Night of the Demons

Starring: Edward Furlong, Shannon Elizabeth, Monica Keena, Bobbi Sue Luther

Synopsis:

Angela (Shannon Elizabeth) holds a Halloween party in an attempt to make a fast buck. Colin (Edward Furlong) gate crashes to sell drugs to pay off his dealer. Angela, Colin and a group of partygoers get stuck in the house as one by one they're transformed into a renegade cadre of demons intent on escaping into our world and changing it into their version of hell.

The original 1988 Night of the Demons wasn't exactly a great example of quality filmmaking, in the horror genre, so my expectations for a remake weren’t high. At the time of the original, I preferred the more serious horror movies that were out. Night of the Demons was a trashy ride that just wanted to party without all the complicated sh*t. 21 years later, with Shannon Elisabeth as the main character my expectations lowered even more, given her portfolio of movies – not that I’m a snob but her movies don’t appeal to me. I had thought American Pie was ok, and good for the age group it was meant for. However, with my attitude level firmly stuck at "Don't Care" I found myself watching an entertaining horror that was well paced, good looking and occasionally inventive.

I was surprised to find this invention in the screenplay for the remake. It references the original in some quite obvious and twisted ways whilst bringing to the screen the occasional whiff of demonic originality. Apart from the character of Angela, the main link to the original is Linnea Quigley, who makes a surprise cameo as a mum answering her door to a bunch of trick or treaters only to be wearing the same costume as she did in the original and bending over whilst wearing it in the same way she did in the convenience store scene of the 1988 version. You’ll be shocked to learn, I’m sure, that her acting skills remain the same. In another reference to the original; later, one of the girls shoves a lipstick into her breast only this time for it to reappear. I won't say from where, coz I'd have to wash my mouth with soap.

Strangely, like Bitch Slap , the very buxom actresses used don’t really flash the flesh as much as is teased throughout most of the movie. The brief nudity tends to arise when the demonic side takes over which is not quite the same thing. Although to be fair, one of the girls struts around with her (presumably) surgically assisted assets ready to burst from her “dress”.The demon make-up is striking and easily the best thing about this movie, especially the serpent design. I give a big thumbs up to the effects guys who had a difficult jog to follow Greg Nicotero from the original.

The acting isn't as awful as you'd expect. Edward Furlong looks bemused throughout but at least attempts to put in a performance. None of the actors are really that bad. The movie is what it is.

The director nails the tone from the first film whilst updating it considerably. The 1988 Night of the Demons wore its eighties attitude clearly on it's VHS sleeve and was also smutty and gory. This version conveys that quite well, but without becoming overly exploitative.

The cellar scene is handled very well and even instilled a bit of genuine tension.

Summary:

If you're reading this, you probably are already thinking about buying or renting the movie. I'd recommend Night of the Demons for a beer-fuelled Halloween night in with some like minded mates. The Blu-Ray looks and sounds great, with a pseudo Goth score and tingling sound effects in the rear at key moments. Needless to say it's not scary but works as a bit of fun.

6 out of 10 (Wayfarer)

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