Demon Knight

Demon Knight (Tales From the Crypt Presents Demon Knight)

1995

Director- Gilbert Adler

Cast-  William Sadler, Billy Zane, Jada Pinkett Smith, Dick Miller, Thomas Hayden Church, C.C.H. Pounder,

           

    Demon Knight was the first installment in what was supposed to be a series of Tales from the Crypt movies. The franchise never materialized the way they hoped but at least we still got this enjoyable film.

            Billy Zane (who is a much better villain than protagonist) is a demonic minion trying to claim a key that will allow Hell to get the upper hand in the battle against Heaven. William Sadler plays Brayker, the latest in a series of guardians, living their life on the run, protecting the key. He seeks refuge in a boarding home. Jada Pinkett Smith (in one of her earliest starring roles) is a young woman, in trouble with the law, who gets pulled into the struggle between good and evil. 

Demons, led by Zane, lay siege to the boarding home and the fun and gore ensue. The denizens of the boarding home start dropping like flies as they are tempted, possessed and turned against each other.

            It’s helped by a strong cast both in the leads and supporting cast. Zane, Sadler and Smith are all solid and genre regular Dick Miller is always enjoyable.

Only Dick Miller could have had that look in that setting.

Since it’s a Tales from the Crypt movie, you have to expect a certain level of tongue in cheek, but that doesn’t mean the film makers didn’t take making the film seriously. The special effects, utilizing practical make up and appliances, still look good.  The script is clever. The movie moves along, never getting bogged down. The gore is creative (the best being Billy Zane punching through someone’s head and his hand gets stuck). It’s actually pretty fun, I think.

Trivia:  At the end of the credits, the Crypt Keeper re-appears to tease the audience with the film’s sequel, Dead Easy. This film was never made. The key that is the centerpiece of the film makes an appearance in the Tales from the Crypt vampire film, Bordello of Blood. 90’s porn fans will recognize Chasey Lain, who makes a cameo appearance in a scene with Dick Miller.