Witchouse 3: Demon Fire (2001 Video) User Reviews

awful

[movieman_kev · 3/10 · 26 April 2007]

Two girlfriends are interested in witchcraft, so one night after their third girlfriend shows up with a bruised eye courtesy of her boyfriend, they hold a mock satanic ritual. Something goes wrong and they wind up conjuring up a 300 year dead witch named Lillith (played by scream queen Brinke Stevens). I've not seen the previous two Witchcraft films so I can't vouche if this one is a step-up or a let down (I really hope its the latter and not the former) compared to those, but I can still judge the film on it's own merits. Nothing really happens until the last half hour or so and when it does it relies on a ridiculous plot twist that took me out of the movie. It DID make me want to see some of the better films that Tina has been in, but not much else.

Eye Candy: Tina Krause gets topless in a shower scene

My Grade: D+

Weak Wiccan wubbish!

[BA_Harrison · 3/10 · 25 November 2008]

Take a handful of past-their-prime scream queens, some dreadful joke-shop make up, and a bargain-bin costume from the local fancy-dress shop, throw it all together with a messy script packed with magical mumbo-jumbo, and—hey presto!—you've got Witch House 3: Demon Fire!

Tanya Dempsey plays Annie, a young woman who leaves her abusive boyfriend to go and stay with her two best friends, documentary makers Stevie (Debbie Rochon) and Rose (Tina Krause). After an evening of supping wine in the hot-tub, the three women decide to dabble in a bit of black magic as part of Stevie's latest project, an in-depth expose on contemporary witchcraft. No prizes for guessing that this isn't a great idea!

At first this film looks like it might be a reasonably fun piece of trash; it gets its first hot-tub scene in fairly smartish (never a bad thing), follows that up with an enjoyably hokey magic ritual, and then delivers a welcome shower scene from buxom Krause. The fun stops and the tedium starts, however, once director J.R. Bookwalter tries to introduce his poorly developed plot, which ultimately proves to be nothing more than a weak tale of revenge into which a few supernatural elements have been clumsily shoehorned in order to justify the use of the Witch House monicker.

Poor but with redeeming features

[webmaster-625 · 4/10 · 2 November 2008]

OK: I haven't seen 1 or 2, so diving straight in with Witchouse 3 maybe isn't the best approach.

The downside:

The plot doesn't make a lot of sense - it isn't REALLY horror, or suspense

* Brinke Stevens has nothing to do apart from trying to look menacing * Debbie Rochon's character is far too "guarded", you don't really get under her skin and find out what she's about until very late in the film, making most of her appearance seem a bit wooden * Tanya Dempsey's character is not well defined, so again the acting seems lacklustre * Paul Darrigo's character is also poorly defined

So as such, I honestly can't recommend the film at all, except that I feel honour bound to say that Tina Krause demonstrates moments of genuinely good acting abilities, (given the character she has to portray), and what she really lacks most is some decent direction.

(No, I'm not a long standing fan of Krause, in fact I'd never heard of her before watching this film).

I'd honestly like to see her work on a major budget horror film, with someone like Stephen King, to see the extent of her acting ability.

You probably won't suffer by avoiding this film, but watch out for Ms Krause in case she makes the move into big league films!

Burn Witches!!

[anxietyresister · 2/10 · 30 December 2005]

Three mates.. two trainee witches and the other one the victim of an abusive boyfriend, hold a séance late at night. But they get more than they bargained for..

Obvious low-budget shocker with nothing to recommend it. Very confused screenplay that fails to reach a conclusive ending, and some of the lamest killings on record. Takes a very long time to get anywhere, and believe me.. it ain't worth it. A five second shower scene and Brinke Stevens in a Halloween costume are about the only interesting parts. And this is the third in the series? Gee, I can hardly imagine how much fun the others are.. 2/10

Disappointed

[moviman2002 · 23 December 2001]

Let me start by saying I am a huge J.R. Bookwalter fan! I have long admired His filmmaking skills. He has, in my opinion, always excelled over the other B movie directors he is often compared to. Proving from OZONE on, He could hold his own with the A movie directors. And with WITCHHOUSE: BLOOD COVEN, I thought he was well on his way to doing so.

