Halloween 2021 Review #19 – ‘Night of the Demons’
Night of the Demons is an 80s horror movie directed by Kevin Tenney and written by Joe Augustyn. It’s the nineteenth movie on our 2021 October movie challenge. It stars Cathy Podewell, Alvin Alexis, Linnea Quigley and Billy Galo.
Before I get into the review, I confidently say it has the tropes of an 80s horror movie written all over it. So, with that, I’ll be looking at the movie through the 80s lens. After all, there aren’t many 80s horror movies that hold up when looking back on them.
Night of the Demons follows Judy (Podewell) as she attends a party with her friends on Halloween night. While most people have adult ideas on their minds, she just wants to spend the time with her friends. However, since it’s a horror movie, nothing goes according to plan.
All of it is easily avoided but someone decides to do a séance. Of course, that’s when things take a turn for the worse. The Demons infiltrate the group by dividing and conquering.
The characters are stereotypes. Most of the men are toxic and easily led astray by the promise of ‘fun’. Meanwhile, the women are seductive and topless. This is basically what every 80s horror movie is like, bar a few. Coming at the end of the 80s, it’s done to death.
Some of the dialogue is unnecessary and frankly weird. There’s a particular moment where Judy’s brother jumps out on her while she’s changing clothes and makes comments about how she looks.
Night of the Demons is a movie fans of 80s horrors will enjoy. It has everything there to like. I can’t remember how many 80s horrors I’ve seen, and even when they fall into the same traps, they seem more clever. But, it’s a fun way to pass 89 minutes.
The beginning of the movie grabs my attention though. There’s a really cool animation sequence for the opening titles. The animation and the music blends well and sets the atmosphere for the movie you’re about to watch.
Furthermore, any problems I have aren’t with the acting. The cast do well, and I particularly like Cathy Podewell’s Judy. The audience does root for her, and what more can you ask for in a main character?
