Whether you’re flying solo this Valentine’s Day or you’re celebrating with a special someone, nothing could make for a more perfect night out than going to see the horror-comedy “Heart Eyes.” Written by Christopher Landon, the man behind “Happy Death Day 2U” and “Freaky,” this is a romantic horror-comedy that slays in every sense of the term. The movie is overflowing with exceptionally creative and gory kills, laugh-out-loud hilarious scene-stealing characters, and a genuine romantic chemistry between leads Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding that is impossible not to root for. Like any good romantic-comedy “Heart Eyes” is a movie that lives and dies on the chemistry between its main couple. As Ally and Jay, Holt and Gooding are perfect scene partners. They give themselves completely to each other as well as the overall ridiculousness of the world established in “Heart Eyes.” The pair more than hold their own among comedy and horror heavyweights like Michaela Watkins and Devon Sawa, proving that they’re down to clown with whatever comes their way. This is a cast of actors that audiences will want to see again and again, no matter the genre. One of the best things about “Heart Eyes” is that it’s a movie that is constantly surprising. The ending culminates in some clunky exposition, but the majority of the movie is a fantastic ride that zigs when your expect it to zag, both abandoning clichés to keep things fresh, and leaning into them to land a punchline. A well-rounded movie that successfully delivers everything a fan of horror, romance, or comedy movies could want, no matter what element draws audiences to see “Heart Eyes,” they’re guaranteed to be satisfied.
4/5
Review by: Luke Elisio