Murdercise

I thought we stopped making nonsense like this in the eighties.

Murdercise seems to have been made in backlots and unused offices by wannabe porn stars playing dress up and pretend.

Everything, and I do mean everything is awful.

The acting, awful. The direction, awful. The plot, awful. It seems very much like a film made during covid and that is not a compliment.

I usually don't like to give one star ratings to movies anymore because it takes a lot of effort to get an indie film made these days. But in this case, I will make an exception. It has a depressingly cheap and sleazy feel to the whole thing.

Murdercise is the kind of movie that knows exactly what it is: a low-budget love letter to 80s slasher flicks and aerobic workout videos, wrapped in a neon-soaked package of pure, unadulterated camp. Directed by Angelica De Alba and Paul Ragsdale, this indie gem doesn't pretend to be high art-it revels in its absurdity, and that's where its charm lies. It's "so bad it's good" in the best possible way, delivering laughs, gore, and a wild ride that's hard not to enjoy if you're in on the joke.

The plot follows Phoebe (Kansas Bowling), a fitness-obsessed nerd who lands a gig in a sleazy workout video, only to snap and start murdering her way to the top with the help of a mafia princess wild child (Nina Lanee Kent). It's as ridiculous as it sounds, and the film leans into every over-the-top moment with gusto. The dialogue is hilariously clunky, the acting delightfully wooden at times, and the kills-like a standout chainsaw-to-the-head scene-are gloriously low-fi yet effective. This is B-movie territory through and through, and it's all the better for it.

What's truly impressive is how much the production team squeezes out of what's clearly a shoestring budget. The 80s aesthetic-think sweatbands, Walkmans, and blue/purple lighting-is spot-on, capturing that retro vibe without breaking the bank. The soundtrack is catchy and fits the tone perfectly, while the practical effects, though simple, add a gritty charm that CGI could never replicate. For a crowdfunded indie flick, the lighting and sound are surprisingly solid-two areas where low-budget films often falter. De Alba and Ragsdale deserve serious props for stretching their limited resources this far and still delivering a cohesive, entertaining product.

The cast, including indie darling Kansas Bowling and the legendary Ginger Lynn, throws themselves into their roles with reckless abandon. Sure, it's not Oscar-worthy, but that's not the point-everyone's clearly having a blast, and that energy is infectious. Jessa Flux's bratty demand to have her "tits seen" and Bowling's coked-up, chainsaw-wielding finale are moments of pure, unhinged joy that stick with you.

Murdercise isn't for everyone-it's too rough around the edges and proudly silly for mainstream tastes. But for fans of 80s slashers, horror comedies, or just gloriously bad cinema, it's a treat. It's a testament to what passion and creativity can achieve, even with next to no money. A&P Productions have crafted a scrappy little film that's rough, raw, and ridiculously fun. I'd watch it again in a heartbeat.

This review highlights the film's low-budget appeal, praises the production's effort, and embraces its "so bad it's good" vibe while keeping it concise and engaging, perfect for an IMDb user review.

Apparently this film is loosely based around and paying homage to those fitness, gym horror/slasher comedy films such as Killer Workout and Death Spa. Given the premise, the story is essentially the same but for the newer generation. Once the story begins we are introduced to the characters and as it plays along, we see how the first kill occurs (the audience knows the killer but the characters are oblivious).

Nothing quite funny in this film but it's enjoyable to a degree. It is of course predictable and does include several mandatory skin scenes. The film goes downhill once the cops arrive at the scene. Trying a little to be funny which falls flat. From there scenes just occur to pass time as the inevitable turn of a full slasher occurs.

I mean, this is bad. It is lovely, but it is just a homage to 80s slashers in the most terrible way.

It raised $50k or something on crowdfunding platforms, with cameos from some patrons.

The characters are obviously one-dimensional, the plot ludicrous, the soundtrack a lovely 80's tribute with no 80s songs, and on and on it goes.

Some of the actresses are over-acting in the best possible way, and it is certainly charming, but let's not pretend this is a cinematic masterpiece. It is what it is. It does what it is supposed to do, but it cannot escape what it is.

If you liked 80s slashers, especially the low-budget ones, this is for you. For anyone else - you could spend your time more wisely.

You're trying to make a movie about someone making a fitness video yet the person who's leading the video is the biggest girl there. And the rest of the girls look like dudes. I've literally seen better movies made in the early to mid '80s. This had a horrible plot. Horrible acting terrible actresses some of the worst puns and jokes I've ever heard. This movie seemed so phoned in on every single level and then to top it off you have ginger. Lynn who looks like a 73-year-old man showing off her raisin wrinkle skin. Pretty hard to get through without vomiting. Cheesy doesn't even begin to describe it. Zero Stars.