Review of Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006) by Jason D — 25 Dec 2009

In one my BIG favorites of 2008, Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon takes a humorous, tongue in cheek look at the slasher genre by presenting it in This is Spinal Tap mockumentary style. The film has a trio of college graduate students documenting the rise of soon-to-be slasher serial killer Leslie Vernon (played terrifically by Nathan Baesel).

Vernon, who comes off as a charming, humorous fellow goes over all the ins and outs of being a big-time killer like Freddy, Jason, or Michael, discussing many of the known steps and aesthetics in hilarious fashion.

The film crew learns of Vernon's group of young stereotypes he will soon kill one by one at his infamously haunted house, that is of course if his "Ahab" (played by the awesome Robert Englund) doesn't get in the way.

Torn by a moral dilemma, lead reporter Taylor (Angela Goethals) begins to realize that she has to stop Vernon before he murders the kids, but maybe Vernon is already a couple of steps ahead of her! Behind the Mask is a terrifically fun and humorous look at slasher films that is a very entertaining and fun watch; seriously, I honestly can't say anything bad.

When the film abandons the mockumentary approach and turns into an actual horror film...genius! Aside from Englund, the great Kane Hodder (Jason from several Friday the 13 sequels) and Zelda Rubinstein (Poltergeist) show up in small scenes, which only adds even greater flare to this already outstanding film.

I love it!