Movie Reviews

‘Bingo Hell’ Review – Feeling of the Past, Topics of the Present

Logline:

A feisty senior citizen fights to protect her beloved neighborhood from an evil force that’s taken over the local bingo hall and is killing the residents in gruesome ways.

I can only hope that my friendships make it to old age. Not only do I physically have to live that long, which I plan to, but I have to make sure that I don’t let the connections fade away as my personal life evolves. It’s easier said than done. However, just like any other type of relationship, communication and honesty go a long way. Fortunately, my homies are like brothers, so if we ever go an extended period of time without talking or seeing each other, nothing changes. So, I’d like to think that if something supernatural were to threaten my life, they’d have my back.

“Everyone deserves to be a winner.”

What’s more terrifying than waking up one day and realizing that the youthful body that you once possessed is now inhabited by wrinkles? Realizing that your city is attempting to replace you along with life itself. For the second year in a row, Amazon and Blumhouse Productions have partnered to bring us Welcome to the Blumhouse. It’s an anthology horror film series that releases as double features for two consecutive weeks in October. The first of the four is Bingo Hell where it’s the elderly versus everyone else including a dark entity. This horror-comedy offers a feeling of the past while dealing with topics of the present. It transports us back to an 80s feeling while delivering very topical subject matter. And what makes this film special is our protagonists are a group of AARP cardholders. It’s very rare that the point of view and problems of senior citizens are the focus, especially in this genre. Moreover, horror has always been a great vehicle for delivering tough or heavy topics in a way that’s easy to digest, and this movie does just that. Tackling the issues of gentrification, ageism, and recent scams targeted towards senior citizens, the film allows those victims to fight back or face certain Hell. And the Hell that is experienced is a personal one that gives your desperate soul exactly what it wants while blinding you to what is actually happening. With its slightly over-the-top tone, characters, and aesthetics, this is a film that you’ll either enjoy or find lacking. While the film may not be high on my list of Blumhouse releases, it’s a decent start to our October. I enjoyed it for what it is. Its rewatchability is medium.

BINGO HELL Photo: Courtesy of Amazon Studios © 2021 Amazon Content Services LLC

Pacing & Pop

I found the pacing to be a bit slow. The film felt like it took forever to get to what actually makes it a horror film. What popped for me was Richard Brake. I always enjoy seeing him as murderous and demonic characters, and his being in this film solidifies the horror feel.

Characters & Chemistry

The cast is very entertaining and diverse. The standouts have to be Adrian Barraza as Lupita and Richard Brake as Mr. Big. Lupita is determined to save what is left of her changing small town. While everyone else is oblivious to the ominous happenings taking place, she remains diligent and won’t stop fighting no matter who or what is in her way. Mr. Big comes to town promising big money that will change the lives of the townspeople forever. Little do they know, once you bare his mark, forever isn’t very long. And let me not forget L. Scott Caldwell as Dolores. She is Lupita’s partner in crime and best friend. The chemistry between the two is rather humorous. It’s two friends that have known each other for decades and pull no punches when it comes to telling each other the hard truth.

Bingo Hell is now streaming on Prime Video as of October 1, 2021. Stay spooky and enjoy.