Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!
Plot Summary: A small town sheriff follows the trail of a serial killer just as this killer stalks the babysitter watching his son.
Review: First and foremost, this is NOT a Halloween horror movie. It vaguely takes place around Halloween time with decorations in the background, but no one mentions the holiday, trick or treating, or anyone seen dressed up. Since many reviews described the setting as taking place on Halloween, I figured I might as well cover it now. Over the years, I've reviewed movies that half-ass included Halloween into the story hoping it'll get a little more attention this way, but, realistically, this movie didn't need it--it's actually pretty good.
So what are you really getting here? On the surface, "Night of the Reaper" looks like another cookie-cutter slasher, however, it's not at all as you might imagine. The story is told from two characters' perspectives as they overlap on one, crazy night--forcing the audience to wonder where this is all heading. I must admit, the filmmakers had me convinced the main girl would be the Reaper. There are plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing, and the audience's expectations are thoroughly toyed with; this is, by far, the film's strongest aspect. The way all the events come together--the meaning behind each detail--is ultimately satisfying. Also, the usage of the 1980s as a setting is becoming overdone, but it works in this instance.
There are obviously aspects that don't work. The main chick pushing 30 and playing a teen was a bit jarring; she looked like she could be my mom! I'm still not sure how the one guy's head exploded but okay. The Reaper's motive is not as crucial to the plot as other masked killers, but it still had me rolling my eyes with the cornball, edgy response. The ending is wrapped up a little too neatly, but that is probably another reason why the story is set in the '80s in order to remove the pesky forensics of modern tech. There are other little flaws here and there, however, the film is competently put together in most regards.
This isn't a traditional slasher since most kills are seen after the fact, but the mystery as to what is going on is presented so excellently you won't even notice. Of course, it's easy to see inspirations all throughout the runtime from other films in the genre. Regardless, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up liking this little movie. I do think you could view this as an honorary Halloween horror, but it really didn't need to incorporate that aspect just for advertising purposes. In spite of this, I won't recommend this for a Halloween night viewing but certainly see this in the days leading up to it!
Notable Moment: When the sheriff is interrogating the Reaper's accomplice. You don't know for sure this guy is involved in the killings yet, but, when the sheriff gives out a fake compliment, you see the accomplice flash a tiny smirk. Thumbs up for that small detail in the acting.
Final Rating: 6.5/10
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