Director – Dylan R. Nix (The Demon of Serling, 10/31 Part IV)
Starring – Jason Eckles, David E. McMahon (He Never Left, Children of Sin), and Dylan R. Nix)
Release Date – 2026
Rating – 3/5
I’ve met some seriously talented filmmakers through Horror Society over the years. Some of them are responsible for some of my favorite films that I’ve seen in the last 15 years while other created movies that are part of my go to lineup for various reasons. These particular films mean a lot to me and I try to watch them as much as possible or, at least, once a year when I can. Some years ago I befriended author and filmmaker Dylan R. Nix who was kind enough to send over his indie horror anthology Baron Von Laugho’s Halloween Spook-A-Thon. I’ve worked this one into my annual October horror binge every year since.
I’ve reviewed several other films from him, like The Demon of Serling and Sharp Candy, and I’ve really enjoyed them all. Recently, Dylan reached out to me to review his new anthology Fun-Size Pieces of Sharp Candy: The Movie. I wasn’t able to get to it right away but as soon as I had the time I hit play on it. I want to thank Dylan for sending this one over.
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows Nix’s character Baron von Laugho (Nix) has he once again takes us on a chilling journey through three horror tales. The first involves a safe cracker who is tasked with opening an old safe for a small business unaware he was sealing his own fate. The second story follows director Dylan R. Nix as he breaks the news to fans that the film failed to raise the funds needed to bring his vision to life before he receives a bit of fan mail in the shap of a doll in the Baron Von Laugho garb. This awakens something sinister inside of him. The final segment follows a movie critic who finds himself locked up with David E. McMahon who is drugged and dressed up as the Easter bunny. **Spoiler alert**
Fun-Size Pieces of Sharp Candy: The Movie brings some of Nix’s short stories to the Baron von Laugho universe which is something I fully support. He is a huge fan of the genre and his films really demonstrate that. Fun-Size was a solid anthology for the most part but like any indie production, there is a few aspects of the film that I didn’t care for.
The acting in this one is a little underwhelming in a few scenes but is fairly well done for the most part. Nix is at home as his Baron von Laugho character where he carries every scene he is in. The supporting cat is a little inconsistent with some showing inexperience in front of the camera while others are very comfortable in their roles. It’s not poorly acted but there is a few awkward scenes.
The stories for the segments are very uneven but finds a way to work in the end. The bookend segment with Laugho telling horror tales actually works. I enjoy it and could see this hold it over for several more sequels. The first tale in this one is my favorite segment in the film. It has a Tales from the Crypt style ending that you don’t see coming and works very well. The second segment is the weakest in the film for me. I understand that this is more of a personal segment for the director when he was unable to raise the funds he needed to make the movie he wanted but it’s out of place in the film and completely derails what could have been a solid psychologal horror segment.
The final segment is very middle of the road. This Saw parody with the director taking his frustrations out on film critics with a drugged up horny David E. McMahon should have been the best thing ever filmmed by an indie director. However, it’s not as funny as it could have been. It feels like it’s trying a bit too hard and misses it’s mark. With all that being said, some of Laugho’s scenes were a little bit underwhelming due to some of the self-righteous dialogue. It didn’t fit the film and is a bit confusing.
Finally, the film doesn’t really have the gruesome deaths that most genre fans are looking for. The movie is very low budget and worked with what they had but money for practical effects were not in the cards. However, we do have a pretty wild looking nutsack that looks like something James Bell may have crafted. Overall, Fun-Sized Pieces of Sharp Candy: The Movie doesn’t really hit like The Demon of Serling and Baron Von Laugho’s Halloween Spook-A-Thon but it’s a solid watch especially if you are a fan of Nix. I fucking love horror anthologies and this one was worth a watch. Check it out.
