Nerds That Geek Movie Review – ‘Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight’

Written by Scott Edwards

​Have you ever wanted something that you cannot have?  Everyone has been in that position, and demons are no different than the rest of us is what Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight explains. This film is a great look at what happens when the minions of hell come to town and try to take back what they think is theirs. 
 
The Collector is running down a man named Brayker trying to locate a Key, an ancient relic that has been handed down from chosen one to chosen one when the stars align to tell them that the time to move on has come. Needing to find a successor appears to be the hardest thing for these protectors to locate, but somehow, they are able to do it without too much effort. Finding sanctuary in a church that has been turned into a hotel, Brayker is able to protect the those trapped with him by pouring a drop of blood at every entrance point to keep the demons at bay. But Brayker is challenged at every step, by the demon outside and by everyone inside of the old building. Not knowing who he is able to trust, Brayker has to take his protection detail to the extreme, as to not let the demon in.

Demon Knight is a great look at the ongoing battle between good and evil. One man is filled with knowledge as to what will happen if the dark forces enter the hotel, along with what will happen if one person has succumbed to the evil that is waiting outside of the fortress walls. Being part of the Tales from the Crypt series, you know what is in store for you at the end. Demon Knight challenges you at every turn as you try to decide who to side with.

Yet for being a lower budget horror film the cast is loaded with some great actors. Thomas Haden Church (Roach), or Dick Miller (Uncle Willy) will catch your attention, but William Sadler (Brayker) will stand out above the rest with his incredible dedication to what is right and wrong. Followed by a great performance by Jada Pinkett Smith (Jeryline) who plays a convict on work release, but you will be mesmerized by Billy Zane (The Collector) who is just for a lesser term, fantastic.  

What I enjoyed most about this flick, is just how much it challenges faith, our perception of it and more importantly, what we believe to be right and wrong. At every corner the characters are challenged by the Collector and tempted and it's incredible to see just how weak some of them are and how well the rest of them resist his ‘offers.’ It's surprising depth for a Tales from the Crypt story and makes it all the more enjoyable, and in a weird way, it left me wondering what would happen if someone was trapped in such a situation in real life and where their moral compass would be when challenged to the extreme. Would they do the right thing? Or give in to the easy way out? Either way, take a look at this one, and sit back and relax as you contemplate your end of days…or just enjoy your popcorn. ​

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