Eventually pic turns into a formula slasher over-indebted to the usual "Texas Chainsaw" and "Halloween" models. But until then, Mena's direction (if not his script) suggest he's ready for bigger-budget assignments.
Malevolence will lead Halloween-inspired viewers into this dark place for some palpitations, but the thrills will come from sheer density of gruesome images, not from frightfully new ideas.
50
TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonagh
TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonagh
Mena's characters rarely do the sort of spectacularly stupid things that provoke derisive laughter from seasoned horror-moviegoers.
50
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
A low-budget American horror film that's already established itself as a fan favourite, Malevolence flaunts all the trappings of an old-school slasher flick.
38
New York Daily News
New York Daily News
The acting and dialogue is as silly as the potato sack the killer wears on his head.