Sparky Pictures, out now

‘This is my present to you, brother!’ 

It would be easy to compare Double Date to other well-known British horror comedies, like Shaun of the Dead or Cockneys vs Zombies, but that would really be doing it a disservice. This is a movie that’s totally its own thing, and is proud to be so. The unique humour of writer/lead actor Danny Morgan and director pal Ben Barfoot really shines through in this one, resulting in something that’s never really been seen before.

Approaching his 30th birthday and still a virgin, ginger Jim (Morgan) is running out of options. He’s even been on a virgin dating site and his only reply was from a 12-year-old Chinese boy… Time for blokey mate Alex (Being Human’s Michael Socha) to step in and help, promising to get him laid before he reaches that landmark age. Unfortunately, the ladies who slink into their lives – sultry Kitty (Tales from the Lodge’s Kelly Wenham) and straighter-laced Lulu (Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging’s Georgia Groome) – just happen to be sisters on a mission.

Dubbed ‘The Maneaters’ by the press, these killers have set their sights on Jim – who can’t believe his luck – and Alex, determined to play it cool on their big double date. The only problem: Lulu appears to be falling for nerdy Jim, who in fairness is the nicest bloke she’s ever come across. It’s something that could ruin Kitty’s plans to get the men back home in order to complete a very important ritual. Who will survive the evening and will there be any future for these bizarre couples? You’ll just have to watch to find out.

Thanks to a lot of work on the script by Morgan and producer Matt Wilkinson – trying to balance out the comedy and the horror aspects – the improv encouraged by Barfoot, and pitch perfect performances from the whole cast (all of them playing to their strengths, with Wenham a particular highlight as the psycho Kitty), this movie is an absolute treat. There are just too many moments worthy of a mention, from the hilarious visit to Jim’s religious parents’ house (some laugh out loud turns by Rosie Cavaliero and Robert Glenister here as Mum and Dad), to a fight near the end that has to be seen to be believed – with appearances from the likes of Big Narstie, Dexter Fletcher and Goat (who also provide the score) in-between. I guarantee you’ll have a riot from start to finish; these guys even throw in some black magic to keep the horror fans happy.

Extras include a fantastic ‘making of’, which is as entertaining as the movie itself (I love the sound of some of Morgan and Barfoot’s early shorts, especially the Potter-inspired Where Did It All Go Ron?), a wonderful cast and crew commentary, deleted scenes, trailers and a photo gallery.

Verdict: ‘It’s going to be a big night!’ 9/10

Paul Kane

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