That being said, I wish to say I am extremely disappointed with WITCHHOUSE: DEMON FIRE. This movie is a complete step down from what I would expect as a follow-up to his first 35mm film. I would be lying if I didn't say a lot of it had to with the absence of Ariauna Albright.

As much as I admired J.R.'s directing skills, his actors always left a lot to be desired. That was until POLYMORPH. All the acting was good, especially Ariauna. Not only is she easy on the eyes...she can really act! So why is not reprising her role as "Lillith"? I can't say I blame her. "Lillith" was reduced to a cameo. Why would she come back? What I don't understand is, J.R. has a co-writing credit. Why would he write out the villain? What is a Horror movie without a villain? Not to mention I think Ariauna is the best actress he has worked with. It just doesn't make good business sense.

Instead he has chosen to fill his movie with a bunch of "Scream Queens." Could J.R. Bookwalter really be selling out? The one director who has always made movies, not pathetic excuses to show half-naked women (who can't act) sell their goods? If this is so, what future does the Indie world have? Debbie Rachon and whoever the other two actresses are, Are not even sufficient eye candy let alone actresses. I thought J.R. was the one director who was adding substance to the low budget genre.

I can only hope this is a marketing ploy of Full Moon. (T&A sells) and is not J.R.'s decision. Either way, I hope J.R. does not continue to make exploitation films, and goes back to putting actors in his movies.

One final note: I almost hate to mention this (since I love the movie BLOODLETTING) I would suggest Matt Walsh stick to directing instead of writing. I have also noticed a substantial increase in J.R.'s scripts (which I did not make the connection, until this last movie) when someone else writes them. Please come to your senses J.R., do not betray your fans, Talent will always prevail...it just takes longer to prove. Don't sell out. Other aspiring directors look up to you. Please don't resort to sticking nude women in your movies just to make a buck. You are better than this.

Kind of okay...I guess

[Bezenby · 5/10 · 29 November 2012]

After watching this film I'm kind of going to throw this bit of advice out to horror film makers: Death by carbon monoxide poisoning isn't really that great a way to dispatch one of your characters, especially if your films contains only two or three deaths.

That aside, Demon Fire isn't too bad of a film. It involves three woman who are researching Witchcraft, unwittingly conjuring up some demon called Lilith. That's basically the plot, but instead of it turning into your generic demon on the loose type film, Demon Fire keeps it kind of interesting by throwing in a few twists near the end, and it's not your usual film of this type.

Still, I could have done with a bit more bite to this one. After the carbon monoxide killing, you only got an off-screen kill. That's a bit light for a horror film, eh? Of course, you've got a shower scene and plenty of skimpy outfits to keep you awake, so there you go.

Same witch, different house

[kosmasp · 4/10 · 13 August 2022]

No pun intended - actually this may be the third one, but it has even less in common with the original than the first sequel (or second movie). That being said, they all have more or less only the title connecting them to each other.

I like the actors in this, they really do their best with as little story as they are getting. Quite cliche, quite predictable .. and completely insane. But it is what it, take it or leave it.

Not too bad considering

[Stevieboy666 · 4/10 · 3 November 2018]

Three attractive drunken girlfriends perform a magical ritual and inadvertently summon Lilith, a female witch played by scream queen Brinke Stevens. A Charles Band Full Moon production on the Film 2000 video label is not usually a good omen, so I certainly didn't have high hopes for Demon Fire. The film obviously is low budget, the plot flimsy and the acting is on the wooden side. However it wasn't actually too bad. Good use is made of it's Californian coastal location, the film has a modest running time so it doesn't drag and although there is very little in the way of gore we do have a gratuitous topless shower scene. Ignore these ridiculous 8+/10 scores, 4/10 from me.

if you liked Witchcraft, you are the target audience

[gacsogergely · 5/10 · 29 April 2022]

Aside the boobfest, this is a Witchcraft-movie.

