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11 out of 15 people found the following comment useful :- An Entertaining Horror Comedy, 4 February 2007 Author: ClayDeaver from Waikiki a suburb of Honolulu
I had a nice time sitting through this edgy horror comedy, and have no regrets. It was certainly targeting the younger viewer however I found it a decent expenditure of my time due to the better than average talent they acquired.Eventually I sort of fell into the rather macabre storyline. Obviously the budget was low and the sets didn't change much,in fact everything happens at one location,"the strip club from hell" but for my two cents I have to say they pulled of a nice entertaining little package, probably due to a lot of things like good camera work, a descent director and some pretty good young and not too well know actors like Kelly Hu, who happens to be one of our local girls here in Hawaii. Kelly gave a nice performance, although it's probably hard to step down from a role as Cassandra in the scorpion King to something with less of a bang, she and Devon Sawa, Ken Foree and Karen Maxwell gave it a great effort. I think this film will be a bit of a cult classic in the ghoul killing vampire wasting category. If you don't think a ghoul hunt with dry humor would be your cup of tea then perhaps you should pass on this one, but if your not offended by that sort of thing then give it a shot, I think you'll have a few laughs and the time will go right by. I'm sure we will see a lot more of the cast from this film, they seem to be practicing a craft called acting.
7 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :- A Fine Gem in an Ocean of Garbage, 22 November 2007 Author: yetanotherharris from Satan's Colon
As this is a fairly new movie done on a low budget and using a somewhat goofy plot line, it is not something everyone will enjoy. For those who prefer big-budget, star-studded, Hollywood CGI-fests, this will probably seem like a terrible movie by comparison. Spare those around you the complaints and leave this movie alone, because it is not for you. There is a specific type of person who will enjoy DEVIL'S DEN; let me tell you my story.I'm the kind of person who, on occasion, likes to head down to the local video rental store and check out the horror movies that are obviously low-budget and completely unheard of. An overwhelming majority of these movies I would personally prefer never to see again, and I most certainly would not add them to my growing DVD collection in spite of my enjoyment of bad movies. Many of the obscure horror and thriller flicks that populate the shelves at the rental place are also Direct-To-DVD, meaning they probably had even less funding than most low-budget movies. Several of them are "filmed" on someone's digital camcorder from K-Mart, utilizing no extra lighting and leaving the sound as-is. In short, many of these movies are absolute crapola that would barely be passable even if the viewer were heavily intoxicated and told before viewing that he or she was watching a school project made by a bunch of eighth-graders.Other trends in the DTV and low-budget horror movies these days include hiring an iconic genre actor (such as Jeffrey Combs or Tony Todd) to film a few scenes and give them star billing, giving the potential viewer the belief that the movie features a lead actor who is interesting to watch. I've seen this in several movies; I rent a flick, expecting a favorite actor to get lots of screen time and, instead, wait for most of the movie for the supposed star to make an appearance. Another chunk of these movies take themselves way too seriously by attempting to reconstruct a dream or hallucination in an effort to appear as realistic as possible for all of the teenage literalists out there who couldn't suspend their disbelief if the loss of their virginity depended on it.DEVIL'S DEN is one of those rare gems that I come across, perhaps, once every twenty rentals; it is the kind of movie that I hope to find through my somewhat masochistic movie-watching habits. Unlike many of the other low-budget horror flicks out there, this movie is kind of a combination of 1980's undead monster movie and 1990's dialogue-heavy independent film (it is, in many respects, similar to Robert Rodriguez's FROM DUSK TIL DAWN). It stars--yes, REALLY STARS--Ken Foree, of DAWN OF THE DEAD (both versions, but mostly the original), playing opposite Devon Sawa from FINAL DESTINATION and SLC PUNK! and Kelly Hu of X2. Granted, this is still far from being an all-star cast, and the acting is fairly average to less-than-average, but the three of them do have some great scenes together and the comedy is what makes much of the dialogue work.Like many horror movies, the plot of DEVIL'S DEN is linear and gets to the good stuff swiftly. The monsters in this movie, vampire-like creatures that Foree identifies as "ghouls," make their first appearance within the first twenty minutes, and the plot basically revolves around the survival of Quinn (Sawa), Caitlin (Hu) and Leonard (Foree) as they find themselves trapped in a strip bar infested with flesh-eating ghouls. The dialogue-heavy scenes, such as the Zatoichi story (easily one of the funniest sequences), are delivered in a manner not unlike Kevin Smith's CLERKS.Technically, this movie is done using practical gore effects, with almost no digitalization or CGI involved, for which, by itself, this movie deserves an extra star or two. Everything else--lighting, sound, cinematography--are all competently done, although one should expect plenty of stolen ideas throughout this movie. This is not a movie with a burning desire to tell a story; it is a movie made for the fans of the tongue-in-cheek comedy/horror flicks from a bygone age.If you are someone looking for that rare, cheesy-yet-fun horror gem amid the seas of DTV releases, DEVIL'S DEN is worth checking out. It definitely has the potential for status as a cult classic.
