“Well, that’s dumb.”

Story: Gwar “hosts” a series of stories that focus on the horror of sound and music.

Scares: Creepy rather than scary.
Splat Factor: Bodies ripped apart, decapitations, a a whole lot of creative, bloody kills.

Subgenre: Found Footage Horrors
Year Released: 2026
Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul)?: Original.

Trick or Treat?: The V/H/S series has it’s good, it’s bad, and it’s straight up terrible. Add Mixtape to the dregs of this franchise. I checked my watch at least every three minutes. Each time, I was hoping it’d be the last segment, even when I knew the movie had just started. Let’s get to these stories.

Gwar does the wraparound bits, and most are just silly and add nothing. But then there’s the opening scene. If you’re into watching a member of Gwar ejaculate green goo all over the place? You’re in for a treat. Otherwise, it’s just stupid.

• “Dance Dance Dance” – A group of people are trying to reboot a popular puppet show called The Curious Chorus. But behind the scenes isn’t as much fun as the show would have you believe. This story is pretty good, thanks to a creepy atmosphere and the talents of the indomitable Barbara Crampton. Think Happy Tree Friends meets found footage.
• “Another Cabin” – Grandmother and grandson in a cabin are attacked by a huge humanoid monster. Stop motion puppetry gives Mad God vibes. Really short, but really cool.
• “Heartbeat” – Two influencers in Bulgaria investigating a Russian facility. Naturally, they get trapped in a soundproofed room. The idea of a place so quiet you’re able to hear everything going on with body’s internal processes, is a fascinating concept. But the characters aren’t interesting enough to care about. Sadly, it’s one of the longer stories, so it slowly overstays it’s welcome.
• “The Music of Mr. Sze” – My Life Day to Day is a film student project that leads a student to his attic/upstairs neighbor, violinist Mr. Sze. Music that the student wasn’t supposed to hear, but the kid wants to hear again, of course. He finds out, obviously. Goes on a bit too long – could have ended at Sze’s final performance. Overstays it’s welcome just to add more kills. But great wallpaper in Sze’s place that evokes Junji Ito.
• “Premature Burial” – Music video with a gory, morality play finish. A solid Good For Her story behind a great beat.
• “Death Tone” – The daughter of a missing/presumed dead musician records a song per her father’s wishes left on a cassette tape. But the music tracks she lays down use unconventional instruments. Like human bodies. LOTS of gore and an interesting concept. Again, a little over-long.

Is this worse than V/H/S Viral? No. Because I actually enjoyed a minute or two of this one. I’d say “Dance Dance Dance”, “Another Cabin”, “The Music of Mr Sze” and “Death Note” are worth a look. With better editing, these stories could have been winners. Instead they’re cool but I’ll struggle to remember them this time next week.

Just do yourself a favor; skip the first three minutes of that Gwar character jacking off. Not because I’m a prude. Because it’s done in such a pointless, 5th grade style manner that’s absolutely a waste of your time and an insult to your intelligence. That bit strikes a discordant chord that carries through the rest of the film. Add those segments that don’t know when to stop – and one that was straight up unexciting – and Mixtape serves up a basic melody instead what could have been a high point of this series.

Score: 1 out of 5 pumpkins.