WE SUMMON THE DARKNESS is a film I was fully expecting to hate, given that I've been disappointed so many times by the state of modern horror cinema which goes through the motions without ever offering anything that's not tired, stale or cliched. I was pleasantly surprised by a familiar-feeling film which nonetheless has enough tautness, tightness and twists thrown in along the way that it remains an entertaining story from beginning to end. It starts out in predictable horror territory, with a trio of girls headed by a sparkly Alexandra Daddario going off to a heavy mental concert where they hook up with a trio of guys, but from this point on it becomes entirely unpredictable. There are shocking bursts of violence, some good suspense and surprises and a fun if minor turn from Johnny Knoxville, playing against type. Small scale productions like this often struggle to keep the pace but WE SUMMON THE DARKNESS is one that manages it thanks to plenty of comedy that often works.

It's 1988 Indiana and satanic panic is everywhere. Best friends Alexis (Alexandra Daddario),Val (Maddie Hasson),and Beverly (Amy Forsyth) are driving to a metal rock concert. They meet fellow fans Mark (Keean Johnson),Kovacs (Logan Miller),and Ivan (Austin Swift). Alexis invites them to her rich father's mansion.

The movie needs to hold back the reveal. I had suspicions early on and the girls need to play up their innocence. The reveal needs to be a last minute shock and awe. This movie misses that opportunity. This movie does have a good idea and the premise works up to a certain point. The thrills are not always that exciting since the movie follows more of the wrong side. This has trouble building up tension and maintaining the intensity.

Three semi-skanky girls go to a heavy metal concert to watch "Lord Lucifer." The backdrop reporting in Indiana is Satanic ritual murders. 18 dead at the moment. The girls pick up three guys and take them back to their place and then we get the formula twist and goof-ups.

Alexandra Daddario played Alexis, the lead in the film. She reminded me of Fairuza Balk and it is always good to have "The Craft" formula. Unfortunately, this one did not. Plot Spoiler: Satan is never summoned. Room for improvement.

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.