Like a low-fi horror version of Lar's Von Trier's "The Five Obstructions", director Mel House and his game cast manage to shine the large turd that is the long-running Witchcraft series to a golden gleam, while staying within the narrow confines of the tropes set forth by previous entries.
While the script stays bogged down in the deep wagon-ruts of its predecessors (boobs, blood, and a pentagram or two for good measure), the energy shown in the visuals and performances (some obviously created in the editing room) raise it above standard direct-to-DVD grand guginol fare.
Cast standouts include Tim Wrobel as warlock with a heart of gold and libido of indiscriminate taste, Will Spanner and Zoe Hunter as the "witch who keeps her clothes on". Wrobel manages to get across Spanner's world-weariness even as he beds every witch in sight while Zoe displays deft comedic skill in a brief sequence where she receives "help" from a good Samaritan on a lonely Texas road. I suppose that Roxy Vandiver's athletic performance in one of the most methodical and varied sex scenes ever filmed deserves some mention, though it is hard to watch without hearing the less-than-subtle sound of jackhammers in the back of your mind.
Moving into the director's chair after handling DP duties on the Wolinski brother's previous effort, Mel House shows a flair for interesting camera work and a sense of pacing critical to genre films. Though sometimes falling short of the mark, his use of effects, both digital and practical, greatly enhance the look and feel of the picture. If he overreaches on occasion, it's only because his vision outpaces his budget (and sometimes his actors).
I've heard that his next project will be a completely original film and I'm looking forward to seeing what he'll do with a bigger budget and a greater degree of control.
A nice film to watch while devouring the heart of your loved one.
