Welcome back to another blood-drenched installment of Bloody Streaming Roulette! Over the course of the last year when I started BSR, I have reviewed over 35 films. Some were big surprises with me, like Fear, Inc. (2016) and Big Bad Wolves (2013). While others were all but complete wastes of time, like #horror (2015) or Djinn (2013). Currently my BSR record is sitting at 26-10 and I am on a 3-movie winning streak. Not too fucking shabby, if I say so myself.
But enough with the stats, that’s not what we are here for is it?
SPIN THAT SHIT!
The Devil’s Candy (2015)
In this film, we found ourselves in the state of Texas. A struggling painter decides to move his family out of the hustle and bustle of the big city, to the quiet life out in the country. They find a beautiful farm house where they see themselves retiring. But as with all houses, it comes with a hefty price tag. This price tag though is not of monetary value, they have moved into a house with a dark and bloody past. Can this family stick together and defend themselves or will the house consume them whole?
The Devil’s Candy starts out with Jesse played by Ethan Embry (Empire Records, Late Phases) feverishy painting something, with Metallica’s version of ‘Am I Evil?’ playing in the background. The main character is a metal fan!?! Check that as a ‘FUCK YEAH’! I was immediately hooked, as I am a huge heavy metal fan. There were other sprinkles of my brand of music sewn throughout, with appearances by Cavalera Conspiracy and Pantera. But even with the badass music serenading my ears, unfortunately this was not enough.
We find that Jesse is usurping his fatherly responsibilities. Late picking his progeny up from school or not even picking her up at all. Creating a rift between him, his young daughter Zooey (Kiara Glasco, Maps to the Stars) and his concerned wife (Shiri Appleby, The Killing Floor). We soon find out that Jesse is distracted because he is possessed by the devil in their new house. Always in his studio, painting haunting, evil and wicked images. All while a large stranger played by Pruitt Taylor Vince (Constantine, 13 Sins), roams the region playing guitar chords to keep the devil at bay.
Guitar chords? Yeah you read that right. This is an odd little film that doesn’t explain itself too well and doesn’t break any new ground. The acting was very good from these seasoned vets and the tension seemed to grab me well enough. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was watching a thrilling made for TV movie. I hate to say it, but it was this feeling that ultimately made we lose interest, before the lackluster ending finally came.
The Devil’s Candy was not a terrible film. I believe others would enjoy it.
It’s just not my cup of Lucifer…
IMDb: 6.5/10
ZombiSurvivor: 5.8/10
You don’t have to take my word for it, check out the trailer below:
The Devil’s Candy is currently streaming on Netflix.
Thanks for reading boils and ghouls and remember,
STAY SCARED!
-ZS
