Review of Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006) by Steven F — 16 Apr 2012

I bounced between 4.5 and 5 on this one. On a purely technical standpoint, I have to draw some issues. It bounces between mockumentary and slasher during the first half, and the second half is simply straight-up slasher. The mockumentary segments are infinitely superior however, and during the first half they feel in competition with the slasher segments that overall just aren't that necessary and frankly make the whole thing a little confusing at times, and ruin some suspense near the end. This isn't as big of an issue during the second half, though I was a bit deterred by how clean everything looked (I prefer the grittier, dirtier looking slashers of the 80s).

However, the film's writing and astounding creativity save the day, and make it goddamn spectacular. This is really just a film about a guy who loves his job, and that job just happens to be being a slasher villain. They actually manage to determine acceptable and oftentimes humorous reasons why certain slasher cliches exist, with the title character explaining things like why they go after virgins, why closets are a relatively safe haven, etc.

It's not always as funny or scary as it could have been, the violence is disappointingly restrained, and it would definitely have benefited from a higher budget. Despite all this, the pure mad creativity and a lead performance that is both charming and insane make it immensely enjoyable.

It may not be as well known as wider releases like Scream and Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, but for my money it's a much more effective homage than either of them.