Late Night with the Devil kind of surprised me by doing something a little different with the standard-issue found footage film. For one thing, it’s got more in common with something like Ghostwatch than Paranormal Activity. And it actually dares to have an ending… even if it ultimately still ends in ellipsis…

The flick is set in a very well done reproduction of a ’70s late night talk show where the slick emcee brings on psychics and other paranormal hucksters. But, of course, there really is something evil going on in tonight’s broadcast.

What I loved most was how period-accurate the film was from the costumes, the sets, the host, and the guests. I kind of wished they’d have the balls or cash money to pay for the likeness of The Amazing Randy and other personalities from the era instead of using wink wink fictional personalities.

I generally found the hook of the film and some of the shock moments pretty good. Even if some of the gore isn’t to top standards, at least they cover it well with era-specific tv grain and static.

But the film isn’t amazing all the way through… there are dips in the pacing. The finale breaking from the found footage format wasn’t the best move but if the result is a solid ending instead of just hand-waving a cut to credits, then I’m ok with it. Dear god, we need some finality to found footage films!

I enjoyed far more of this flick than not. It had wiggle room to keep the suspense going more but what it pulled off was impressive. Mainly I simply appreciate that the movie did something different. This isn’t every other spook show or even found footage film out there. Credit due for trying.

Score: 83