The Reel Review
After his parents die in a freak accident, a 35-year-old toy designer tosses out his childhood toys to sell the house, only to have his most beloved toy spring to life and return, killing anyone who comes between them. Karl Holt stars in this 2019 British horror/comedy that he also wrote and directed.
The charm of Benny Loves You is that the cheerful, innocent-looking, sweet-voiced Benny, with his pre-recorded catchphrases and bouncy movement, doesn’t realize he’s a psycho – he just really wants to be with his human, Jack. Imagine The Muppets’ Tickle Me Elmo with a maniacal streak. The result is some hilarious and twisted laughs punctuated with a surprising amount of gore.
Although the film at times gets stupid and wears out its welcome by its final 20 minutes, Benny Loves You is at its best when the focus is on Benny, some pretty creative kills and memorable one-liners. Stick around for the scene after the closing credits, babes.
REEL FACTS
• Although he filmed Benny Loves You in 2014, it took several years for writer/director/star Karl Holt to finish editing, scoring and adding visual effects.
• Karl Holt says he was inspired to create his feature film debut following the success of his similar 2006 short Eddie Loves You.
• Benny Loves You won Best Film First Blood at the UK’s 2020 FrightFest.
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