I never watched “Barney” growing up. He was too jolly for my little tastes; I much preferred “Thomas & Friends” or even “Fireman Sam.” But I will say this: I was never scared of Barney. I just thought he was a big purple loser. But, obviously, I am in the minority; if that were the case for all, we would not have a film such as “Buddy.”
Written and directed by Casper Kelly and Jamie King, the film was made with only a $3 million budget. It represents the ultimate evolutionary benchmark for the mascot horror genre, which is a genre that quite a few people (including myself) likely figured had nowhere else to go. The dead horse was beaten until all but mush was left. Scott Cawthon made his “Five Nights at Freddy’s” movies, with more on the way. “Willy’s Wonderland” was a flop, and there are countless — I do use the word literally, countless — games online of evil robots with grinning faces and despicable serial killers in suits killing children. And yet, a film like “Buddy” manages to take this dead horse, prop it up and make it look alive again!
It is… inconceivable, and yet there it is. Conceived.
Now, the film begins with a mock-episode of the fictional children’s show,“It’s Buddy!” complete with wacky, whimsical shots of the characters. They sing, dance and hug Buddy the unicorn, portrayed by Keegan-Michael Key. We meet Freddy, her talking backpack Zippy and Wade as they prepare for a dance party hosted by Buddy. Freddy worries about her dance moves, so Wade summons Buddy from his little plushie form to help her get her confidence with a song, as is customary.
All is well until Buddy tries to get Josh to dance, but Josh would rather be left alone to read. For his insolence, Buddy sends the others inside while he takes Josh aside. The party proceeds with the usual singing, dancing and mascot shenanigans until everyone gathers around to hug Buddy. But just before the episode ends, Freddy notices Josh’s book sitting in the trash, covered in blood.
This lighthearted and whimsical tone is kept throughout the beginning of the film, which is hilariously juxtaposed with horrible maiming, pissing on talking flowers, talking couches getting torn in half and children attempting to flee from Buddy and his make-believe world. The performances really did a lot to sell this film. Keegan-Michael Key as Buddy, Delany Quinn as Freddy and all the other child actors are fantastic! And did you know that Patton Oswalt plays Zippy? It’s madness! Fabulous!
Now, unlike a flick like “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” Buddy does not shy away from its inherently goofy premise; it wears it proudly on its chest. The audacity this film had to have one of its kills be of the happy-go-lucky mailman spinning around on a demonic, child-kidnapping unicorn’s horn is nothing short of ballsy. This is especially true for a film that features a subplot with a compelling and emotional bond between a mother and her lost daughter. The movie holds its secrets close, but gives the audience just enough to keep their interest well after the movie has ended. I applaud this film, in all earnestness, except for the guy who plays Freddy’s dad—what a mutant.
What is with all of these good films coming out right now? Well, dear readers, it all must be leading up to one enormous stinker; mark my words. Halloween is just around the corner, there’s plenty of time.