7 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :- Smooth-Paced, Humorous Horror Film Sneaks Under Radar, 3 March 2007 Author: Gavin Schmitt (gavin6942@yahoo.com) from Kaukauna, Wisconsin
On their way home from smuggling a case of high-potency Spanish Fly, two young men get lost and end up at the Devil's Den, a gentleman's club with no cover charge and some fine-looking ladies. But what starts off as a leisurely diversion quickly turns to panic when the pair discover some of the dancers are looking for a little more than a few dollars.This film comes from director Jeff Burr ("Leatherface" and many others), am an with a solid history of directing horror films with a little less serious of an edge (such as the Puppetmaster films). I mean this in the kindest of ways, because finding the right blend of horror and comedy is an art form, and one that Burr has really found a knack for. This film entertains -- the balance of laughs and gore is flawless.At first glance, I thought writer Mitch Gould might owe some serious kudos to Robert Kurtzman -- I'm not the first person to notice that the undead dancing in a club is not a new idea (see "From Dusk Till Dawn"). But don't underestimate Gould. Despite his background being more stunts and less writing (this is his sophomore effort), he really gave his heart to this script. A blend of characters and situations that would only otherwise work on an episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" seems right at home in the Devil's Den.The assembled cast is by no means foreign to the horror film (or the horror comedy film). Devon Sawa (Quinn the Spanish Fly smuggler) has come a long way from his days as the cute Casper and is now a noted horror celebrity ("Final Destination", "Idle Hands"). Sawa may have lost his boyish looks and charm, but his unique style and delivery have stayed pure. Ken Foree (Leonard, a vampire-hunting swordsman) needs no introduction. Appearing in both "Dawn of the Dead" films, Burr's "Leatherface" and countless other horror classics, this man's resume looks like a year's line-up of screenings at a college horror club. In short, Foree shines as usual. And although much younger than Foree, Kelly Hu's horror credentials also span back multiple decades ("Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan"). She plays the character of Caitlin perfectly, with enough panache and luxuriousness to rival any "final girl" in modern horror. Just don't ask how come she never runs out of bullets (it's a movie!).A twist I really liked is the idea that the way to kill ghouls is not by removing the head or the heart or using some special equipment (silver bullets, crosses, etc.) but simply starvation. I don't recall ever hearing this from another film and it's an interesting twist. Leonard's explanation that decapitation is a great way to disconnect the mouth from the stomach (and thus speed up starvation) was ingenious.While the film is full of great one-liners, gorgeous women and some serious gore (a scene where a man's heart is removed through his back was glorious), the key moment that told me this film was a winner involved the blind samurai (played by Ken Ohara). The feel of the movie changed, but in such a way you knew the creators were capable of anything -- no reason to worry about any loose ends or amateur sloppiness.While I had not heard of this film prior to this viewing, I can see it becoming popular among horror fans and somewhat of a sleeper hit. While not of the same caliber as the classics, there lies in this film a certain charm that makes it both easy and enjoyable to watch again and again.
8 out of 12 people found the following comment useful :- Zotoichi Rules!, 8 February 2007 Author: Horror_nut-1 from United States
If you're a fan of classic horror comedies, and you're a fan of classic Samurai movies, then this is the movie for you. It was for me. This film is entertaining, from the opening scene with Quinn and his buddy, to the end credit roll (good stuff to watch there too). It never stops, it never even really slows down since even the moments without a lot of action are pretty funny, and most importantly - my number one rule for any film- it never gets boring.I read a couple of things comparing this movie to Dusk to Dawn. If you go looking for that, you might be disappointed. The production value is too different. This was maybe one tenth the budget, if that. But in my opinion, the story was better. And the action was better. If you disagree with me, go watch back and watch Sex Machine in Dusk to Dawn doing a slow back flip off the pool table and tell me that it was really good action. Not to mention, this movie has Samurai swords, and people who really know how to use them. And plenty of blood and jokes to go with them. Its worth watching. You won't be disappointed.
3 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :- Great find in the video store, 10 July 2008 Author: mattround11 from United States
I was looking for a horror film last night and came across this one in the video store. It surprised me because I had never heard of it. What a great find! I laughed all the way through it. The plot twists were nice, especially where I assumed something was going to happen one way because it always happens in these type of genre films, then it twists for that very same reason. A certain Japanese scene that comes out of nowhere is my favorite.Kelly Hu is hot but no where near as hot as the girl who plays Jezebel. She is smoking, and I'm surprised I haven't seen her in more stuff. Definitely got a new fan in me.Devon Sawa is funny and Ken Foree is as solid and reliable as ever, even pretty funny himself in a gruff mentorish sort of way.It's a low budget movie so I can see why I went straight to DVD but still, definitely worth the 90 or so minutes it takes to watch.Hope they make a sequel.
