's always a good thing.
Lewis C
Super Reviewer
August 15, 2009
The cast is pretty typical for this kind of thing, as are their deaths. But there were a couple wrinkled in the plot that, while maybe not completely unexpected, at least kept the movie interesting for me. All the Boys Love Mandy Lane is one of the best slasher films that I've seen in a while. It's not perfect (and not a horror movie), but it's worth giving a chance.
Mandy Lane was a very pleasant surprise. The soundtrack was killer, and it really added to the atmosphere and overall coolness of the movie. Some of the camera angles and shooting techniques also made this a good bit more stylish than the average slasher flick.
The cast is pretty typical for this kind of thing, as are their deaths. But there were a couple wrinkled in the plot that, while maybe not completely unexpected, at least kept the movie interesting for me. All the Boys Love Mandy Lane is one of the best slasher films that I've seen in a while. It's not perfect (and not a horror movie), but it's worth giving a chance.
deano
Super Reviewer
January 3, 2008
Great title. Like an evil playground chant. This teen horror-thriller flick is alike The O.C. meets Friday the 13th. Amber Heard's nice gal is boring rather than loveable, and her friends are assholes. There's little suspense, with the killer revealed early, although this pays off in an effective if unmotivated finale.
LitelBluHli
Super Reviewer
August 24, 2007
Finally coming out...may be good or bad, but I've been wanting to see this two years ago.
_kelly .
Super Reviewer
April 26, 2009
SPOILERS (for dumb people) AHEAD
Another flick in the long line of recent releases looking to add their own commentary to the larger pantheon of slasher films. This one's very obvious and predictable contribution is "the survivor girl is in on the killing scheme".
Too often using the overexposed technique, obviously a DP who has never done a water shoot before, and film-makers who think slow-time is not an annoying cinematic device that gives away jumpscares. Unfortunately, though so flawed, this is one of the better filmed slashers out at the moment.
I have no empathy for any of the characters and therefore do not care when they are killed. They are all self-absorbed privileged douchebags who epitomize all that can be wrong with the teenage populace, and it seems that the black character's douchebaggery is toned down a good deal so as to be PC. Only Mandy Lane and her odd former best friend are empathetic, which perhaps may be the true point of the film - realistic and developed teen characters hacking away at the cardboard cliche scream teens.
Some nice kills, especially the eye slashing and the rifle end through the throat. Not any real suspense or tension however.
I'd say skip, but if you are hellbent on a teen slasher, this might do you good to see something with more of an attempt at a Natural Born Killers/Bonnie and Clyde/Mysterious Skin spin than say a dull franchise addon like later installments of Friday the 13th or Halloween.
One of those movies where I feel the best bit of praise I can give is, "Well congrats, you made a movie that isn't altogether terrible."
SPOILERS (for dumb people) AHEAD
Another flick in the long line of recent releases looking to add their own commentary to the larger pantheon of slasher films. This one's very obvious and predictable contribution is "the survivor girl is in on the killing scheme".
Too often using the overexposed technique, obviously a DP who has never done a water shoot before, and film-makers who think slow-time is not an annoying cinematic device that gives away jumpscares. Unfortunately, though so flawed, this is one of the better filmed slashers out at the moment.
I have no empathy for any of the characters and therefore do not care when they are killed. They are all self-absorbed privileged douchebags who epitomize all that can be wrong with the teenage populace, and it seems that the black character's douchebaggery is toned down a good deal so as to be PC. Only Mandy Lane and her odd former best friend are empathetic, which perhaps may be the true point of the film - realistic and developed teen characters hacking away at the cardboard cliche scream teens.
Some nice kills, especially the eye slashing and the rifle end through the throat. Not any real suspense or tension however.
I'd say skip, but if you are hellbent on a teen slasher, this might do you good to see something with more of an attempt at a Natural Born Killers/Bonnie and Clyde/Mysterious Skin spin than say a dull franchise addon like later installments of Friday the 13th or Halloween.
Dean !
Super Reviewer
December 24, 2007
I'm really surprised at a lot of the average reviews for this. Maybe the hardcore horror fans were expecting a lot more gore, higher death toll, or maybe it's because this doesn't even feel like a true horror film. However I really enjoyed it and felt it was quite original with a great ending. It does remind me of another film with a similar ending but can't remember it right now. This is a very good film, well shot, with a good cast and a rememberable ending!
Jani H
Super Reviewer
September 14, 2008
Midways it continues as a stalker/slasher movie that brings nothing new to the genre. There's not that much gore for example which was a major let down.
The acting is not that good at all. Just your typical amateur teenage actors. The cinematography is good, with a grainy picture that fits fine to the film.
"All the boys love Mandy Lane" is a pretty boring film. The thing that this movie will be remembered of, is its ending. Thumbs up for that.
Starts as a typical teen film with horny guys and willing women. Except Mandy Lane, of course. She's portrayed as a pure, fine young woman.
