Howdy, Neighbor! (2023) Review
Howdy, Neighbor! (2023) Review
The famous family sitcom, “Howdy, Neighbor!,” is coming back to haunt Benjamin, a queer actor living in Los Angeles who still gets recognized for his starring role as Bucky the farm boy. His world is turned upside down when his new neighbor, Chase, reveals himself as a huge fan. As the lines between friend and fan are blurred, Ben begins investigating why Chase looks so oddly familiar.
Story-wise there’s nothing new here, as you had probably gathered from reading the synopsis above, however it still manages to engage. It’s well filmed and well put together, the cast are all fine – Kevin Chamberlin is a real cutie – however parts of the narrative and the basic plot set-up didn’t sit well with my overly logical brain.
For starters – aside from Benjamin, his friend Harley (an excellent and engaging Debby Ryan) and lunatic Chase—does anyone else actually live in the apartment block at all? Does no one else see Chase walking up and down the long corridor in just his briefs or outside playing dress up in the early hours of the morning in an unhinged manner? Apparently not.
Also, and as likeable as Benjamin is, he’s not exactly the brightest person out there, huggable yes, but common-sense is one quality that has certainly eluded him. He waits far too long to block Chase and yes, I get that Benjamin may have been worried about what the outcome would be for him if he were to block Chase but it’s frustrating to watch all the same. I wouldn’t have suffered Chase at all, in fact I would have had strong words with him from start and put him in his place, but then we’re not all built the same way, right? And if Benjamin had have been more like me then the story would have run its course after twenty minutes.
Howdy, Neighbor! is officially selected at Soho Horror Film Festival and will be screened during their Pride event from June 30th – July 2nd. If you get to see it then you’ll have a fun ride, sure it’s annoying and frustrating at times, but overall it’s a worth an hour and twenty minutes of your time.
https://www.sohohorrorfest.com/
The Soho Horror Film Festival is one of the UK’s newest and most punk rock genre film festivals; bringing a whole new slate of terror to the UK in an intimate and unique setting. Forever championing the accessibility of horror for all and waving the progress Pride flag that #HorrorIsQueer.
