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Demon Knight

Starring: Billy Zane, William Sadler
Director: Gilbert Adler
Genre: Horror
Year: 1995
Rating: 3 / 5

Why do we like the actors and actresses we do? Is there any method to this madness? It is one thing for a person to sit back and rattle off names like Harrison Ford and Mel Gibson when speaking of today's most charismatic actors, but Billy Zane? I must admit, though, I am a hardcore Billy Zane fan. This is very shameful to admit in public, for, after all, the man has been in some pretty poor films. (Anyone see The Phantom?) Nonetheless, Zane has long been a personal favorite of mine (along with Jeff Fahey, although that one is more difficult to explain). Perhaps that is why I find Demon Knight, the first Tales from the Crypt effort translated to the big screen, so damn entertaining.

The Collector (Billy Zane) is in hot pursuit of Brayker (William Sadler), with their car chase leading them to a small, deserted town in the middle of nowhere. When we first see these two men, Brayker is attempting to kill his pursuer with a shotgun blast, mere moments before both cars explode into flames. As Brayker flees the scene, eventually winding up in rundown hotel, local authorities converge on the still-burning inferno. As The Collector emerges from the wreckage and is escorted away by the police, he informs them that Brayker has stolen something from him. Seeking to resolve this situation, the local police bring their mysterious guest to the very same hotel.

It goes without saying that, once Brayker and The Collector are brought together, sparks fly. In a matter of moments, the unsuspecting sheriff has been turned into a corpse and an army of undead creatures is converging on the hotel. Hotel owner Irene (CCH Pounder), loafer Roach (Thomas Haden Church), and spunky Jeryline (Jada Pinkett) are but a few of the visitors trapped inside, shocked and horrified by the recent developments. A smooth-talking psychopath with inhuman minions is waiting just beyond the hotel's doors, while a secretive stranger is among them, telling them that they only have to stay alive until the morning. But can any of them last that long?

Tales from the Crypt was a memorable series when it first aired on HBO about a decade ago, and Demon Knight proves that it could transition well to the big screen. (From what I have heard, though, Bordello of Blood proves just the opposite.) The star of the film is, without a doubt, the aforementioned Billy Zane (Titanic). This talented actor has some serious range, but, for the most part, success eludes him, though that might have something to do with the offbeat parts he selects. In Demon Knight, Zane has a riotously funny time of it, even singing and prancing at certain points. William Sadler is serviceable as the serious, world-weary Brayker, and a young Jada Pinkett shows some pizzazz as tough girl Jeryline. Demon Knight is thoroughly entertaining mayhem, and that is something of which even the gnarly, old Crypt Keeper can be proud.

Cast:

Certification: Rated R for violence and nudity.
Running Time: 92 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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