Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight Is an Underrated ’90s Horror Comedy

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  • The Collector Chases After a Great Power in Demon Knight
  • An Epic Rock (And Hip Hop) Soundtrack?

As a lifelong horror enthusiast who has watched more movies of the genre than I care to count, I must say that “Demon Knight” stands out as one of the most unique and entertaining films I’ve ever seen. Coming from someone who’s been through countless nights of sleepless terror thanks to these movies, trust me when I say this is high praise indeed!

Beginning in the 1950s, based on a horror comic book of the same name, “Tales from the Crypt” gained immense popularity when it was adapted into a TV series in the late ’80s. The show’s host, a spooky-looking but humorous skeleton named The Crypt Keeper, introduced each episode, setting the stage for the week’s chilling tale. Characters such as a vengeful gunfighter tormented by his victims, a blood bank worker hiding a secret vampire identity, and a ventriloquist with a hidden dark past were common themes.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the chilling thrill of “Tales from the Crypt” – a series that spanned an impressive 7 seasons and 93 episodes, airing from 1989 to 1996. Each episode was a rollercoaster ride of entertaining terrors that still haunt my dreams! The movies based on this series are just as captivating, with some truly deserving the limelight. And let me tell you, the very first movie might just be the most underappreciated Halloween flick of all time.

What Is Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight?

The film “Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight,” released in 1995, was a financial success at the box office, but it has garnered negative reviews from both contemporary and past critics. Comments such as “The least horrible of the three,” “Dead on arrival,” and “A lot of filler in this chiller” are just some examples of the criticism leveled against this horror feature. However, it’s possible that Demon Knight was misunderstood, as unlike many other horror films, it combines a serious apocalyptic theme with eccentric characters and over-the-top action sequences, featuring Billy Zane and Jada Pinkett Smith in leading roles.

In a quirky boarding house reside a prostitute, a postal worker, and an ex-convict, who together stand as the final stronghold against a formidable demon seeking a powerful artifact. This artifact, known as a key, is said to contain the blood of significant figures, including Jesus Christ himself. The movie further includes strange creatures with glowing green eyes, and it showcases an unusual delight derived from spark plugs, along with an abundance of guns and grenades, making for quite the unconventional plot. Indeed, this film takes things to an eccentric level.

The Collector Chases After a Great Power in Demon Knight

In this chilling tale, William Sadler, known for his role in “Hawaii Five-0”, and Billy Zane from “Titanic” take center stage. Sadler portrays a timeless religious warrior, while Zane assumes the role of a malevolent force disguised as a human. The story reaches thrilling new dimensions with these two heavyweights. As they engage in a tense game of cat and mouse, Zane pursues the key that Sadler’s character, Brayker, guards closely (this is the final key required to unleash cosmic power).

In a captivating portrayal, Zane’s character The Collector is both alluring and menacing, leaving viewers yearning for more despite his apocalyptic intentions in the story of Demon Knight. Initially just one among many residents at the boarding house, Smith’s character Jeryline, sharp-tongued and quick-thinking, grows to be an intriguing counterpart to The Collector as the narrative unfolds.

In addition to its eccentric character interactions, such as the solitary postman smitten with a boarding house escort or the enigmatic client/cook Roach with peculiar tastes, Demon Knight was advantageous in that it was produced just on the cusp of computer-generated imagery (CGI). Consequently, physical effects were employed to bring to life the numerous demon minions and their gory explosions upon demise. As revealed in an interview with Daily Dead by special effects legend Todd Masters, not only were leg extensions utilized, but a lab assistant and an on-set runner took on the grotesque demon roles. The whole-body makeup suits concealed the fact that they wore only underwear beneath. Truly commendable dedication. Given its modest $12 million budget, the slimy, alien creatures look far more impressive than one would anticipate and effectively counterbalance the humor with a grim, ominous tone.

An Epic Rock (And Hip Hop) Soundtrack?

In my humble opinion, the quirky blend of off-color humor and colorful language found in “Demon Knight” sets it apart from other horror films of 1995, such as the sixth installment of “Halloween,” “The Fear,” or “Lord of Illusions.” And let’s not forget the unique rock-infused soundtrack that differentiates the first theatrical “Tales from the Crypt” story from the rest.

Apart from a track by the hip-hop group Gravediggaz, artists who were well-known in the ’80s, such as Megadeth, Rollins Band, and Pantera, are also featured. Interestingly, the soundtrack for the film managed to reach the Billboard 200 chart just a month after its release. It’s intriguing to consider how rock and hip-hop genres could blend so seamlessly in a movie like this one.

Given Eric Dickerson’s past work on shows like The Wire and Law and Order, it seems this movie he directed has all the right pieces falling into place. Despite some criticisms about its quality, the film stands out with its unique plot choices and originality. While it might not rank among the most iconic horror movies, any horror enthusiast should give it a watch at least once. If you’re in the mood for an entertaining horror experience, Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight is now streaming on Starz.

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2024-10-30 00:31