Don't let the box art fool you. "Behind the Mask" isn't another slice-and-dice slasher flick. It's arguably the most clever satire of the genre ever made, a witty hybrid of mockumentaries like "This is Spinal Tap" and self-aware horror comedies like "Scream." This is a must-see for any seasoned fan of either genre, and a film that deserves to become a cult classic among horror buffs.

The film takes place in a world where the likes of Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers & Freddy Krueger aren't movie icons, but real-life serial killers. Not only that, the job of stalking and killing horny teenagers is an actual profession, with rules and guidelines meant to be followed by anyone interested in the trade (most of those guidelines have to do with traditional slasher movie cliches). "Behind the Mask" as actually two movies. The first has a documentary film crew, led by Taylor Gentry (an ineffectual Angela Goethals), following psycho-killer-wannabe Leslie Vernon (Nathan Baesel, hilarious in the title role) as he plans his first killing spree, approaching the task as though it were an actual job. He gets advice and guidance from retired slasher, Eugene (Scott Wilson), an 'old school' killer who often expresses an open contempt to many would-be psychos trying to make a name for themselves. The fact that he has settled into retirement with a loving wife merely adds to the hilarity. In another terrific scene, genre veteran Robert Englund shows up as Vernon's 'Ahab' in a witty scene that'll ring familiar with anyone who has ever seen "Halloween" and its myriad clones. The final act transitions (somewhat jarringly) into a traditional slasher film, after Gentry realizes she is privy to mass murder as now wants to prevent the mayhem. While this third act isn't as effective, the story retains its clever satiric tone much more effectively than films like "Scream." In addition to being a razor-sharp, cliche-skewering satire, "Behind the Mask" offers plenty of clever and unexpected plot twists in its own 'story', especially with the old 'the-virgin-must-survive' premise. Despite the film's low budget, it's extremely well-directed by Scott Glosserman, who also co-wrote the clever screenplay. The cast (especially Baesel & Wilson) is mostly outstanding, though again, Angela Goethals is the weakest link. The film has a few moments or jarring violence, but for the most part, the nature of the film renders it pretty easy to stomach, even for the more timid viewers.

The film is presented in 1.85:1 widescreen, and for the most part, the overall image isn't bad, especially when you consider nearly half the film is made to look like news camera footage. The sound is decent, too, rendered in 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital. There's pretty good balance for a film that, despite its premise, is largely dialogue-driven.

An adequate audio commentary is provided by several cast members (including star Baesel), though I would rather have had one by the director, being that how the film is constructed is a huge part of why it works so well. Also included are two featurette, a basic making-of, and one featuring numerous screen tests of actors hoping to land a role. Rounding out the extras are deleted scenes, trailers, and the original screenplay on DVD-ROM.

"Behind the Mask" is a wonderfully surprising and immensely witty horror satire, extremely well written, directed and acted. Anyone who thinks crap like the "Scary Movie" franchise is the epitome of parody have obviously not seen the work of those who truly know the conventions of the slasher genre. This is easily the sharpest & funniest horror satire ever made, and deserves to be part of any horror buff's collection. Highly recommended. Similar Movies: "This is Spinal Tap", "Best in Show"; "Confetti"; "Scream"; "Halloween"