| Demons (1985) 88 min |
| aka - Demoni |
| There aren't many movies out there that are more suited towards gorehounds than this one (except for possibly Lucio Fulci's The Beyond, which is possibly the greatest gross out movie of all time). This movie will probably be of very little interest to anyone who doesn't really dig nonsensical plots, tons of gooey gore, 80s heavy metal music and fashion, and of course - the amazing Bobby Rhodes as the sugar daddy Tony! Luckily for me, that pretty much sounds like a personal add I would place. |
| As much as the plot is admittadly retarded (more on that later), this movie has a lot going for it. Sergio Stivaletti does a great job (as always) with the effects, which there is a ton of, Claudio Simonetti's score fits in well with the hard rock music blaring throughout, and director Lamberto Bava knows to play up what works in the script while paying no mind to restrictions of traditional narratives. The result is an ass kicking middle finger to everyone who likes to sit at home and pretend that they're so much smarter anything in the genre. You don't like unnessecary and excessive gore? Well then, take a look at these gum shreading fangs, flesh ripping claws, and demons who rip out of people's dying bodies! You don't like plots that don't fit into a narrow preconceived notion of what a movie should be like? Well then, how about a movie theater showing a film on about demons where a girl turns into one without much of an explanation why? How about a concrete wall forms outside the theater doors for now reason other than to trap the patrons inside as they become demon fodder? Or best of all, take a look at this helicopter that comes crashing through the ceiling with no rhyme or reason! While most people who are taking the time to read this review will probably be able to dig all this madcap fun, it's probably enough to make most 'experts' run for the doors with their noses pointed firmly in the air! |
| Now that I got that rant out of the way, I'll try to discuss the movie in a more civil manner. It really is a lot of pointless fun. A girl gets a couple of free movie tickets to a premier of some new horror movie. At the theater, we get introduced to the rest of the supporting cast, a couple of skirt chasing guys, a blind man and his unfaithfull wife, and of course Bobby Rhodes and is two women! Before the movie starts on of these women tries on a mask hanging on a motorcycle in the lobby. Before too long, she's transformed into a blood thirsty demon. That's just about all there is for plot, from here on in it's a gory mess. The characters are all mellodramatic with little or no development. Fortunately though, the film never slows down long enough for the viewer to contemplate this. At about the half way point we're introduced to a group coke sniffing punks who eventually break into the theater and can't escape. This seems to only serves the purpose of allowing Bava to effectively knock-off a memorably scene from Argento's Tenebre. |
| No complaints here though, this movie was obviously written as episodic set peices and works rather well in this format. We never stay with any characters long enough to either (a) realize how stupid they are or (b) get bored with their antics. Of course this now brings me to the one man that I could never get bored watching: the (almost) unstoppable Bobby Rhodes! Although he basically plays the same character in both Demons and Demons 2, but he never gets old. Whether he's telling his ladies to 'sit down and shut up' or ordering people to storm the projection booth, he displays the kind of authority that I would never consider questioning. It is nothing short of pure cinematic delight when he rallies the survivors together in a strategy against the demons. Although he's never completely successful, he alwasy makes quite a showing. I can think of very few actors who have such an entertaning schtick, I only wish more of his movies were easily accessible. |
| So let me sum up my feelings quickly. Demons is a fast and senseless action/horror ride that never takes itself seriously for even a second. If you don't expect much other that a whole lot of blood and loud music you'll probably have a good time. This movie is a great embodiment of the fun and excessive style that dominated the 80s. If this really isn't your thing, then there are classier movies from the creators that I would sooner recommend (Lamberto Bava's A Blade in the Dark is a nicely crafted thriller, and I don't even know where to begin with recommendations for Argento...Maybe Suspiria and Deep Red are good places to start). After all is said and done, what I've really learned here is not to accept free movie passes from Michele Soavi when he's wearing half of a silver demon mask. I think this is a lesson we could all afford to pay attention to. |
| Anchor Bay recently rereleased Demons and Demons 2 in uncut special edition DVDs (now also available in 2 packs). These are some really great packages here. The beautiful transfers really show for the first time, in America, how well these films were actually shot. The sound is really nice too, bringing the fantastic demon growls right into your living room! For extras we get a decent making of featurette, a trailer, and an entertaning commentary featuring Sergio Stivaletti, Lamberto Bava, and journalist Loris Curci. Curci's presence is invaluable as Bava speaks in English very little and Curci keeps on top of the translations. Curci is also very good at keeping the commentary moving right along when they seem to hit a lull. It's nice to have someone present that also has a love for this film that most of the fans have. Stivaletti does well holding his end up, jumping in every once in a while when he feels it's necessary. My favorite part of the commentary has to be when Curci asks where exactly the helicopter came from and Bava states that he liked the idea of it being there. As you can probably tell, the commentary makes just about as much sense as the film itself. Overall, this is a very fun package, but you probably know what you're getting into beforehand. Anchor Bay once again gives the horror community reason to rejoice. |
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| I give this one 4 cemetery cathedrals out of 5 |
| review by Joe Canistro 03/30/2002 |
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