Inkubus - Review!!

This film just recently popped back onto my radar. Being a horror fan, I was immediately curious when I heard that Robert Englund and William Forsythe were collaborating on a film. I just had the chance to check it out and I;ve decided to review it here for you.

Inkubus - The plot is what initially drew me to this film. The story centers on a police station on its last night before closing. The station is running on a skeleton crew when they get one last case dumped in their lap. A man walks in carrying a severed head and wants to confess to all his murders. He also has a stolen van chock full of body parts and wants to talk to the detective who almost caught him thirteen years ago....

Now, I'll be upfront about the negatives: The budget is clearly low here. The quality isn't the best and the CGI effects are certain not award worthy. However, these are really the only poor aspects, and while the production value isn't astounding, it's certainly a step above made for tv fare.

The performances here are actually strong for the most part. Robert Englund is terrific as the titular demon. He plays creepy so easily that it's truly a pleasure to watch him chew up the scenery. William Forsythe is also very good as the broken down detective. It's nice to see him in a departure from his typical role of the hard ass or villain. (He's also rocking a full head of white hair that further adds to his character's worn down and burnt out persona.)

Rounding out the cast as the current head of the department is Joey Fatone. Strangely enough, he manages to be convincing and actually creates a likable protagonist. I really didn't want to like him and I was certainly skeptical upon hearing of his casting, but I must admit that he really held his own. Forsythe and Englund are always dependable and Fatone actually earns his keep here.

The practical effects and gore certainly look B-movie quality but that actually doesn't detract here. It adds a certain charm that is reminiscent of eighties fare. The movie is also only eighty minutes in duration which allows the story to progress without ever becoming boring. It starts quickly and proceeds at a nice steady pace.

Overall, this is certainly worth checking out. The cast is what really drives this one. Each player handles their role with precision and brings a depth to their character that is nice to see. Not to mention the fact that it's always nice to see a throwback to older genre fare and this one is clearly made by genre fans. In addition, no one plays creepy quite like Robert Englund!!

Highlight Scene(s): The scene where Inkubus walks right into the police station is a tremendous set up to his character, allowing us to see exactly who's in charge and just how precise he is.

The interrogation room murder is another highlight, providing the best use of practical effects in the movie. It proves to be both graphic and emotional.

Any of the interactions between Forsythe and Englund are fantastic. To see these two go at one another with a restrained yet powerful hatred is something to behold.

The moment with Forsythe and his son is also touching. We get to see some very subtle acting, but it also proves very effective.

The moment where Englund is just crouched on the dresser is so simple yet so very very creepy.