Deadlock has the high spirits (and occasional stumbles) typical of a first-time director's indie flick. What separates it from the pack is its wit (the ongoing joke of the film is that the Hollywood types and the soulless supernatural "kobolds" get along so well that they can't tell each other apart -- which is saying something when you consider that the monsters all glow a rich, indigo blue), dynamic visual style (check out the way the visiting hypnotist is disposed of), and a surprising tenderness that most horror films would be too chicken to reach for. There's a playfulness too -- you get the feeling these folks think watching and making movies is a hoot. Definitely worth a rent for your next Halloween party.
