I've seen some low-budget, low-grade flicks that were surprisingly good, or at least enjoyable, even if they tended toward sheer exploitation. As this one begins it quickly begins to make an impression. Though modest, I do really appreciate aspects like the sets, costume design, hair, and makeup, especially in scenes set among the cultists. The quality of the score is a bit variable, perhaps, but in its most harsh, discordant, or atmospheric moments I rather love it (even when it's curiously repetitive). We're undeniably treated to overacting, but when it comes to horror movies I think that can actually be kind of suitable, and I believe that mostly applies here, too (though not in a few select instances). The same such favor will not be extended in full to the dialogue, which is mostly pretty bad - yet even though the story is simple I think it's engaging and duly compelling; the scene writing also varies in its strength but is reasonably solid.
'Legacy of Satan' is far from great. The editing leaves one to scratch their head at points, and Gerard Damiano's direction is also kind of questionable, not least as some moments are executed too softly or allowed to linger too long. But those few effects that are employed are just fine; the filming locations are swell. This definitely falls on the "fun" side of the genre rather than "scary," and it might be a step too far to even say that it's "sinister" fun. Yet as the brief tale dabbles with Satanism, manipulation, murder, and the like, we get the horror flavors we crave, if maybe not to an extent that's completely satisfying - just enough for a little taste. Many much bigger films have gone far worse with much more; this is troubled, but earnestly entertaining for what it is. And hey, I don't think Damiano or anyone else involved had any illusions about what they were making. Sometimes a fleeting romp is all that a picture needs to be, and this is plenty okay just as it is.
There's no need to go out of your way for this; leave it for something light to whittle away the time on a quiet day. Broadly speaking there's no disputing that this has its faults - even as is it's probably longer than it should have been, truthfully - and the inauthenticity is more glaring at some times more than others. Still, I had a good time watching, and for some titles that can be enough. 'Legacy of Satan' is nothing special, but if you do come across it and are open to features that are less than flawless, this is a decent way to spend seventy minutes.
