Bad Reputation (2007 film)
A teen slasher about assault, bullying, and revenge.
Bad Reputation is a 2007 American slasher film written and directed by Jim Hemphill. The film centers on a high school student who endures a brutal assault and subsequent harassment before exacting revenge. It has been noted for its attempt to blend teen slasher conventions with the rape/revenge subgenre.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Jim Hemphill
- Producer
- T.W. Porrill; Christopher Landers
- Starring
- Chris Basler
- Danielle Noble
- Mark Kunzman
- Kristina Conzen
- Dakota Ferreiro
- Jerad Anderson
- Angelique Hennessey
- Music
- John LeBec; Eric Choronzy
- Cinematography
- Forrest Allison
- Editing
- Gordon Stuart
- Studio
- Winning Edge Partners
- Distributor
- Maverick Entertainment Group
Facts from the source article.
Plot
Michelle Rosen, an introverted and insecure high school student, is approached at lunch by popular jock Aaron Cussler, who invites her to a party. At the gathering, she makes out with Aaron, annoying his occasional girlfriend Debbie, and befriends Wendy, a formerly overweight outcast now part of the clique. Aaron and his friends Steve and Jake get Michelle drunk and slip her a roofie. Aaron and Jake rape Michelle, violating her with a bottle, while Steve restrains her. The boys' girlfriends find Michelle unconscious; convinced by Aaron that she was the aggressor, Debbie tapes Michelle to a tree after writing "Slut" and "Ho" on her. Wendy tries to help but is threatened by Jake's girlfriend Heather. Michelle frees herself and goes home, where her emotionally abusive mother offers no sympathy. Rumors spread, and Michelle is tormented at school; the apathetic counselor passive-aggressively blames her. Michelle snaps, dressing provocatively and seducing Steve. She has him drive to a secluded area, where she stabs and castrates him, staging the scene as a homophobic hate crime. Later, she lures Jake to her apartment, ties him up under the pretense of kinky sex, and tortures, bludgeons, and dismembers him.
Reception
Critics gave mixed marks to the 2007 slasher Bad Reputation. Ammon Gilbert of Arrow in the Head scored it 3/4, applauding the tension, suspense, and well-developed characters, but flagged pacing issues and a weak ending. Bloody Disgusting rated it 3/5, calling it a smarter teen slasher that avoids dumbing down its story, though not as dark as the rape/revenge films it aimed to match. Dread Central’s DW Bostaph Jr. gave it 3.5/5. Digital Retribution’s J.R. McNamara awarded 2/5, citing poor production values, pacing problems, and awkward dialogue, but stopped short of telling viewers to skip it. A 2018 special edition Blu-ray added commentary from director Hemphill and scholar Alexandra Heller-Nicholas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in Bad Reputation (2007 film)?
Bad Reputation stars Chris Basler, Danielle Noble, Mark Kunzman, Kristina Conzen, Dakota Ferreiro, Jerad Anderson and Angelique Hennessey.
Who composed the music for Bad Reputation (2007 film)?
The music for Bad Reputation was composed by John LeBec and Eric Choronzy.
How long is Bad Reputation (2007 film)?
Bad Reputation has a running time of 90 minutes.
Who distributed Bad Reputation (2007 film)?
Bad Reputation was distributed by Maverick Entertainment Group.
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