Review of The Lords of Salem (2013) by Alex R — 27 Apr 2013

Rob Zombie's first picture of original material since 2005's The Devil's Rejects is an average film that leaves a lot to be desired. After Zombie helmed the remake of Halloween and its subsequent sequel, I was really excited about his future projects of original ideas.

Rob Zombie is one of the finer directors in the horror genre today. His films are downright disturbing and dark and bursting with originality. With this being Rob Zombie's first directing outing Since Halloween 2 is a much more focused film, but one that could have been better as well.

After all the disappointing films that have been released in the horror genre this year, Lords of Salem is one of the few films since Mama to be actually watchable. Of course this film is nowhere near as good as The Devil's Rejects, which is Rob Zombie's masterpiece.

However this is a good little flick that though not perfect, delivers some tense scenes that are quite memorable. I enjoyed the film, but it is a bit underdeveloped in terms of what it could have been.

Overall this one is a bit underrated and it is not as bad as what critics have said. Rob Zombie's signature style of filmmaking soaks up the frame from start to finish, and it definitely appeal to diehard fans of the director.

To those who were disappointed in the lacks of truly entertaining films, The Lords of Salem will likely give you a tense and thrilling, even if it's not a perfect viewing experience. This is one of the eccentric works that Rob Zombie has made so far, and it proves that he is a director that can take a risk with trying something new to expand his craft in the horror medium.

Some may not enjoy it, but you are curious at seeing what Zombie has done with latest directorial offering, and then give it a shot. It is a far better film than the likes of Texas Chainsaw, Dark Skies, the Evil Dead remake and others.

The Lords of Salem is a picture that is flawed, and quite weird, but at least Rob Zombie doesn't play it safe and that is what makes this one of the better horror flicks this year. Good, but far from his best.

If you do decide to see this one, be warned that it is quite different than what Rob Zombie has previously done, but it is a rewarding experience for Zombie's fans.