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Very unusual Japanese horror movie, especially when considered alongside the classic J-horror cycle. As rooted in grudges and revenge as many movies from that cycle were, Best Wishes to All takes that cynicism to a whole new level and sets it amid an outright pessimism I don't remember being a part of any of those movies. The story goes that there is only so much happiness to go around, and the residents of a rural Japanese community have figured out how to get more than their fair share. Thematically, the horror in this movie conveys anxiety over the exodus of young people from rural Japan as they move into city centers, the related rapid decline of economic opportunities in those rural communities, combined with their aging population. This movie does not try to be subtle, which is part of its effectiveness. Along with that theme is another pertaining to parasitic self-centeredness which emerges later in the plot. It's not so much a universal theme, per se, as global, being nearly analogous to a pandemic.

There are some creepy moments in Best Wishes to All, largely reflected in the idiosyncratic behavior of some of the characters, but the real horror mostly stems from the appalling lengths they are willing to go to to achieve what they have convinced themselves to be "happiness."

This is a very effective horror movie, but it is so dark that I doubt I would be able to watch it again. Nonetheless, any fan of Japanese or horror writ large should consider it a must-see.

One of the very worst episodes of the entire series. One of our main protagonists has all of the leverage in a harrowing situation with enemies, and I mean all of the leverage. Does he use it? Of course not. And then there's the absolute ludicrous, jaw-droppingly stupid romantic interlude between two other characters. There are some important moments of plot in this episode aside from the stupidity but it's not enough to save the episode from being one of the worst written single episodes of any show I've ever seen. One of the very worst episodes of the entire series. One of our main protagonists has all of the leverage in a harrowing situation with enemies, and I mean all of the leverage. Does he use it? Of course not. And then there's the absolute ludicrous, jaw-droppingly stupid romantic interlude between two other characters. There are some important moments of plot in this episode aside from the stupidity but it's not enough to save the episode from being one of the worst written single episodes of any show I've ever seen.

One of the Great 1980s horror movies, with a classic '80s sci-fi setup. It's well regarded but still underrated. Writer/director Fred Dekkler's script is self-aware, savvy, creepy, and funny in equal doses. It's very difficult to thread the needle of being self-consciously campy without overdoing it or becoming too cute by half, but Dekkler manages.

The opening sequence is a fun homage to 50s cinema, particularly classic American sci-fi horror of that era. It includes direct visual references to The Blob and It Came from Outer Space deftly blended with 1980s urban legend lore.

We then move into the '80s with all of the glorious visual style associated with movies like Phantasm and The Evil Dead, including loads of inventive and fun practical effects.

The cast is excellent from top to bottom, the pacing is perfect, in the ending buttons things up in an entertaining way.

Note regarding the Shout/Scream Factory special edition Blu-rar: the very good bonus features included commentary with the principal cast. One of the funnest actor commentaries I've heard. Clearly these folks like each other a lot and had a blast making this movie. It includes some fun insights into the production but the real pleasure is just listening to these friends reminisce and tease each other. The disc is worth every penny.