Horror Movie Review: The Brotherhood III: Young Demons (2002)

Churning these films out in rapid succession, David DeCoteau’s third movie in the homoerotic horror series The Brotherhood came out a year after the first two films. Which were both released in 2001.

2001 – The Brotherhood
2001 – The Brotherhood II: Young Warlocks

Called The Brotherhood III: Young Demons, and changing up the formula for something a little more horror, this latest entry is not only the weakest entry in the series so far, it’s also not befitting of the ‘b-movie’ name that DeCoteau is so famous for.

The story of The Brotherhood III: Young Demons surrounds ‘The Game’, an event that takes place at this movie’s school, after hours. Run by Lex (Kristopher Turner), ‘The Game’ is basically a big scavenger hunt. Where the players must find clues, all while Lex monitors them through cameras and offers up hints across the intercom.

This time though, ‘The Game’ is going to be a bit different. Lex has an ancient book of Egyptian magic and plans to use it to make this game, the best one yet. Unfortunately, he inadvertently summons a being that is going to make this game; life or death.

Beyond boring, that’s the over-riding thought that The Brotherhood III: Young Demons leaves you with. Where the sight and sound of barely fleshed out characters wandering poorly light halls while a hooded figure stalks them with all the energy of a sloth, is all the movie has to offer. Even the elements that makes this series so famous, the homoerotic elements are neutered.

Although, this film might have the series’ best example of that with a toned fella washing himself down in the shower in his underpants. The way in which the camera pans over his body, the slow motion, and the sensual nature of it, is delightful. Especially when the hooded killer seems to be taken in by the sight too.

It’s about the only thing of note, aside from the ‘oh so dated’ goth look of some of the characters.

The Brotherhood III: Young Demons drags its heels so much that when things actually do start to happen in the final half an hour, it’s just to late to rescue it. Most will have checked out completely and not care in the slightest about ‘The Game’ or anyone involved in it.

It’s a major step back for a series that wasn’t exactly delivering solid gold up to this point either. Still, whereas the first two films had many flaws, they were never boring. That same thing can’t be said about The Brotherhood III: Young Demons.