There are plenty of horror films that serve as a commentary or criticism on the genre of horror. Behind The Mask is different to most of these films in that it is undeniably very interested in horror as a genre but it isn’t interested in actually being a horror film itself … at least until the last half hour, the weakest part of the film.

The rest of the film is unique and fun. Set in a world where Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger are fact rather than fiction, it follows an enthusiastic young man (sounding eerily like Adam Scott) deadset on establishing his own murderous legacy. There’s a lot to love about the opening scenes, like where Leslie describes his need for regular cardio training because he needs to “make it look like you’re walking while everyone else is running, and manage to keep up!”

The problem is that the film is literally following Leslie with a documentary crew, and never explains why they’re happy to assist his murderous plot (until they aren’t). And the “twist” ending is obvious if you read the film’s subtitle. But the ending is redeemed by the inspired credits song: “Psycho Killer.”

Rating: 142/200