Film Review: Don’t Turn Out The Lights

Film Review: Don’t Turn Out The Lights (2023)

Synopsis: Reuniting for an unforgettable weekend, a group of high school friends takes a break from their separate lives at college to travel by RV to a musical festival. Their exciting weekend plans quickly unravel as they find themselves fighting to survive each other and the unknown.

Writer & Director: Andy Fickman

Cast: Bella DeLong, Amber Janea, Ana Luz Zambrana, John Bucy, Crystal Lake Evans, Jarrett Austin Brown, Daryl Tofa

Producers:  Andy Fickman, Todd Slater, Grant Slater, Betsy Sullenger, Scott Prisand, Katie Leary, Michael Speyer

Runtime Time: 109 minutes

Rated: NR

Review:

Written and directed by Andy Fickman, Don’t Turn out the Lights is fun, and has some great spooky moments. A group of friends travels for their friend’s birthday to a music festival in an RV. WHAT COULD GO WRONG? The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Hills Have Eyes, The Toy Box… I could go on and on. As spooky season approaches for those who started celebrating on July 5, 2024, they are in search of spooky movies coming out. I will admit, I was excited for this film.

The cast includes: Jarrett Austin Brown, John Bucy, Jasper Cole, Bella DeLong, Crystal Lake Evans, Amber Janea, David Sitler, Finley Rose Slater, Daryl Tofa-Soriano, and Ana Zambrana.

I will say the lead birthday gal is already annoying, no offense, the actress is awesome, she already snatched a potential man from her friend, and she is having a BIRTHDAYYYY MONTH or year, you know the people who want Birthday months.

And… Nickelback lovers onboard… They are getting drunk, looking to hook up, and have a good time. They stop at gas stations or rest areas. Pennsylvania has tons of them. This one doesn’t seem too bad. The birthday girl, and her handsome man are unwrapping the birthday present. They encounter a group of assholes at the gas station, and they just happen to have a friend who is a bad ass, and well… he kicked ass. Jason played by John Bucy. Now, they are being chased in an RV. That’s fun.

I’m not even sure if they are close to this music festival yet. It’s a “ten-hour drive.” Sounds like a good time though. So, now they want to call the police, they are on the phone with the police, and the birthday girl keeps talking. Do they not hear her? Michael (Jarrett Austin Brown) is so worried about the RV that’s now damaged. I’m so concerned. They are going to this festival, and yes everybody goes through some shit on trips, but I would be reconsidering.

Maybe go another day. But, what do I know right. NOOOOOO… As I sit watching this movie on my laptop, I’m doing my usual commentary. Don’t make that turn, don’t talk to that person… They NEVER LISTEN.

Let’s talk some horror do’s and DO NOT EVER DO. Don’t take drinks from random strangers. Don’t allow your drink to be unattended. Don’t stop at places where you see only one or two people.

Now they stop and meet Rusty, boy IS HE PLEASANT… Jasper Cole portrays Rusty, and he is doing a great job. Rusty basically is the bruting bartender who tells them to get back on the road, do not come back, we are not helping you. You will die. Does THIS STOP THEM? NOPE! Do not worry, they go through all sorts of stuff. It feels supernatural or creature-like. It also has I Know What You Did Last Summer moments. This RV keeps messed up more by the seconds. Oh, the RELAX friend… WHY. They are in a situation, and now it is worse.

Leave it to the girl who does not steal other girls’ men to help, and the military gentleman. All kinds of chaos, and with chaos comes panicking. I genuinely enjoyed this movie. Andy Fickman did an awesome job. It was great because you do not see the monster, it is creepier. Don’t Turn Out The Lights is a fun movie. Make sure to check out, Don’t Turn Out The Lights in select theaters, and VOD on September 6, 2024.