The book from hell at a high school in the Great Northwest
Two outcast teen girls find a mysterious book with blank pages. As one of them (Magda Apanowicz) uses the ‘diary’ to get revenge on adversaries at school, the other (Alexz Johnson) starts to see negative changes in her friend. As they say, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
“Devil's Diary” (2007) is high school horror in the mold of "Christine" in which a persecuted misfit gains an advantage from some dubious source and proceeds to wreak vengeance on his or her harassers. “The Rage: Carrie 2” and "The Unhealer" are other examples of this subgenre.
While this one isn’t as good as those three films, it thankfully breaks from formula 40 minutes in, which places it in the ballpark of TV occult horror flicks like “Bay Coven” and "Satan's School for Girls" (2000). Although it’s not as good as the former, it’s superior to the latter (the 1973 version as well). As a television production, there’s a simplicity and comic book air to the proceedings. Don’t look for cinematic artistry.
So, whereas the set-up is too brisk and by-the-numbers prosaic, “Devil’s Diary” should be respected for trying something different and adding to the hackneyed recipe. In addition, Deanna Casaluce is a highlight on the feminine front (Georgia) while statuesque Laura Carswell is worth a mention (Lisa).
If you liked "Bad Girls From Valley High" or “Disturbing Behavior” you’ll probably appreciate this one, although it’s a notch or two lower on the production level.
The film runs 1 hour, 34 minutes, and was shot in Vancouver, British Columbia.
GRADE: B-
