Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995)

Never in a million years would I have guessed the blood of Christ and the literal crucifixion would be such a core part of this movie. Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight surprised me.

This had everything I love - massive Evil Dead 2 influence, incredible character actors, tight fast-paced script. The gore and creature effects are incredible. The demons are obviously Evil Dead inspired, but I loved their little details - the tails, the hooved feet, the kinky little piercings. Great design work.

Billy Zane is absolutely incredible in this. I wish he’d done more weirdo acting like this throughout his career - he has such charisma, he’s so handsome, and that fucking chin is unreal. He takes over the movie every time he’s on screen and he deserves to. He’s giving a villain performance for the ages. Jada Pinkett is fierce too - an extremely badass final girl who earns every moment of the climax.

Super tight script, incredible practical effects from the horror tradition I love, and a great villain performance. I loved it.

Also on Letterboxd