FROM the writer of Juno comes teen horror comedy Jennifer’s Body.
When popular girl Jennifer Click (Megan Fox) drags her doting best friend Needy (Amanda Seyfried) to a grimy bar to see struggling indie band Low Shoulder perform live, a night out soon turns to disaster when a fire breaks out.
In the confusion Needy sees her cheerleader chum get into a van with the band, but the next time she sees Jennifer something is very different - she has a blood-lust hunger for boys.
Can Needy bring an end to the murders, or will she discover Jennifer has more on the menu than just men?
Heathers for Facebook generation
Taking a break from full-on quirky banter, Diablo Cody’s jarring dialogue feels gentler in this alternative demonic frightfest.
But despite freshening up the high-school horror genre, this is clearly Heathers for the Facebook generation, complete with the same black-comedy moments and underlying social critique.
Amanda Seyfried ably portrays the understated Needy, complete with her transformation from kindly student to avenging warrior.
But it is Fox who really impresses.
Proving there is more to her than just bending over car bonnets while large robots engage in battle, Jennifer’s Body demonstrates she can actually act as well.
Although not a particularly challenging role, the subtle glances and nuances both when pleasant cheerleader and blood-drinking demon show some semblance of range - albeit diminished - and a sign Fox is no one hit wonder.
Skimpy outfits
But fanboys can relax, as there is still plenty there for lusty teens with numerous skimpy outfits and a girl-on-girl kiss sure to find its way onto YouTube.
Director Karyn Kusama handles the source material with respect and finds more confidence than in her previous flop Aeon Flux.
Trusting in the indie-credentials of her scribe, Kusama coats the film in a lush pallet and an indie/emo/alternative soundtrack to complement the words and performances rather than stamping an overt style.
While certainly watchable and darkly witty enough to hold interest, the plagiarised premise of high school murder leaves a bitter taste.
Nevertheless, for an easy and amusing scare it is hard to take your eyes off Jennifer’s Body.
7/10 - Sexy scares.