1. Plot Summary

A group of five teenagers embarks on a spring break camping trip to pan for gold. On their way, they encounter a bizarre gas-station attendant named Simon—and soon find themselves being picked off one-by-one by Simon and his twin, Stanley. As the body count rises, the teens must outwit the twisted siblings to survive the night in this gruesome game of “Simon Says.”

2. Notable Elements

• Crispin Glover’s Dual Performance: Glover delivers a disturbingly manic turn as both Simon and Stanley—infusing the film with unsettling charisma and dark humor.

• Creative Kill Scenes: The film embraces cartoonish gore—flying pickaxes, booby traps, and inventive death contraptions evoke a mix of Evil Dead II and schlock horror charm.

• Campy Tone & Teen Characters: The teens embody genre clichés—stoner, jock, slut, final girl—designed more for plot momentum and horror trope delivery than realistic characterization.

• B-Movie Aesthetics: Low-budget cinematography and editing give it an amateurish charm—amplified by over-the-top gore and a self-aware slasher vibe.

3. Themes and Messages

• Twisted Game-play: Drawing on the children’s game “Simon Says,” the film distorts innocent rules into lethal commands—underscoring how control and obedience become twisted in horror contexts.

• Doppelgänger & Identity: The sibling angle (Simon impersonating Stanley or vice versa) adds psychological disorientation and blurred identity—classic slasher ambiguity at its core.

• Survival vs. Foolhardiness: The teens’ reckless behavior—ignoring warnings, venturing offroad—highlights the danger of youthful invincibility, especially in horror narratives.

4. Personal Impressions

• Strengths:

  • Glover’s performance elevates what could’ve been a routine slasher into a memorable, bizarre experience.

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  • Gore and traps are delightfully creative, providing a visual spectacle in a low-budget package.

  • Embracing camp: The film knows it’s ridiculous—and wears that proudly.

• Weaknesses:

  • Thin character depth: Most characters feel disposable, conforming to horror stereotypes without nuance.

  • Unpolished execution: Poor editing or pacing may alienate viewers expecting more refined thrills.

  • Polarizing tone: Some find the blend of humor and horror unsettling, or simply too ridiculous to engage with emotionally.

5. Audience Recommendations

• Cult slasher fans: If you love campy horror with absurd kills and over-the-top villains, this is a fitting pick.

• Crispin Glover enthusiasts: His eccentric turn as Simon/Stanley is a central draw—worth the watch alone.

• Comedy-horror lovers: Those who enjoy a horror film that doesn’t take itself seriously—and revels in B-movie excess—will find this gleefully entertaining.

6. Conclusion & Rating

Simon Says is a wild, unapologetic slasher that pivots on Crispin Glover’s gloriously unhinged performance and cult-level gore. It may not offer depth or refinement, but for fans of gleefully messy horror, it delivers legitimate fun.

Final Recommendation: Play along if you dare—this slasher is best enjoyed with a sense of humor (and at least a few brains switched off).

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ out of 5

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