Satanic Panic

Inspired by True Events, Satanic Panic is not just a cool title for the film but based off a phenomena that mostly got its push from the 1980's. If you remember the times, which I do quite frankly..... these were days when we would see a lot Satanic controversy on talk shows, in the news, in papers and even the focus of entire articles dedicated in top name magazines. This is a docu-style low budget horror film, and that is what makes this film really eerie, it does feel like you are watching some home movie lost snuff footage in some of the beginning scenes, which makes it all work and come together nicely. Most low budget films at this level I usually shut off in the first five minutes. NOT SATANIC PANIC. I was glued to the screen for the entire 85 minute running time.

This film directed by Marc Selz who is not a new comer to low budget horror films. is unique in that it combines film styles. horror is approached by factual references and in turn turned into on screen fiction. The issue actually becomes a leverage for the horror movie itself and a chance to heat up the footage with some FX work, acting talent and suggested situations. I think this is top notch horror showcased with factual realities. The horror lasts long after the film is complete. The idea that fiction based on reality can be a scary thing is never more evident. Satanic also pays homage to classic horror films from the past. If you like low budget horror, SATANIC PANIC is a film not to miss!

Obviously, the folks who wrote the above reviews saying that this is scary and a good movie are the director and his crew. No one, no matter how drunk, stoned, or deluded could seriously think this movie is anything of than a cow pie. I truly mean it, this is every bit as bad as Manos. The only way watching this movie would be enjoyable would be to MST3Kie it. I'm not sure there's enough alcohol in the world to make this good.

I can't wait to hear the commentary. If they say a single positive thing, I will know that there was something in the water. I'd rather drink the water from Cabin Fever than drink whatever would make you think this movie was good.

This is one of the worst attempts at horror I've ever seen, and there are LOADS of bad horror movies out there. Abysmal acting from EVERYONE, just about every character is a complete moron, directed terribly, extremely amateurish filming and the worst music score this side of porn to boot. The writing is atrocious too. If you don't know who the bad guys are you've probably never seen a movie at all. One of the writers is the guy who plays the staple idiot inbred hick. Something that tells me he actually didn't ACT much for his role considering his writing skills. And to top it all of - the ending is the dumbest I've ever seen I think. If I had paid to see this film I would have demanded my money back or even considered suing them - it's THAT bad. Thank *beep* for torrents. :) Avoid at all cost!

The only "true events" of the real-life Satanic Panic of the 1980's are that a bunch of charlatans made a lot of money selling fear, and a bunch of innocent people (mostly day care workers) went to prison for crimes they didn't commit. It was all rumor, innuendo, and outright lies, just like the witch panic in Salem. To make a movie suggesting there was any truth to such nonsense, especially when there are still innocent people fighting to have their wrongful convictions overturned, is reprehensible.

As for the movie itself, it's extremely poorly made and not worth watching.

Watched "Satanic Panic" on-line last night, and I have to say I became a bit "Panicked" when the film opened. It begins in a docu-style (A.K.A. "Blair Witch Project") with a rather flamboyant Satanist showing us photos of his poodles… Huh? I watched a few more minutes and just before hitting the "Stop" button, the movie changed to a more traditional Indy-style horror film. A brother and sister (twins I believe) are abducted by a satanic cult, but the girl manages to escape and tell her horrific story to the local police and press. Now we fast-forward ten or so years and a group of old friends are gathering for a weekend of camping and reconnecting. Although these characters tend to be a bit cliché, so does the whole (slasher in the woods) scenario, so I won't harp on the film for that. Truth is, there were a few fresh story line twists here, including a terminally ill women and a past (lesbian) affair that garnished a few extra bonus points for "Satanic Panic". At least there are a couple of characters that gave the viewer someone they could feel for. From this point on, the story moves at a much quicker pace and our cliché characters are dropping like flies, in some unique fashions and this is always a good time for horror fans. Decent gore and acting, the one thing that continually bugged me was some of the costuming choices. The Satanic robes were a bit silly and cheap looking. The Orville character, which's supposed to be some creepy backwoods-guy, wore overalls and a straw hat. I think having him look like one of the mountain men from "Deliverance" instead of a "Hee Haw" reject, would have done the film more justice, but maybe I'm missing the point here… Not likely to tread any new water or win an academy award, but fun for the most part. Besides having the crap scared outta me in the opening scenes, I found "Satanic Panic" an enjoyable low budget horror movie, and certainly worth a viewing.