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We Summon the Darkness is a partially fun, nonsensical throwback to 80s slasher flicks, albeit with a mild satanic twist. There's really no depth in the writing (by Alan Trezza) here and it's almost like director Marc Meyers fully acknowledges this. They intentionally play to its B-movie strengths (a.k.a cheap thrills) - a death-metal concert backdrop, a bunch of boys and girls who are up for the textbook definition of a good time, and a little (but quite predictable) twist in the tale. However, the film doesn't fully embrace its Grindhouse potential.

The film gives more screen-time to Daddario, Hasson, and Forsyth. Daddario scores in the latter parts while Hasson keeps the sass levels unchecked. The dudes (Austin Swift, Logan Miller, and Keean Johnson) are serviceable at best, while Knoxville (as Pastor Butler) feels miscast. The gore isn't really off-putting; it just adds to the kills. The off-the-hook comedy barely works too; there's an overall feel of a dumbed-down Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The weapons (one of the most important elements in slashers), used to elevate the shock value, are surprisingly the least memorable.

Went into this one expecting a lot, I left disappointed.

It's the kinda film that reels you along, making you feel that something big is coming - and what comes is obvious and played out. It feels like a Scream rip-off, or any generic slasher really with a sprinkling of satanism, none of it really gels together. As a metalhead, the soundtrack is top-notch but good music can't save a bad movie.

If you're a horror/thriller buff, you can see the twist coming a mile away, but the performances are done well enough that the film is still enjoyable. Daddario really sells her performance, especially with her eyes, and even Johnny Knoxville's good in his role. I'd say this is worth the watch

Only thing 80's about this movie was Jolt soda and the old Twinkie boxes. That was literally it. The wardrobe was terrible. The cast looked like modern day posers. I liked some of the actors it's just too bad the story sucked. Especially the ending. The film had a lot of potential. Too bad it ended up the way it did. 5 stars

Definitely NOT set in 1988!! Which irritates the hell out of me...don't give a year if you can't get the costuming & props correct! Johnny Knoxville as a pastor?!! Ya, that's believable. Decent B-movie horror