'DT' is kinda 'Shivers' with ancient evil instead of randy parasites; a drab block of flats instead of luxury apartment units. The residents of Shivers Heights are more interesting, eccentric and amusing than the clot of pervs and cadgers at Albion Court. There's murders, of course, murders the police don't bother with because of the social class of those residing therein.
Into this nasty mess arrives Sarah McColl (old fave Roxanne Carrion - looking more like Nancy Kovack off 'Jason And The Argonauts' every time you see her) abused and alone, who soon finds herself in danger as the block - including her horror mother - is plunged into gory chaos by a witch on the top floor directing possessed, undead ghouls through her telly.
Is there tension? Are there thrills? Not really. 'DT' seems more concerned with social ills than scares. The flats are presented a worse bad than the crone (yawn). Oh, the squalor! The depravation! And with the film-makers having no real idea what to do with the first half, broad, foul-mouthed comedy and off-putting sex pads out the running time.
When everything finally does descend into blood-spurting apocalypse and orgy, Rox rises Boudicca-like amongst the carnage to save the day while remaining warm and welcoming. A tremendous advert for inner city unity.
Is there anything to recommend ? Is 'DT' a good film ? Not really. A level zero compared to 'Wolf Man' or 'Coppola's Drac' but, and there's the rub, Bill fans, I enjoyed it far more than either of those or any number of other big-budget bland-outs I've sat through. Attempts to connect ancient malevolence to modern social ills fall flat on their stupid faces. Torpid bids to be odd and hallucinatory fail so gormlessly you can't help but be charmed.
What can I tell ya . .? It sucked but I liked it . . ish.
