Like most Italian horror flicks, this Lenzi gem from 1991 is subliminally terrifying.
Yes, the acting is bad. Yes, the dialog is cheesy. Yes, the make-up is pretty laughable. But "Black Demons," given the right set of eyes and an open mind, it about as close to a nightmare on film as you want to see.
Upon my initial viewing, it was hard to get my mind off of the negative aspects of the film. After a couple more viewings, I noticed some things that stood out to be scary. For example: nothing is explained about Dick's decent into the black magic; it just kind of happens. All of a sudden his sister is a target. I know, it doesn't make much sense, but it's still scary the way Lenzi put it together. Also, how do these kids end up in the jungle in the first place? The setting is damn good. That house definitely has the creepy factor going for it. In fact, lots of the imagery in this movie is creepy as hell.
I guess what I'm saying is: for fans of Italian horror, give this one a chance. I don't think it was intended to be seen as a realistic film. It is more like a nightmare captured on film. If you've ever woken, terrified from a nightmare in your sleep and thought, 'dude, I should write that down...' you know what I mean. Kudos to Lenzi for having the guts to film it. I liked it more than anyone else on here I guess.
8 out of 10, kids.
Yes, the acting is bad. Yes, the dialog is cheesy. Yes, the make-up is pretty laughable. But "Black Demons," given the right set of eyes and an open mind, it about as close to a nightmare on film as you want to see.
Upon my initial viewing, it was hard to get my mind off of the negative aspects of the film. After a couple more viewings, I noticed some things that stood out to be scary. For example: nothing is explained about Dick's decent into the black magic; it just kind of happens. All of a sudden his sister is a target. I know, it doesn't make much sense, but it's still scary the way Lenzi put it together. Also, how do these kids end up in the jungle in the first place? The setting is damn good. That house definitely has the creepy factor going for it. In fact, lots of the imagery in this movie is creepy as hell.
I guess what I'm saying is: for fans of Italian horror, give this one a chance. I don't think it was intended to be seen as a realistic film. It is more like a nightmare captured on film. If you've ever woken, terrified from a nightmare in your sleep and thought, 'dude, I should write that down...' you know what I mean. Kudos to Lenzi for having the guts to film it. I liked it more than anyone else on here I guess.
8 out of 10, kids.