Sports have played a part in the horror genre over the course of film history. From Teen Wolf to The Fan, obsessive passion from both athletes and supporters has been a natural gravitation towards things of a darker nature. Jordan Peele takes a toss at this popular sub-genre as a producer from his celebrated Monkeypaw Productions with, HIM. The iconic Marlon Wayans stars alongside Tyriq Withers in this Faustian take on the world of professional sports. Will the Horror Nation be treated to a new instant classic that can build a bridge between sports and the arts, or will this be yet another feeble attempt that cashes in on both popular forms of entertainment?
Cameron Cade (Withers) is a college quarterback phenomenon who has been bred since birth to be the next football superstar. After an attack that causes a serious head injury, the prospect is caught between fulfilling his destiny or maintaining his health at the risk of permanent damage. Cade is thrown a lifeline when the league’s greatest all-time quarterback, Isaiah White (Wayans,) offers the beleaguered player a chance to prove himself at a personal isolated training camp. Each day the training goes from expected intensity to psychological insanity. Cade, who worships White, must decide if the price of immortal athletic fame is worth his very soul.
HIM is essentially Suspiria without the well written plot, perfect pacing, and dramatic effectiveness of obsessive desires. Director Justin Tipping does a decent job with some great shots, (not all that impressive with the stunning desert landscape,) but fumbles the camera in the third act while trying to mesh the psychological plot with poor visuals. Tipping, along with fellow writers Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie, should be embarrassed with being given several football fields worth of options and coming up with this bland take on Faust. Wayans and Withers put in solid performances with the at times comically written dialog, Withers stands out by building empathy for a potential professional athlete. HIM is like watching a Super Bowl blowout game. The first half builds great anticipation, then the second half becomes a struggle to stay awake until the end.
Scream Score: 6.5/10