Has nothing to do with the previous Witchouse films aside the namedrop for the demon/witch, from which it's still the best, because it has a script that went through the basic checkings, and simply fits the tone and quality of the Witchcraft-movies, however low standard that means. There is a reason why that franchise reached 12 installments. I don't know what that reason is, but this definitely catched the same wibes.

Where is Ariauna?

[BHorrorWriter · 8/10 · 19 October 2001]

I have been patiently awaiting the release of this film. I even pre-ordered it from Tempe the Day after its release to video, which sadly is the only way to watch this film until the DVD comes out in NOV. I wait even more patiently to receive my copy, and the ton of extras it has on it.

Okay, the first Witchouse was good: Spooky old mansion, a bunch of College kids getting killed by a resurrected witch to seek revenge. Okay, it has been done before, and better...but I still liked it.

Then J.R. Bookwalter took a totally different approach with the sequel. Opting to make a Non-Sequel, he succeeded in making probably the best Full Moon movie within the last 3 years...Taking mystery/thriller/suspense approach, he did make a very good film.

I suppose that is why I was expecting such a great outing for part 3.

Witchouse 3: Demon Fire, Directed By Bookwalter, with Danny Draven as DOP...Again Bookwalter makes a Non-sequel...Taking the setting out of the "spooky old house" scenario, and putting the movie in a California beach house.

After 7 months of not seeing her friends, Tanya Dempsey (Annie), goes back to stay with them after an abusive relationship with her boyfriend Burke (Paul Darrigo). Okay, she walks in on them while filming a documentary on Witchcraft. Seeming to be freaked, her friends notice the shiner on her eye. Upset, they vow to get back at her boyfriend. They invite her to stay with them....so, they get drunk and hang around in a hot tub...Stevie, the goth-type played superbly by the beautiful Debbie Rochon. In all her goth gear, she is by far, the hottest femme fatale in the film.

So, the story goes on...they do a fake séance, and Oops, they bring back a witch that was, to our knowledge, burned at the stake 300 years ago. Lilith! Okay here is my biggest gripe...Where is Ariauna Albright? Why did she not reprise her role? She was and forever will be Lilith. And Lilith was maybe in this one 10-15 minutes...Brinke Stevens took over the reigns as Lilith - I miss Auriana! The Costume looked great, the make-up was amateurish, but in some ways she did look Darker than the Lilith played by Albright. I still want Ariauna back!

I can't say this installment was as good as the 2nd, but much better than 1.

This film was shot beautifully and had such a professional look, you wouldn't think it had such a low budget ($26,000). It really looks great. Danny Draven is as good a DP as he is a Director. As with the 2nd one, Bookwalter opted to have the film shot in many different locations and not just stuck in a house....The beach scenes were gorgeous.

While this film was not as dark as the first two, it still gave a good vibe.

The relationship between the 3 girls, the dialog, and such did seem to be very realistic....but the revenge twist at the end was very under developed, and did not have the build up it needed to make this a great film. Brinke just seemed to be placed in this film more than acting in it...I didn't even really feel this should have been a Witchouse movie. It could have just been called Demon Fire and been okay. The ending was just too rushed, and didn't make too much sense...

Overall, this is not a bad film.

Bookwalter is excellent in the directors chair, Draven, of course brilliant in shooting this.

7 out of 10

There will always be dark. People will always be afraid.

[lastliberal · 6/10 · 20 July 2008]

I don't recall seeing a Witchouse I or II, so I won't be judging this as a sequel, but on it's own.

First, the cinematography was outstanding. This, in no way, appeared to be low budget by the camera work or the acting. Things were not as they appeared, and that was a good thing.

