WFG RATING: A

DeskPop Entertainment presents a Sleight of Hand Productions/Kali Pictures/Reckless Content/Fuzz on the Lens production. Directed by Steven LaMorte. Produced by Steven LaMorte, Michael Leavy, Steven Della Salla, Amy Schumacher, and Martine Mellout. Written by Matthew Garcia-Dunn and Steven LaMorte; inspired by Steamboat Willie by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks. Cinematography by Steven Della Salla. Edited by Patrick Lawrence.

Stars David Howard Thornton, Allison Pittel, Amy Schumacher, Jesse Posey, Kailey Hyman, Jesse Kove, Jarod Lindsey, Rumi C. Jean-Louis, Brian Quinn, and Tyler Posey.

David Howard Thornton is back but as a cartoon legend…well, horror tale on a legend in the latest film from the director of The Mean One.

On a fateful New York City night, Selena is looking to head back to the city from Staten Island and has just made the last ferry for the night. She is joined by a group of girls led by Cindy, whose birthday is today, a young boy and his mother, and other New Yorkers who are looking to head back. As the ferry departs, they soon will learn that this will be an unforgettable night.

A mysterious presence has been killing people on the ferry. When Selena witnesses one of the killings, she is shocked to discover the culprit is a mischievous rat with a hat. As the rat, known as Screamboat Willie, begins a deadly killing spree, he takes the ferry way off course so he can continue killing. Selena, second mate Pete, and the other survivors must find a way to stop the deadly rat before they are next.

Since the character of Steamboat Willie entered public domain, there have been a few horror films revolving around the character. The Mouse Trap was a complete mess. I Heart Willie and Mouse of Horrors fared quite better thanks to their stories being quite different from the former. However, this film from the director of The Mean One takes the cake as one of the best Steamboat Willie-inspired horror films, if not THE best! 

The film reunites Steven LaMorte with the awesome David Howard Thornton. The new horror legend, known for his role as Art the Clown in the Terrifier franchise, shines as the diminutive and mischievous Screamboat Willie. When he appears, of course, it starts without a full face reveal until nearly 30 minutes into the 102-minute runtime. And when he does, he has a crush on Allison Pittel’s Selena. 

There are many references to the House of Mouse here and because they are considered parody, it does not fall under copyright. For instance, Cindy and her group of friends are clearly referenced by some of the Princesses. Selena can be seen holding a white purse with dots. There are also lines referencing classic songs from the catalog of the companies’ films. Watching the film, you will keep laughing at the references. 

However, the piece de resistance of the film are the kill scenes. We’re talking gore on the levels of the Twisted Childhood Universe with a dash of Terrifier. A few of the kills have Willie whistling as he kills or in most cases, before. There are some memorable deaths, including one that will not be unseen and goes on a level of a certain character’s death in Terrifier 2 (not the bedroom kill, but one later in the film) but done in both a shocking and laugh out loud manner. It is both gross and hilarious at the same time if that makes sense! 

Screamboat is by the far the best Steamboat WIllie-inspired horror film, or better horror-comedy. David Howard Thornton once again shines as the new icon of horror. Some great kills and references will make you enjoy this one!

The film is now on Digital and DVD.