Bad Karaoke

Note: possible spoilers in the text.

A short prelude set in 2012 sets up the film for the next 90 minutes, as a karaoke singer’s eyes pop out during her interpretation of I Only Have Eyes for You, when a drunk has had enough and tries to pull the plug killing himself in the process.

Moving to the present day and covers band Nunu, are on their way to a gig in California when they stop at the aforementioned bar. Lo and behold the Karaoke machine is still there and when a band member offers to buy it, the barman is more than keen to get rid of it.

When they arrive at place they’ve rented for the night, the booze and drugs come out and inevitably so does the Karaoke. An evil looking machine it ‘eyes’ glow red making it look positively demonic into which they enter their names.
Logan (Kevin Clayette) starts the proceedings with a passable interpretation of Sexy and I know It. But it’s not good enough for the machine which gives him a choice of deaths. Bewildered and humiliated, heart extraction is mentioned and so it is.

But the rules aren't clear cut. When Noah (Case Walker) sings, it’s accepted by the machine, no horrible deaths. Smashing the machine does nothing and matters become sillier when the owners of the property turn up at the property in high spirits and possible high as they don't appear to notice the clumsily concealed carnage.

Directors Chris Lightbody (who cowrote this with Spencer Yaras) and Robert J. Steinmiller’s, film on the face of it is another of an increasing line of possessed objects. Nothing new in that though the trend has been to look beyond the usual amulets etc towards more domestic goods such as drones, or a car tyre.

However you've accepted the ridiculousness of the setup, you settle into a fun blood bath as people are chopped, gouged and soupified. There are some good lines and a sure line in banter between the band.

The film links back to the incident in 2012 when the blind Melissa (Kate Miner) arrives and fills them in on her backstory and bar-singer Taylor (Justin Miner).

And here lies a cautionary tale, possibly. The band are a covers band out of necessity as no one wants to hear their own material. Which is an oft repeated tale, and very frustrating for talented, imaginative bands and individuals.

Bad Karaoke had its world premiere at Tubi FrightFest London 2026.