Stevie (Debbie Rochon), Annie (Tanya Dempsey), and Rose (Tina Krause) were doing a ritual as part of a documentary on witchcraft that Stevie and Rose were doing. They conjured up something they didn't count on. Lillith (Brinke Stevens) the witch starts to haunt Stevie and Rose. I wondered why she left Annie alone, but that would be giving away the good part.

Speaking of good parts, there was a definite good part when Tina Krause came out of the shower. Reportedly not as good as An Erotic Vampire in Paris, Poetic Seduction, or Vampire's Seduction, but good anyway. I guess I'll have to get those films, too.

It was a good flick that was worth watching. And, did I mention it had Debbie Rochon?

Eh.

[Brotherhoodfan2002 · 26 August 2002]

Shot on video feature. OK acting. OK script. Alright camera work. So-so directing. Not horrible by any means. Nothing note worthy either. Blah. I always enjoy seeing Brinke Stevens, but her horror make up sucked. If they had a bigger budget there might be something there, they didn't use whatever budget they had in a creative enough way or maybe they should make fewer of these movies (Full Moon/Tempe) and put 3 of the movies budgets together and make one good one. Just a thought.

better then the first.

[bfan83 · 10/10 · 13 December 2003]

This installment in the Witchouse series was a step above the previous two films. ***POSSIBLE SPOILERS***!!! 3 women doing a documentary on Witchcraft decide to do a ritual and end up summoning the ancient witch Lilith. (played by the beautiful Brinke Stevens.) Who brought a creepy performance to her character. I liked this movie! It was creepy, and suspenseful. And the cinematography was great. This movie is just downright awesome! 3 well known scream queens and Tanya Dempsey. What else could you want. Although the surprise ending left me a little confused. I still enjoyed it. 9 out of 10.

Entertaining Film: Low Budget, Good performances

[raquelzepeda · 7/10 · 23 April 2020]

Yes this is a low budget film. However, the dialogue is very good and the plot is much better than the many, many, horror films out there. I can think of many horror films whose budget was probably much better than this one, who nonethelless, were not quite as good.

So, congratz to the film makers of this little jewel. I never dismiss a film based on budget. To me, it's about content.

Another superior sequel

[aaronzombie · 6 February 2002]

My prediction was right. This third installment of Full Moon's franschise is a step up from the above average Witchouse: Blood Coven and like that film goes in a completely different direction than the entertaining, but derivitive original. Plus, it stars my second fave scream queen behind the lovely and talented Linnea Quigley.

!!!POSSIBLE SPOILER OR 2!!!3 friends get together to film a documentary on witchcraft. The first thing they do is hold a seance, but they are unaware of the evil that is amoung them. They conjure up Lilith who goes on yet another rampage of murder and cat & mouse games until a decent twist ending.

Good story, acting, and o.k. effects. ***1/2 out of *****. I hope they do at least one more installment.

Very entertaining!

[dreamtheaterprog · 10/10 · 26 January 2002]

J.R. and Tempe have done it again with Witchouse 3: Demon Fire! Not only have they created another great film, but they have done it on a micro-budget! It was a pleasant surprise to see Debbie Rochon, Tina Krause and Brinke Stevens in the film too! If you liked Witchouse 2: Blood Coven or if you have any good taste in cinema check this flick out now!

Beautifully shot B Suspense Flick

[hocfocprod · 8/10 · 26 February 2008]

This is a solidly acted movie, with some unexpected turns. Most of all it is shot beautifully. For a low budget film the use of location is wonderful. Nothing is wasted. Debbie Rochon gives a sterling performance, but there really isn't a weak link in the acting chain in this movie as far I'm concerned.

The suspense builds well if you're paying attention. If you're just watching the clock waiting for the next nude scene you may be drawn in enough to feel the tension. All of the "slow build up" people are talking about is character development. I did feel, however, by the end there wasn't anyone left to like enough to care whether or not they died.

