“Prom Night IV: Deliver Us from Evil” (1991)

Horror

Running Time: 92 minutes

Written by: Richard Beattie

Directed by: Clay Borris

Featuring: Nicole de Boer, J.H. Wyman, Joy Tanner and Alle Ghadban

Father Jaeger: [showing Colin, Jonas in his room] “In there is Father Jonas. The Devil has taken him… He is beyond saving.”

“Prom Night IV: Deliver Us from Evil.” Now, that’s a blast from the past. If you’re into cheesy horror flicks with a side of unintentional humour, this one’s a gem.

First things first, don’t go into it expecting Oscar-worthy performances or ground-breaking cinematography. But if you’re in the mood for a good ol’ ’90s horror romp, it delivers on the nostalgia. The plot revolves around a priest with a dark secret, a haunted prom, and a group of unsuspecting teens who probably should’ve just stayed home.

The scares are more on the campy side, with the special effects reminiscent of the era. It’s the kind of horror where you might find yourself laughing more than screaming. The killer’s costume is a bit over the top, but hey, it adds to the charm.

The pacing can be a bit wonky at times, and some of the dialogue feels like it was pulled straight from a high school drama class. Yet, that’s part of the allure. You’ll be rolling your eyes one moment and chuckling the next.

One thing the film has going for it is the commitment to the theme. The prom setting creates a unique backdrop for the horror elements, and there’s a certain charm in the way the filmmakers embrace the cheesiness.

The characters in “Prom Night IV: Deliver Us from Evil” are your typical horror movie stereotypes – the jock, the nerd, the prom queen, and so on. They’re not exactly the most fleshed-out bunch, but hey, you’re not watching this for deep character development.

What the film lacks in complexity, it makes up for in sheer entertainment value. There are plenty of classic horror tropes at play here, from the ominous warnings of doom to the inevitable last-minute escapes. And let’s not forget the obligatory jump scares, which may elicit more giggles than gasps.

But perhaps the most memorable aspect of “Prom Night IV” is its commitment to delivering those deliciously cheesy moments that define the genre. Whether it’s a killer popping out from behind a curtain or a dramatic showdown on the dance floor, you can’t help but appreciate the sheer audacity of it all.

“Prom Night IV: Deliver Us from Evil” manages to carve out its own niche in the horror genre, despite its flaws. One of its strengths lies in its self-awareness – it knows it’s a B-movie and fully embraces it. This self-awareness adds an extra layer of enjoyment for viewers who appreciate a good dose of campiness.

The film also benefits from its inventive kills and creative set pieces. While some horror movies rely solely on gore to shock their audience, “Prom Night IV” takes a more imaginative approach, with death scenes that are both gruesome and darkly humorous.

Additionally, the movie’s low-budget charm works in its favor. Sure, the production values may not be top-notch, but there’s a certain charm to the practical effects and DIY aesthetic. It’s the kind of film that reminds you of the joy of discovering hidden gems in the bargain bin of your local video store.

Of course, no review of “Prom Night IV” would be complete without mentioning the killer soundtrack. From the cheesy ’90s pop tunes to the eerie synthesizer melodies, the music sets the perfect mood for the mayhem that unfolds on screen.

“Prom Night IV: Deliver Us from Evil” won’t be winning any awards, but it’s a guilty pleasure for fans of ’90s horror. If you’re looking for a night of laughs, cringe-worthy moments, and a killer prom, this one’s worth the watch. Just don’t take it too seriously, and you might find yourself enjoying the ride.