Day 23: Night Of The Demons

Night Of The Demons

Well...at least the pumpkins look happy

I’m a sucker for all things Halloween. It’s probably my favorite time of year. Jack-O-Lanterns and black cats adorn every cheap piece of plastic and fake spider webs are strewn across lawns. The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing, its football and hockey season, and horror is in full swing. And when there’s a movie set during Halloween, I’ll watch it. Throw in some homicidal demons and we’re in for a good time.

Night of the Demons stars Monica Keena (Dawson’s Creek, Freddy Vs. Jason) as Maddi, Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back) as the sort-of goth Angela, and Edward Furlong (Terminator 2, American History X) as Maddi’s ex-boyfriend, the drug dealing Colin. Maddi and her two friends are going to Angela’s Halloween night party at Broussard Mansion, the scene of gruesome murders and supposed demonic possessions. Colin, in need of some quick money to appease a drug lord, goes to the party to make some quick cash. The police break up the party, but Maddi , her friends, Angela, and Colin stay behind, eventually getting locked in. In an attempt to get out, they travel to the basement where they find a secret room containing six skeletons. Angela reaches inside one of the skeletons to steal a gold tooth and is bitten. She is soon possessed and starts to turn everyone else into demons. If all seven people are possessed, it will bring about hell on Earth. It’s up to Maddi and Colin to stop the demons and escape.

This cherry pie is DELICIOUS! 

Night of the Demons is actually a remake of the 1988 film of the same name. I give this remake credit because it was able to stand as on its own as an entertaining movie. It has a pretty basic story that has been done numerous times, but it focuses more on good action and entertaining violence. I appreciate that most of the demons have unique looks and powers. They could have easily just had the same-looking demons with the same powers, but it gives you something new to focus on in every scene. Never taking itself too seriously, the movie has some genuinely funny lines and scenes, but there are some flaws and details that should have been fleshed out more.

The acting is pretty good all around, with Edward Furlong leading the pack. And hey, seeing Shannon Elizabeth as a pseudo-goth is an always a plus. The makeup for the demons looks good and the effects are decent. There are moments that will startle you, but not outright scare you. The soundtrack is fantastic. Someone actually took the time to find and use good horror-themed punk/metal music by bands such as Type O Negative, Wednesday 13, T.S.O.L., and Psycho Charger. Usually these movies go with stock music or unknowns. I really appreciate that they went the extra mile. It does make a difference. 

A scene from Night of the De...HOLY SHIT!

 

Night of the Demons is just a fun movie. The acting and director is good, the makeup is creative, and the killing is fun and creative. You won't have any great revelations or fall in love with the story, but you'll have a good time. Isn't that all we really want when we watch a movie? Night of the Demons is worth a watch if you just want to enjoy yourself for an hour and a half. Its definitely worth your time.

7.5/10