April Fool's Day (1986)

What looks like a standard 1980s holiday-themed slasher movie turns out to be a much more witty venture. A group of college students head out for a weekend of relaxation and April Fools' pranks at an isolated island cottage, catching the very last ferry until Monday morning. A practical joke goes awry, hostess Muffy starts tromping around in frumpy clothes and acting like she's not quite herself, and the bodies start piling up. Don't you just hate it when you're on a completely remote island and the phone goes out? All of this is done, though, with a fairly low gore content and a sly wink at the usual slasher conventions--rather than whodunit, the trick is to figure out what's in good fun and what's real bloodletting. It ain't Citizen Kane, but it's not a bad evening's enjoyment either. --Ali Davis Amazon.com

It A Original Classic

Well, it's the 80's and these movies were big. This one is a slasher but no one gets killed, so what then do you call it, a metaphor? I think so, this film gets a high rating from me because of the characters, the story(or plot). And the original concept. Groovy!Stay Focused & smoke out! June 1, 2008

Modern Slasher Version of Agatha Christie's "Ten Little Indians"

The great slasher frenzy of the 1980's was winding down when "April Fool's Day" was released in 1986. This gem was produced by Frank Mancuso, Jr., who brought us "Friday 13th Parts III through V." Though the critics, and many fans, reviled it, I thought it was an ingenious piece of film making.

In the vein of Agatha Christie's "Ten Little Indians," a group of people - in this case, hormonally charged college preppies - are invited for a weekend on a secluded island. It is April Fool's Day and everyone must endure tasteless, immature jokes, including whoopee cushions, exploding cigars, collapsing chairs, and dribble glasses. Unfortunately, there is a maniac in their midst who begins dispatching the guests in various means that are not funny.

The murders are done off screen and the killer's identity remains a mystery until the end. Could it be the ferryman who was injured in a freak accident, eccentric (perhaps deranged) Muffy, the constable, or one of the guests, pretending to be dead? As it was with "Ten Little Indians," red herrings and dark secrets abound in this thrill fest.

The feisty, tom-boyish Amy Steel ("Friday the 13th Part II") leads an ensemble cast of talented young actors. Steel is Kit, the heroine of "April Fool's Day," who scrambles to learn the identity of the killer. Meanwhile, the corpses of her friends begin to pile up. This is one holiday she will never forget.

"April Fool's Day" is a giallo-like film recommended for anyone who collects good holiday slasher fare such as "Black Christmas," "Halloween," and "My Bloody Valentine." Lovers of good mysteries will also appreciate it. For those who are nostalgic about the great slasher frenzy era, they should watch "April Fool's Day."
April 24, 2008

Creepy fun on April Fools Day

Another Canadian horror delight this time set on April Fools Day. This has a "Ten Little Indians" sort of feel to it. There are nine college students spending the weekend at an isolated island mansion belonging to their friend Muffy St. John who begins to act stranger by the minute. After a few of their friends begin to disappear, they realize they may be next only there is no way off the island. Soon, people begin turning on each other and no one is sure who to trust. By the end, everything will be revealed. Was it all an elaborate April Fools Day joke or is there something more sinister at work? I loved the music score to this and the setting was great. All the actors were likeable and did a nice job. There are some fun, humorous moments here combined with some creepy, suspenseful ones. All in all, this is a very enjoyable and entertaining flick. It is much smarter than many other horror/slashers from its time. Also directed by When a Stranger Calls (1979) Fred Walton. 4 stars. Also recommended is another Canadian great - Happy Birthday to Me and Curtains which unfortunately has not seen the light of day on DVD yet. April 3, 2008

Worth the wait.

This movie always intirgued me as a kid. The cover of the girl with her hair braided into a noose? Good stuff! I finally got around to watching it as an adult, and it was well worth the wait! "April Fool's Day" is a fun movie! If you don't like horror movies, don't worry, the gore is pretty much non-existent. The characters are typical 80's type college kids. The conclusion was fun and refreshing.
Very campy, spoofy type of movie, so if you're in that kind of mood, give it a try. March 29, 2008

Awfully Lame

This is the only review you need to read. Don't watch this movie. It wasn't scary at all. Stupid story with stupid actors & so much dead air with hardly any actual horror. I bought this used without seeing it & was very disappointing. You'd be way better off checking out any of the Sleepaway Camp movies if you like 80's slash, but this movie in no way compares to Sleepaway Camp; IT IS SOOOO LAME March 13, 2008

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