Satan Hates You is an original slice of indie filmmaking (as far as he last decade goes anyway) that attempts to spoof the cheap Christian propaganda films of the 70s. We say ‘attempt’, because without reading this before seeing the film you wouldn’t have any idea this is meant to be the case. Sadly simply including religious conversations and demonic figures doesn’t make a film instantly satirical, or give it religious subtext.
Director James Felix McKenney has managed to waste genre favourites, including the great Michael Berryman, in a series of throwaway roles that would be better suited to sketches or short films instead of a feature length film that doesn’t really have enough story to tell.
Admittedly, the film is never condescending towards believers, which could easily have been the case. McKenney makes very clear that in the world of this film, drugs, alcohol and sex, and all things in between, lead to eternal damnation, but anyone can be saved.
Production values are adequate, although the rave scenes and under-populated sense of ‘Satan’s’ New York make the movie’s budgetary shortcomings a little obvious – something a good independent movie could cleverly cover up. On the bright side, this blatantly low budget appearance does have a certain charm to it. Whether you appreciate the intention that was put in, or you just find it laughable, you should find something in here to enjoy (though whether or not it is for the right reasons is debatable).
OVERALL SUMMARY
I’m sure McKenney had good intentions, and if that’s all it took to make a good film then Satan Hates you would be brilliant. Sadly though it just feels mediocre, and in many ways a waste of talent.
