Your Entertainment Ticket.net

Review of this movie.

Review of this good movie.

BAGHEAD (Running Time: 84 min; Rated: R)

THREE OUT OF FIVE STARS

Reviewed by Denise Castillón

A BARREL OF LAUGHS SPILLS TO THRILLS IN “BAGHEAD”

Is a guy running around in the woods with a paper sack over his head funny or scary? The ultra-low budget film, BAGHEAD, effectively elicits both reactions.

With its naturalistic performances and improvisation by its actors, playing actors, BAGHEAD retains the Cassavetes-influenced film style the Duplass Brothers (Jay & Mark) applied in their first feature, THE PUFFY CHAIR. It would seem curious to find this low tech indie with no name actors jump from the film festival circuit onto the big screen. However, the entertainment and production values of BAGHEAD make it an audience winner. And, the fashion lends itself perfectly for the film’s goof on both the festival circuit and desperate actors.

Good-looking Matt (ROSS PARTRIDGE), his chubby sidekick, Chad (STEVE ZISSIS), the young & hot Michelle, (GRETA GERWIG), and Matt’s ex-girlfriend, Catherine, (ELISE MULLER) are friends and fellow actors. The foursome attend a local festival screening of an independent film. Afterwards, they scam their way into the after-party by walking in, while talking on their cell phone. Except for Matt, who unsuccessfully attempts to pass off his wallet as his cell phone. Commiserating later that night over their lack of recent lead acting roles, a decision is made to go up to a secluded cabin to write a film script starring themselves.

The isolated group struggles with sexual tension as well as a movie plot for their script. Chad is crushing on Michelle, who thinks of him like a brother. Jealous Catherine tries to squash Michelle’s interest in Matt. After Chad reproaches Matt with “You get all the girls. You’re Michael Jordan, and I’m Bill Laimbeer!”, Matt agrees to keep away from Michelle to honor his friendship with Chad.

Waking up the next morning from their first night in the cabin, Michelle shares her all-too-real nightmare about seeing a guy running through the woods with a paper sack over his head. Her dream inspires the plot for their movie.

First, Catherine, then later Chad, disappears. Matt and Michelle are convinced they playing a joke, and spend the day drinking. When things get too steamy between them, Matt retreats to room to “release” his sexual frustration. Suddenly, Chad and Catherine come barging into Matt’s room with paper bags over their heads, expecting to catch him in bed with Michelle. Next, the bickering group hears strange noises coming from outside.

They all are surprised and shocked to witness the “Baghead” disabling their car! The friends now come together to prove, once and for all, if this is for real or another hoax!

Directed, Written and Produced by Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass. Also, produced by John Bryant. Edited by Jay Deuby. Released by Sony Pictures Classics.