Midways it continues as a stalker/slasher movie that brings nothing new to the genre. There's not that much gore for example which was a major let down.
The acting is not that good at all. Just your typical amateur teenage actors. The cinematography is good, with a grainy picture that fits fine to the film.
"All the boys love Mandy Lane" is a pretty boring film. The thing that this movie will be remembered of, is its ending. Thumbs up for that.
Brian D
Super Reviewer
August 4, 2008
Not the best movie around but you could do much worst.
Nicely shot indie slasher flick with desent acting and some bloody killings.Under the skin it is just a slasher movie that we have seen 100 times before.And the twist at the end was very predictabe.
Not the best movie around but you could do much worst.
Luke B
Super Reviewer
July 8, 2008
This can deffinitely be considered as a usual stalk and slash film. However it raises its game in just about every domain. Beautiful cinematography, above average acting, a bombastically bad ass soundtrack and complex emotional subtexts of teenage sexuality. Also the ending is simply superb. Yes there is a lot we've seen here before but even in its predictability it can still surprise with some original gory moments which actually have an impact on the viewer. The editing is also a bit too much, perhaps trying to show too much artistic talent in one film. Certainly one to watch.
Roy G
Super Reviewer
June 22, 2008
More of a dramatic freak-out than your standard teen slasher horror. Although the effect is exactly the same.
Daniel P
Super Reviewer
May 16, 2009
Jonathan Levine has done something really spectacular here, making a fascinating hybrid of art and slasher film. Turning some clichés on their heads whilst leaving in others, this wears its slasher badge with pride and without irony. I can totally see why many people don't rate this, as the characters are (mostly) from stock and many of the scares are cheap. But so much here feels fresh and original. The stunning photography is a major coup and there's some fascinating plays with shutter speeds and experimentation with freeze frames and deliberately blurred shots which you'll either adore or find pretentious. Mandy Lane herself is an enigmatic and, appropriately, magnetic character, played with understatement by Amber Heard. The admittedly bonkers twists work precisely because of the way that motivations are kept deceptively shallow (yes, I do mean that). The stylised way the film is shot, mostly period music and lack of pop-culture references give the feature a 70's feel (despite a bizarre remark about the Gulf War) which works very well, and there's an interesting sexuality subtext that raises it further ahead of the likes of Friday the 13th and their ilk. Recommended.
William G
Super Reviewer
November 27, 2007
Decent, if unexceptional, throwback to '70s and '80s slashers.
David S
Super Reviewer
September 16, 2011
When this starts it looks like it's going to be an interesting slant on the 'slasher' genre, with Heard an unwilling prey to every guy who thinks it's about time she lost her innocence. However as the film goes on the cliches mount up and once the killer is revealed halfway through there are very little surprises left in store. It tries to throw in an extra twist at the end but it doesn't really make any sense and dilutes everything that's gone before. The film doesn't even offer any particular scares or gore effects to maintain your interest. A shame, as I'd heard good things about this. Oh well!
Adam M
Super Reviewer
April 1, 2009
Pretty cool horror about a seemingly unattainable girl, the Mandy Lane of the title, trying to fit in and make some new friends, apart from everyone wanting a bit more than just friendship. When Mandy Lane gets invited to a party at a ranch she agrees to go as she wants to make new friends, despite the fact that every boy wants her and every girl wants to be her, Mandy seems almost oblivious to this and kinda different to the normal high school slags. Obviously things quickly go wrong and bad stuff starts to happen but hey, this is a horror movie and thats expected! This is definately influenced by the Friday 13th type movies from the 80's but not just that, there are elements of seduction and femme fatale horror/thriller in here to which you might not see first time round if you just follow Total Films unhelpful description of "Friday 13th meets The OC", and with that in mind its quite an enjoyable horror and Amber Heard is gorgeaus as Mandy Lane, the perfect choice for a seemingly perfect girl. It might not be perfect but stands out a bit amongst all the Saw and Hostel rip offs about nowadays. Overall, All The Boys Love Mandy Lane looks good and is good.
divinetrash
Super Reviewer
October 20, 2009
The film starts with what I thought would be a great premise... but it turns out the movie wasn't about that at all. Though first somewhat intriguing, it quickly starts becoming more and more boring until it gets way too stupid and then it's over.
Chris M
Super Reviewer
April 20, 2009
By the time you've guessed the twist, there isn't much point in watching the rest.
MagnusMagica
Super Reviewer
April 14, 2008
A good horror/thriller with not too much gore. I think it has a strong 70's feel about it. I liked this low key movie. Amber Heard (Mandy Lane) and Michael Welch (Emmet) were the best in this film.
"You did it. You saved us."
A good horror/thriller with not too much gore. I think it has a strong 70's feel about it. I liked this low key movie. Amber Heard (Mandy Lane) and Michael Welch (Emmet) were the best in this film.
