Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!
Plot Summary: A fleeing man takes refuge at a rundown church where he must do battle with demons while protecting a mysterious key.
Review: Don't let the "Tales From the Crypt" title fool you into what to expect from this film. The only connection is that the Crypt Keeper from the anthology TV show sets up the story and closes it in his classic style; beyond that, this is a stand alone film that only loosely fits the tone of the TV show. I think people's expectations were off going into this film which is why it didn't do so good, but it has a solid and creative story that deserves more credit. Basically, the universe was once in complete chaos with demons ruling the universe through control of seven supernatural keys. Somehow God created things as we know it and scattered the keys across existence. Over the billions of years, the demons have recollected six of the keys, and if they get the last they "bring back the darkness." Just like that? "Just like that." Holy blood or some kind of magic blood put into the key blocks the demons from simply grabbing it plus it is protected by a "demon knight." These people must keep passing the key on as their time is up lest it fall into the hands of the demons. While the demons are mostly just animal-like monsters, they are led by someone called the "Collector" played excellently by Billy Zane. Going a slightly comedic route with this character sounds like it would be dumb, but Mr. Zane somehow pulls it off; I especially liked when he was dressed up like a cowboy earlier in the film and after revealing himself makes fun of the stereotypes who wear said outfit...you have to hear the dialogue! For the most part, this is a really fun film that doesn't take itself too seriously while still offering something new to the table. But, there are a lot of flaws that stop this from being a classic. There are some lame characters, shoddy effects, some shallowness to the story despite its creativity, contrivances, and an anticlimactic ending. Even though it is entertaining, there is just a sort of emptiness once you look past the surface storyline. I would have loved a sequel that could have properly explored the themes here or gave us more backstory, but unfortunately we got "Bordello of Blood" as a followup and indirect finale to the franchise. Regardless of the problems with the film, I would still recommend this, but expect more of an action/horror with some comedy rather than a straight horror movie.
Notable Moment: When Brayker is explaining the origin story of the key and the blood inside.
Final Rating: 6.5/10
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