Demons (1986)

Kind of a let down, but still ok

It's about what you would expect from a 1980s European horror movie. The movie is dubbed, the acting is bad and there are continuity problems that are pretty funny. One scene, a girl has a pony tail and a second later she doesn't. There is another scene where a dead person has their eyes open and then the next time you see the person a moment later, the eyes have closed (not because they were supposed to, but an obvious blooper). The dub acting was so bad, whoever was talking for the black guy reminded me a lot of Robert Downey Jr.'s character on Tropic Thunder. Maybe it was him! The gore itself is not a splatter fest like the comment on the cover of the movie suggests. It is basically typical of what you would see on a zombie movie like Night of the Living Dead. Maybe it was shocking in its day, but it is very tame by today's standards. I'd say that the movie is overall ok, it is enjoyable and the demons look cool, but that is about as best as it gets. August 22, 2008

Classic 80's Italian Supernatural Barfest.

When I first viewed Demons in the late 80's on VHS, I thought it was pretty scary and none of the styles or acting seemed out of time or place. Now, twenty years later, this movie is caught in an 80s time capsule which is actually what gives it it's charm. Demons is more adventure and suspense with gory horror elements and plenty of goofy characters. It could be the Love Boat of gorefests (though set in a weird Germanic theater and redhead replacing hostess Julie).

As with most classic Italian scream fests, the colors and lighting and general style stand out over the plot. You want acting? Forget it, between the dubbing and cartoony characters there's nary a fine actor in sight but that's another element that gives Demons it's comic book/giallo charm. And, the Demons' green vomit/drool, lit eyes and teeth replacement just enhance the overall gory effects.

if you're in the mood for stylish Euro grindhouse, this is the demonic movie within a movie for you. Maybe have some fine Italian wine and creamy green dip with it for culinary enhancement. July 27, 2008

Old-school metal, bloody gore, and funky characters...the Italians have a way with horror!

"Demons" is a 1986 zombie horror movie that features the work of both Lamberto Bava (son of Mario Bava), and the Italian Horror Granddaddy himself, Dario Argento! It's got the unique "movie in a movie" concept, where people in a movie theater are watching a horror movie, but the movie eerily turns them into flesh-tearing, blood-drinking demonic zombies! Oh baby!
Now, let's be honest, this movie is quite on the cheesy side. The budding romance seen between the two main guy characters and two main girl characters, the dialogue and action, and setting it all to the music of metal giants such as Motley Crue, Saxon and Accept! Come to think of it, Argento and Bava had a GREAT idea!
OK, so considering Argento was involved with this one, here comes the big question. How good is the GORE?
THE GORE FACTOR:
Well let's just say that a guy gets his throat clawed wide open, two people get hanged and lots of blood splatters all around. Oh yes, this is in the classic Argento style, and between the unique plot, the music and the gore, this movie is AWESOME.
But there is something you should consider with EVERY MOVIE, and that is...what are the CONS?
CONS:
"Demons" is a well-made, fun, gory and scary zombie movie, but even it has one or two downsides.
- FULLNESS OF PLOT: "Demons" has a great idea, having the "movie in a movie" concept, but the truth is, there's only enough here for a 40-45 minute short film. I kinda figured that out in the first, 20 minutes of watching.
- ENDING: "Demons" has, for the most part, a satisfying ending, but like a lot of horror movies, has one portion in the conclusion that kind of leaves a sour taste in the mouth of this madness.

OVERALL:
While "Demons" isn't as memorable as Argento's own "Suspiria" or Fulci's "Zombie", I still think "Demons" is a very good horror movie that deserves at least one view by all you horror lovers out there. Even though it should have been condensed into, say, a 50-minute movie or so, the gore, music and characters all make this a very cool, and definitely unique, movie. Watch it and love it. Thanks for the time, and peace. July 26, 2008

One of the top horror movies ever

I recommend this product to every horror fan. It's Classic. I cannot say it's a best horror ever, but very decent. May 23, 2008

A good scare

"Demons" is very similar to "Evil Dead" in its sense of claustrophobia and impending dread, and makes for a fun Saturday-night guilty pleasure. Entirely enjoyable, and more frightening than I remember from seeing it in the theater. May 14, 2008

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