It's not a formula movie and sometimes deviating from the formula disappoints people, but if you go in with an open mind that this isn't your average B horror, you may just enjoy watching it.

Filmmakers especially will appreciate the lensing of this feature.

Full Moon/Tempe Do Their Magic Once Again!

[ministry13_99 · 9/10 · 18 October 2001]

In January 2001, Full Moon Pictures made their first picture along side with Tempe Entertainment (Another low-budget film company) entitled "HorrorVision". After the success of that a few more films were produced, with everyone getting extremely high remarks.

On October 16th, 2001, director J.R. Bookwalter returned to make another film with the union of Full Moon/Tempe: "Witchouse 3: Demon Fire".

The third installment in the popular Full Moon franchise, started in 1999, features many famous low budget actress: Debbie Rochon, Tine Krause, Tanya Dempsey from "Shrieker" (IMO, the best actress in the film), and the legendary Brinke Stevens resurrects Ariauna Albright's character Lilith, the demonic witch.

All actors and actress acted far above Full Moon standards. After viewing, the film reminded me of an earlier Full Moon flick "Castle Freak". There was an emotional background, which allowed you to understand the characters better, and the actual "horror" aspects that made it come together.

A very good flick, and a would be a great place to end a great series, as it would allow it to go out with a bang. Great job, Full Moon and Tempe!

The Lines Between the Real, the Unreal, & the SuperNatural are Completely Blurred in this Exciting Horror Thriller !

[timodo · 10/10 · 21 August 2017]

J.R. BOOKWALTER bestows upon Us this MasterPiece of Film with. a steady Plot, Frightening & Exciting Moments, & the Most Beautiful & Talented Ladies in the Horror Genre' ! Beautiful Blonde TANYA DEMPSEY is Outstanding as the Abused Girlfriend looking for a better life, "Annie" . She Reunites with Her Dearest Friends "Stevie" & "Rose", Perfectly Portrayed by the Two Most Gorgeous "Horror Queens" in Existence, DEBBIE ROCHON & TINA KRAUSE ! The only thing More Impressive than these Ladies Immense Beauty & Perfect Feminine Bodies is Their Unquestionable Acting Talent ! These 3 Ladies have a Wonderful Rapport & Play off of Each Other Magnificently ! The Bewildered & Possibly Abusive Boyfriend "Burke" is Admirably Played by PAUL DARRIGO; & the Demon Witch "Lilith' is handled by "Original Scream Queen" & "Horror ICON" BRiNKE STEVENS, who Sheds Her Beauteous Appearance to Deliver a Powerful Performance ! My Favorite Scene is the "Hot-Tub" Scene ! No Nudity, But these 3 Incredibly Lovely Ladies in Bikinis & a Bathing Suit; Now that's Truly HEAVEN ! Three Cheers to Mr. BOOKWALTER for a Great Flik : & I'm Praying to See More of DEBBIE ROCHON & TINA KRAUSE in More Films Together !!!

Not as Fun as part 1 and not as well acted as part 2

[JimSthers · 10/10 · 18 October 2001]

This movie just sucks!. The acting is pathetic, Brinke Stevens is wasted as Lilith. This one lacks the fun sense that part 1 had and also lacks the suspense that part 2 had. The cast is pretty and that's it. Avoid this movie.

Not as good as Parts 1 or 2

[The Creeper · 10/10 · 1 January 2003]

Witch House 3 is the worst of it's series. Even though they gave a shot at acting and special effects, the suspense is terrible. Shots that pretend to be scary turn into boring. Still, the story is good and the ending is the "money shot". I would recommend that you see this movie, but I would you see Parts I or II before or instead.

8 out of 10

Fans of Horror Movies like this should Check out Puppet Master, Skinned Alive, Slumber Party Massacre, Sleep Away Camp, and other Full Moon Pictures flicks. For other recommendations, check out the other comments I have sent in by clicking on my name above this comment section.