When I came to Pacific Lutheran Univercity on my freshmen year this film along with it's sequel were one of the first things I've seen, and it was one of the best surprises which put light into my entrance into the collage. It also was one of the factors that inspired me to write. Yes, it's true it's low budget and amateur but the low budget is part of the film's charm and shows you don't need a big budget to make a good film and also an example of an amateur film done right because it's actually good.
The film is basically a parody on horror movies, it does make fun of some of the common format or clichés. For example, each of the random kills (though we never really see a direct kill). It's funny because all are sort of random variety show skits but also because it's true, the people killed in Slasher movies are usually random and are just unfortunate to be in the same parameter as the monster. As well as a few homage in jokes to films like "The Matrix", "The Lost Boys", "John Carpenter's Vampires", "Men in Black", and many more.
The acting is actually pretty good/decent even though some of the cast members do hit some flat notes in their delivery but oh well. The action is decent, it's true there are parts in the film where the choreography could be better but it's an amateur film what do you expect. So I can let that slide. Music is also really good, my favorite song is the one in that demo video they show and that song of course is a parody on the "Motal Kombat" movie theme song. The make up work on the Demon Dharamathrax is good, he does look menacing.
I really love the use of the Pacific Lutheran Univercity location which made my experience being a student there all the more interesting because I can point out where certain scenes took place. But also in a way it acted as a nostalgia love letter to the school.
But most of all what powers this is in it's script. The dialog is very good, the writing really is above average. Some of what the characters say is so darn funny. Also the characters are good and surprisingly memorable, I'll state a few of them.
Dhramathrax: Yeah I know he's the bad guy, but this guy just really steels the show, it's practically his movie. This character just says some of the darnest things, I won't reveal them you have to hear them yourself. He's a villain that you don't hate despite what he does because he's just so colorful and funny.
Silent Jim: This guy isn't really that silent, he's more a man of few words. He's a bit of a parody on Agent Smith from "The Matrix" from his sharp monotone and always wearing sunglasses. But out of the Demon Hunter group he's my favorite because he's got some of the best lines which are practically dry humor, his mysterious and cool sensibility about him, he's full of surprises, and is just simply a man of action.
Chris: This guy is practically a village idiot but a fun one and thankfully not annoying. I just really love how he reacts to things, I think I would probably feel the same way (if not react the same way) but this also makes his character a bit sympathetic. Also he has some of the best lines which also makes him steel the show as well so it's also his movie.
Overall, Demon Hunters is a lot of fun and is worth a watch, so happy hunting.
Rating: 3 stars
