Demons Never Die (2011)

Dir: Arjun Rose

A group of depressed high schoolers make a suicide pact and decide they'll all "go out in style" at an upcoming party. However, a helpful masked gentleman dressed in black shows up and picks them off one by one, thus removing the need for it. This is obviously an odd, slightly contradictory premise for a slasher but - in fairness - the script initially manages to sell it. The characters, while a little stereotypical, are passable and the dialogue is nice and naturalistic. It tackles a few heavy teen issues (suicide, bulimia, depression, grief, etc) in a slightly crass, surface-level way but that doesn't seem too troublesome until everything goes to pieces in the final reel. This combines direct scene lifts from "Scream" with gimmicky hand-held footage and a completely confusing, hideous misfire of a twist ending that devalues the whole thing. One of those "you'll never guess because it makes no sense" types. The movie was apparently made for £90,000 so you can forgive the ugly washed-out videography a little but there's no excuse for the dodgy writing. *1/2

Dance of the Dead (2008)

Dir: Gregg Bishop

A troupe of goons from the high school sci-fi society inadvertently unleash the undead on prom night. Townsfolk turn into walking wormfood quicker than you can say “they’re coming to get you, Barbara”, so it’s left to the nerds goons to save the prom, kick zombie ass and change from boys into men while they’re at it. This rapid-fire splatterfest blends surprisingly sharp John Hughes-style comedy with a phenomenal level of gore and action. There’s little that’s new or original about it (except perhaps the zombie dissection frogs from the science lab) but it’s a great example of how to stay simple yet effective. The zombies show up pretty much immediately and, from that point on, there’s barely even time to grab a beer or open a bag of chips until the next spine is yanked out, the next arm ripped off or the next brain eaten. “Dance of the Dead” is a riot. See it. ***1/2

The Woods (2006)

Dir: Lucky McKee

Supernatural spookfest set in a private boarding school for girls in the 1960s that doubles as a some kind of witch coven. Agnes Bruckner plays a 'rebel' girl sent there by her overbearing parents who tries to uncover the mystery of it all, while fighting off a bunch of creepy voices in her head. The first time I watched this, I found it a little confusing and disappointing after McKee’s stunning debut, “May”, but it improved no end on a repeat viewing. It’s a smart, stylish film with enough weirdness to keep you interested and a “Suspiria”-like combination of camp and creepy. Also boasts some sweet-ass old-skool style SFX work with giant killer trees and axes in heads that made me feel like the 70s never ended... in the best possible sense. Plus, Rachel Nichols, in her role as ineffectual bully Samantha, gives an oddly endearing, memorable performance. I don't know why I couldn't get on with this the first time! ***