Bad Hair – Hulu Review (3/5)

BAD HAIR is a new Hulu horror-comedy. It takes place in 1989 and has a cast full of amazing African-American actors. Also, it pays tribute to lots of classic horror movies in various ways. Be sure to check it out on Hulu. Read our full Bad Hair movie review here!

BAD HAIR is a new Hulu horror-comedy that features a stellar ensemble cast of black actors. Many familiar faces with instant name recognition are part of this movie in all sorts of ways. Some take part in a cameo style and others play larger parts.

The story plays out in 1989 which, of course, makes for ample opportunity for so many kitsch moments and umm memorable styles. With a story set in the late 1980s, we also see a lot of tribute to classic horror movies from this era (and earlier).

Continue reading our Bad Hair movie review below and check it out on Hulu.

Classic horror elements

A lot of the plot in Bad Hair will definitely work best if you’re a horror fan. In other words, if you are familiar with some of the classic horror elements from Stephen King’s stories or John Carpenter movies. I mean, we are talking about hair that seems to take on a life of its own. Also, it wants blood. Yes, it drinks up actual blood and misbehaves if it gets “thirsty”.

Of course, this being a horror-comedy, it helps if you’re also familiar with some of the classic Sam Raimi movies. Finally, there is obviously a nod to the old blaxploitation movies since we’re in 1989 and everything is extra kitsch. Mostly in spoof ways since the cast and filmmakers are almost exclusively black.

Also, in case you’ve forgotten (or weren’t born yet), the late 1980’s and early 1990’s fashion was really something! A whole lot of color and over-the-top everything was prevalent. It works perfectly for both horror and comedy. In many ways, the style and fashion fads really become a character in their own rights in Bad Hair.

Especially in terms of hairstyle, obviously!

Awesome casting

I wasn’t sure about Elle Lorraine as the main protagonist Anna Bludso at first. Not the actor herself, but more the way in which this character came across. I definitely came to realize that Elle Lorraine was doing everything perfectly with this character. She turns out to be quite the bad-ass woman in all the best ways.

Also, Vanessa Williams has proved several times by now that she knows how to portray powerhouse ladies. Her character in Bad Hair is no exception. It just isn’t the most interesting character she’s played either, but that’s through no fault of her own. We also see James Van der Beek playing a real douche which is also something he’s perfected and does really well in Bad Hair.

In key supporting roles we have Lena Waithe as Brook-Lynne. She’s always awesome (in my opinion) and has some brilliant moments in this movie. Just as she was in the most recent season of Westworld. Also, Yaani King Mondschein (Aquarius) stars as Sista Soul.

Finally, Kelly Rowland also plays a pretty fun character as the superstar “Sandra” – who’s comparable to a Beyoncé of 1989 – and Laverne Cox (Orange Is the New Black) is the hairdresser in town.

Watch the Bad Hair horror-comedy on Hulu!

Justin Simien is the writer and director of Bad Hair. He clearly has a very distinct style for this horror-comedy and sticks with it, so I have to give points for that. Also, the overall 1989-vibe is spot on! This is only the second feature film for Justin Simien, who debuted with Dear White People (2014) which went on to become a Netflix series.

I can’t say Bad Hair is nearly as accomplished a movie as a whole. However, the main reason for this isn’t due to the story, actors, or even the style and overall product. Instead, it’s simply too long and does have some slow moments that ultimately hurt the movie. A runtime just five minutes shy of two hours is almost always too much for a horror-comedy.

Then again, I do love the fact that there are some truly kick-ass women in this movie and some awesome folklore as a core part of the plot. And yes, these elements are more than enough to recommend that you check it out.

Bad Hair is out on Hulu from October 23, 2020. It is also playing in select theaters already.

Details

Writer & Director: Justin Simien
Starring: Elle Lorraine, Jay Pharoah, Lena Waithe, Kelly Rowland, Laverne Cox, Chanté Adams, Ashley Blaine Featherson, James Van Der Beek, Michelle Hurd, Judith Scott, Yaani King Mondschein, Dahéli Hall, Nicole Byer, Steve Zissis, Usher Raymond IV, Blair Underwood, Vanessa Williams