CONVENT, THE
PLOT-A bunch of college kids break into an old convent, and unkowingly release demonic spirits.
VIOLENCE-Heads are chopped off and bashed in, skin gets peeled off, lots of gushing blood.
SEX/NUDITY-None, and considering the kind of movie this is, I was shocked.
WHY I LIKED IT-This movie reminded me of one of my favorite low-budget horror flicks, 1990's "Night Of The Demons". Just like in that film, you've got a group of young people in an old building. One by one, they become possessed by the demons, starting with the "goth" chick that everyone picks on. "The Convent" has an incredibly strong opening sequence, fast-paced editing, a lot of funny moments, and a very capable cast. I enjoyed the odd camera tricks and the use of blacklights for all the "glowing blood" effects. This film is energetic, has a good enough plot, and would probably work well with an audience full of horror fans on a sugar high. Still, it's a fun little movie that successfully mixes humor and horror, and even manages to pair up Bill Moseley and Coolio as two police officers. Director Mike Mendez has proven he is talented, so I look forward to his next project.
DOWNSIDE-Unfortunately I bought into all the hype surrounding this movie. Fangoria magazine, in particular, covered the film extensively (it was made in 2000 but not released on video till December 2001) and showered it with praise. You'd think it was going to be the "Pulp Fiction" of horror films. So I was expecting it to be a little less formulaic and a bit more over-the-top and innovative. But at its very least, it's short, fast, and funny. Can't go wrong with this one, just don't expect something like "Dead Alive".
MEMORABLE SCENES-One fraternity pledge meets up with some goth kids (who are trying to perform some kind of ritual in the convent). He yells out, "DEVIL WORSHIPPERS!!!" and runs away screaming.
NOTES-The DVD contains deleted scenes and some making-of stuff. I haven't watched them yet but I will, I promise.