3 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :- Actually a pretty funny movie, even if unoriginal., 12 May 2008 Author: innocuous from Raleigh, NC, USA
OK, OK...so it's rip-off of several other horror-comedies. It's still fairly amusing and at least slightly unpredictable. Shoddy FX don't ruin ALL your enjoyment. Plus, you get to see Devon Sawa looking like he's been hanging around outside hotels cadging cigarette butts.But now to the important stuff. Is everyone in horror movies completely deaf? I mean, you can have four people just yammering away in an argument just down the hall from a dozen ghouls, and the ghouls apparently don't hear a thing. At one point, a couple is just plain yelling at each other at the entrance to a cave (plus, one of them is firing a gun periodically) and the creatures inside the cave are absolutely oblivious. I've never been in a cave where that would have worked. And it's not just this movie, either. Evil slashers are always dropping out of the ceiling behind a victim, pulling up alongside cars in their own cars, and opening doors and hatches right next to potential victims. Does anyone notice anything? Nope. I mean, I'm 54 years old and I know I would have figured it out.But enough digression. This is an OK movie. Check it out, if you like the genre.
3 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :- It May Be A Rip Off, But It's A Fun Rip Off, 5 May 2007 Author: danthewrestlingmanorigin from United States
So much of the negative reviews I've seen on this film, come from the fact that it borrows quite liberally from Robert Rodriquez's From Dusk Till Dawn. You have the strip club in the middle of nowhere, the only difference is it substitutes Demonic Succubi chicks, for Vampires. One of my main reasons for recommending this film is Ken Foree of Dawn Of The Dead fame, who gives a fun performance, with plenty of screen time. Also if you like Idle Hands, Devon Sawa is basically playing that again here. At first I wasn't so sure i'd like his character, but he becomes endearing as the film roles on. Rounding out the cast Kelly Hu, also makes for a likable heroine. The Cast has excellent chemistry, and although unlikely, I'd love to see a sequel, which it was left open for. If you like the premise of Devil's Den, you won't be disappointed. Plenty of action, humor, gore, and a little T and A, makes for good times. It isn't anything new, but as far as rip offs go, it's well above average.
5 out of 8 people found the following comment useful :- Rockin' good time, 21 February 2007 Author: Frederick Pallow from Atlanta, Georgia
First lets get one thing straight- this is a low budget movie. Second- it is the best low budget movie you'll rent in a long long long time. Good characters, good dialog, good action and mostly just funny. Devon Sawa does a really convincing job of playing the freaked out reluctant hero, and Ken Foree- who can not like Ken Foree after Devil's Rejects. In fact any movie with Ken Foree and the word devil in the title is going to be a good one in my opinion. Kelly Hu is very hot and so are a lot of the other girls in the club- at least before they get real ugly. Plus there's a special treat for Zatoichi fans. If you know any of those old movies then you know the actor they got to play him does a perfect imitation. Just watch his face and eyes.Bottom line this movie is more entertaining than anything in the theaters right now.Of course 300 isn't out yet.
7 out of 12 people found the following comment useful :- A cult classic, 8 February 2007 Author: Maxsmith2061 from United Kingdom
The best way to describe this movie is fun. If you are looking for something to scare you, it won't, in point of fact it won't even try. If you are looking for a well scripted, entertaining little story that takes a couple of unexpected twists, and keeps you laughing along the way, then this is a definite must see.It is a low budget movie but the production value is actually pretty good. The strip club it mostly takes place in is pretty cool looking, nothing on the scale of From Dusk 'til Dawn, but considering the budget it is better they didn't even try. The action was fast paced and well choreographed, Devon Sawa and Ken Foree were quite funny, and the chemistry between them was outstanding.Unfortunately, my favourite moments would be considered spoilers and I cannot mention them, but suffice to say, with all of the low budget, and big budget drivel that passes for horror today, this one is quite a little gem.Cheers
2 out of 3 people found the following comment useful :- Pretty Good for what it is..., 10 June 2007 Author: JoeB131 from United States
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
Sometimes, low budget B movies can be a lot of fun. This is one of those movies.The plot line is simple enough, two buddies go to a strip club where they encounter an assassin babe, a monster hunting samurai and a club full of stripper/ghouls. Who is on who's side gets a little convoluted at times, but in the end, it's a rip roaring amount of fun for this kind of movie.Kelly Hu. Not a great actress, but as an action hero, she's better than most. Certainly knows how to do martial arts. The other actors turn in fine performances... I admit, I didn't see the twist at the end were the "nice" waitress turned out to be the head monster.
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