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Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon
EMAILPRINTAnchor Bay Entertainment

Generally favorable reviews
Based on 14 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 21 votes
Read user comments
Rate this movie >
Movie Info
Genre(s): Comedy | Horror | Suspense/Thriller
Written by:
Scott Glosserman
David J. Stieve
Directed by: Scott Glosserman
Release Date:
Theatrical: March 16, 2007
DVD: June 26, 2007
Running Time: 92 minutes, Color
Origin: USA
Summary
RATING: R
Starring Nathan Baesel, Angela Goethals, Zelda Rubinstein, Robert Englund, and Scott Wilson
The world's next great psych-slasher has given a documentary crew exclusive access to his life as he plans his reign of terror over the sleepy town of Glen Echo, all the while deconstructing the conventions and archetypes of the horror genre for them. (Anchor Bay Entertainment)
Also On The Web: Internet Movie Database View The Trailer Official Studio Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Film Threat Eric Campos
Fortunately, the filmmakers have quite a few clever tricks up their sleeves, bringing us a smart, refreshing an affectionate skewering of a celebrated genre.
Read Full Review >LA Weekly Scott Foundas
At its best, Behind the Mask offers some, um, cutting insights about mass-media blood lust and the cult of the serial killer, and in Baesel, who is by turns charming, manic and thoroughly scary, it has a gifted young actor who clearly relishes a role he can sink his pitchfork into.
Read Full Review >Los Angeles Times Michael Ordona
Behind the Mask is original and weirdly delicious, and executed with gory aplomb.
Read Full Review >New York Daily News Elizabeth Weitzman
It's a must for those who like thrills laced with a sense of humor.
Read Full Review >Boston Globe Ty Burr
The movie's a cheeky, low-budget goof on dice-and-slice horror films, but for all the visible seams, it's a lot cleverer than "Scream."
Read Full Review >Washington Post Stephen Hunter
The movie has more cleverness than violence, and its breakdown of cliches is vivid and witty. Baesel is an extraordinary presence, holding the film together with his mesmerizing performance, charm and openness, and Goethals measures up to him.
Read Full Review >Austin Chronicle Marc Savlov
A poke in the eye of genre convention with a flensing blade and a disarmingly charming razor-blade grin.
Read Full Review >New York Post Kyle Smith
Stieve and Glosserman may yet strike a vein: This thing screams out for a Hollywood remake with, say, writers from "The Simpsons."
Read Full Review >The Hollywood Reporter Frank Scheck
Most of this is fairly predictable spoofing, and Englund is wasted as a psycho-hunting shrink clearly modeled after Donald Pleasence's character in "Halloween." But there are moments when the proceedings are unsettling and original.
Read Full Review >New York Magazine David Edelstein
Working in a mini-genre whose bones would appear to have been picked clean by the likes of Kevin Williamson and Wes Craven, Glosserman and Stieve find a few pints of fresh blood.
Read Full Review >Village Voice Ed Gonzalez
Desperately overcompensating for the fact that most horror films are already parodies of themselves, Behind the Mask takes a bite out of the dumb "Scream" franchise before devouring its own tail, proving that you are what you eat.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this movie is 9.1 (out of 10) based on 21 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Michael G. gave it a9:
Brilliant! A very creative, original horror movie gem. I never expected it to be this good and was impressed by how well everything played out. It's truly a gift to horror fans. The last half hour consistently delivers the thrills and surprises. This has a great shot at being the year's best horror movie and it's a must see for anyone who considers themselves a true horror fan. People who aren't big on the genre might even be able to appreciate it. I wish it could have found more success at the Box Office and can only hope it will find many more viewers on DVD. Grade: 9/10 (A-).
Mike D gave it a9:
Excellent film. I love how they manage to successfully lampoon and pay homage to the horror genre within the same film. It's genuinely funny AND genuinely scary.
Joe T. gave it a9:
Made with an engaging affection/reverence for the slasher greats, BTM never slides into self-referential smugness; instead, it's filled with clever, unpredictable twists, strong performances and a loopy, charming energy. If you love the genre, you're going to have a blast watching this.
C. N. gave it a9:
The initial parody component of is brilliant, though it does lose a bit of heart and steam when the film shifts tones to become that which it is satirizing. I would highly recommend Behind the Mask to lovers of Shaun of the Dead.
Kirkland M. gave it a10:
Just fantastic, and I am not even a big horror movie fan - great funny/scary movie!
Nick C. gave it a10:
One of the best horror films I have seen in a long time. Creative storyline and talented actors make this a movie you don't want to miss.
Kate J. gave it a10:
This movie way exceeded my expectations....really clever. It's funny and serious/scary at the same time. If you like horror films you have to see this.
