Celebrity Crush (2020)
Director-Writer: Oliver Robins
Stars: Oliver Robins, Alissa Schneider, Eddie Craig
By: Lance Reedinger
Everyone in the Horror Nation at one time or another has
had or has that one celebrity crush. Modern conventions have
given the fans an all too up close and personal connection to
some of our favorite scream queens and kings. A selfie, a hug,
or a simple autograph is enough to give super-fans that special
moment with the stars that live forever. Stalking, biting, and
even hunting has become an after effect of some of these
seemingly simple interactions. Such is the plot of Oliver
Robins’ (Poltergeist) “Celebrity Crush.”
Jonathan Blakely (Robins) is the former child star of horror
film cult classic Chain Face Clown. Having done very little
since then and trying to eek out a new career in screenplay
writing, Jonathan jumps at the opportunity to hit the road
for appearances celebrating the Blu-ray release of the 80’s
phenomenon. When his former co-star Peter (Craig) explains
to Jonathan the in’s and out’s of picking up super-fans at
signings, Jonathan brushes it off until a very attractive attendee
shoots him a flirtatious glance. Shortly after, a not by chance encounter
leads to Jonathan’s eventual captivity. Super fan Emily (Schneider) steals the
show the last hour of the film. Her long game is shown to the audience thru
flashbacks of her original viewing of the film, a sinister plot to capture her
soul mate star, and eliminate anyone that stands in the way of their predestined
love.
After a romantic cannibalistic dinner, Emily’s master plan is revealed, as she
would like Jonathan to work with her on a Chain Face Clown prequel. A seemingly
sick Stockholm Syndrome develops as the two appear to enjoy their project and
Jonathan looks to be falling for his super stalker. A couple twist later and
“Celebrity Crush” wraps up with a decent open-ended finale.
“Celebrity Crush” is never going to garner legendary stalker film status such
as “Misery” or “Fatal Attraction,” but this outing will be held dear to horror fans
like a cuddly chainsaw. Alissa Schneider puts in a fantastic shift as super
stalker Emily. On the surface her performance may seem cookie cutter, but
she shifts from cute girlfriend material to pyscho with scary ease. Schneider’s
range is exemplified in a great grocery store scene. While Robins presents a
clean and near perfect visual presentation as director, the acting borders on
meek at times. We try to empathize with Jonathan, but Robins plays the role
with a little weaker conviction then is needed. A tad bit more anger in the
captive may have added to the third act conclusion, as well, it is hard to cheer or
feel any sympathy for a cheating former child celebrity.
Changing the storyline to
a family member instead of a fiancé may have helped the audience cheer for the
captive a bit harder. Slightly more scenes at the convention/celebrity signing
would also have added a bit more depth or intrigue to the story. “Celebrity
Crush” is a very well shot, well done black comedy film. This flick will have a hard
time reaching mainstream viewers but will be crush cuddled by horror fans.
I see this film becoming a main-stay at all horror conventions on opening
night as an instructional film on maintaining proper celebrity social distancing.
Scream Score: 7.5 💀 skulls /10
Check out Celebrity Crush on ITunes and Amazon Video on May 26, 2020.
