Scream wasn't the first meta-slasher movie, but it plays with the tropes and made a big, bloody splash in the world of horror. Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon isn't as popular as Scream, but I think it's a more penetrating portrayal of the subgenre that won't die.

If Christopher Guest made a slasher mockumentary, it might look a little like Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon.

This is Spinal Tap is one of the most beloved comedies of all time. It works because it's funny, yes, but also because Spinal Tap is a credible band. The songs are really good. Better, as far as I'm concerned, than many certified classic rock favorites.

Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon functions as an affectionate parody of slasher movies, it also works in its own right. We know what's happening and what to expect, but that's part of the fun of these kind of movies.

In a world where Michael, Jason, and Freddy are real people, a college documentary crew is doing a piece on mass killers. They turn their camera toward Leslie Verson, a nice, rather personable guy who happens to be a mass murderer in training.

There are a few funny moments, but Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon mostly plays it straight. That's where the real humor comes to play. We laugh at the cliches, and people like us who've endured dozens of these movies are butts of the jokes.

Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon ingeniously deconstructs slasher movies, their structure and their motivations, while Leslie waxes poetic about his role in society. See, there's no good without evil. His work gives the world harmonic balance.

There are a lot of knowing smiles in Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon, but the suspense begins to build. Like with most slasher movies, everything is planned, nothing is coincidence.

I like the way Leslie uses the term, Survival Girl, rather than the much trendier Final Girl.

Evil never dies, so stick around through the end credits for a great final note from Mr. Vernon.

The easy familiarity of the subject in Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon is helped by small roles from horror personalities like Robert Englund, Kane Hodder, and Zelda Rubinstein. Scott Wilson is especially good as a wise old serial killer mentor.

Big shout outs to Nathan Baesel as good-natured Leslie, and Angela Goethals as the sweet, spirited reporter-in-training.

If any slasher movie deserved a sequel, it's this one. I seem to remember a failed crowdfunding drive. Despite talk about a follow-up from director Scott Glosserman, it unfortunately hasn't happened. Yet.

Whew. That's it. Twelve slasher movies to ring in twelve months of 2025. if you've stuck with me through this whole thing, you are as sick of slashers as I am. Time to move on to talkie indie features, obscure foreign films, and even some Hollywood hogwash.

Rest assured, this isn't over. Next time you are out on a moonlit night, a fire burning, and mischief afoot, they'll be out there waiting, bloodlust in their hearts. The boogieman never dies, his name is Jason, and Freddy will always be coming for you. Pleasant dreams.

Written by Mark Sieber

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