April’s Fool Day (2008)
Reviewed by Melissa McGahee – April 13, 2008

April Fool’s Day opens when two stereotypical rich siblings Desiree (Taylor Cole) and Blaine (Josh Henderson) host an “A” list elaborate party. Everyone is having a blast in the black-tie affair until something goes terribly wrong.

Blaine begins to flirt with the very interested Milan (Sabrina Aldridge) and quickly talks her into the bedroom. As things heat up, Milan becomes dizzy and disoriented. Desiree and guests hide in the doorway and videotape the action. Milan becomes more confused when confronted by the intruders. She falls over a balcony to her death where the new girl Torrence (Scout Taylor-Compton) stares up at the elite in horror.

An investigation reveals that Milan’s death was due to a ‘roofie’ otherwise known as the date rape drug. Suspicion falls upon Blaine and the court decides to put full control of the family estate into Desiree’s hands.

One year later, all those connected to the dark fateful night begins to meet their demise. This is where the uneventful, predictable and boring whodunit begins. Unlike most failed horror productions the fault does not lie with character development. In fact, if there was a positive about this awful film, it is that each main player stood out in their own right. Charles (Joseph McKelheer) added a bit of comic relief with his over-the-top, sensationalistic, gossiping ways. McKelheer invoked a little of Jim J Bullock’s flare in his performance. Who doesn’t love Jim J Bullock? Blaine and Desiree were even moderately interesting as the leads. Their performances were believable as the upscale, snobby socialites.

The acting was even decent. There wasn’t a single individual who slowed the pace or delivered their lines in a way that hindered the movie. In fact, Joe Egender who played the introverted Ryan, did extremely well with what was given to him. His role, though no more than a supporting character, stood strong. He stole the scenes he was in. One is easily reminded of a young Givoanni Ribisi while watching him perform.

Even with a workable cast, and solid characters “April Fool’s Day” was sadly unbearable. First, the movie itself appeared to be something that had been filmed for Cinemax. It had low production value and seemed to have an almost Melrose Place quality to it. If anyone has seen the sequels to “Cruel Intentions” they will understand. If this had been the only drawback the movie would have still had a chance to rise above. Alas, the plot itself was awful. At moments when it attempted to be clever, one has to cringe. It’s been done before. Any seasoned horror fan could have guessed the ending within the first five minutes of the movie.

Interesting characters are very important, but when the movie relies on them alone, and fails to deliver in any other area, it will not be enough.

The conclusion fell flat and anyone could have seen in coming. Though it was different than its predecessor, it was far from original. Overall, it is not worth watching but one can hope that the actors can rise above this and find their way to stardom.