Vault of Darkness (2009) Reviews

• Offbeat and enjoyable horror anthology

  Woodyanders2012-10-02

  A crazed backwoods religious cult leader relates three tales of horror. First and most moody yarn, "It's Hour Come Round" - A young lady (well played by Christina Cupo) is terrorized by a strange creepy guy (essayed with genuine menace by Greg Fucci). This anecdote boasts striking black and white cinematography as well as a truly startling surprise ending. Second, classiest, and most unusual vignette, "Galatea" - Obsessive college art professor Pyter Malion (a perfectly smug portrayal by Paul Shaw) creates a beautiful female sculpture that comes to sensuous life. Although this one suffers from ugly washed-out cinematography, it still works overall because of the intriguing oddball premise, an elegant atmosphere, and the lovely Jessica Ferguson's pulchritudinous presence as the enticing titular statue. Third, best, and most gruesome segment, "Day of the Living" - Zombies run rampant yet again while the living struggle to survive. While the basic concept is nothing new, this baby nonetheless scores a complete bull's eye thanks to its tough gritty tone, plentiful graphic gore, flashy dynamic style, a great deal of tension, and an excellent performance by Darren Dalton as the infected Malcolm. Moreover, the wrap-around story reaches its own pleasingly bleak conclusion. Worth a watch.