Tickle

Director - Corey Norman (Natal, The Hanover House)
Starring Casey Turner, Andrew Lyndaker, and Sean Carmichael
Release Date - 2014
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "It's only a story"
Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Short films have tremendous power when used properly.  I have reviewed several shorts during my short time writing reviews and everyone I write I feel the need to express how powerful they can be. Shorts have the ability to give the viewer story, action, adventure, and even scares in a short period of time.  This is great for the viewer because they don't have to wait long or listen to horrible dialogue to get to the good parts.  Recently, I learned that director Corey Norman was at it again and this time he would be making another short.  Some of you may remember my reviews for his film's Natal and The Hanover House.  Both films are great and this forced me into waiting for his next film which came in the form of another short like his film Natal.  Corey was kind enough to send me his new short Tickle to review and for that I thank you!

     This short follows a babysitter who tells a young boy a bed time story.  As Halloween approaches she decides to tell him a story about a troll named Tick Tack (Tic Tac, sp?). Tick Tack tickles the feet of those that are asleep and leave them out of the covers.  The little boy tells her he doesn't believe in trolls and she tucks him in for the night.  After she leaves the room the little boy becomes scared and covers his head up with the cover as his closet opens.  A few moments later the babysitter falls asleep while watching a movie.  Tick Tack makes his way to the living room where he uses a sickle to hack off both her feet.  He then slowly takes his two prizes back to the little boy's closet.

     Tickle is a short that makes use of it's running time and make's every minute count.  However, the short running time actually works against the film. Not all stories can be shorts.  Some stories just have so much going on, or could possible happen, that the short running time actually ruins the film.  That is my problem with Tickle.  The story is so rich that it could easily be an amazing feature length film.  The acting in this one is great.  The little boy and babysitter was cast perfectly.  They both show skill and talent.  Also, the babysitter is easy on the eyes and that is something I have to comment on.  The story for this one could be so much more than a 10 minute short.  Take away the gore and this could easily be a modern children's horror film in the vain of The Gate and Monster Squad.  This is something that has to happen Corey!  Finally, we do get one kill scene and the short makes it count.  The kill is effect and the practical effects are beautiful.  The troll also looked great.  It reminded me of the evil Nazi elf in Elves but not shitty.  Overall, Tickle is a short made for those that are fans of 80s horror.  This is a short that is destined to become a Halloween classic.  Check it out because you will not be disappointed.