American Satan (2017) User Reviews (79)

Not what I hoped for...

[isaacmhunsinger · 5/10 · 1 November 2017]

I have been looking forward to this movie since I saw the IMDb page and watched the trailer. I was hoping that it would be THE movie for fans of metalcore. But it wasn't just my overly high hopes for this movie that made me incredibly disappointed. I am usually very good at seeing the good parts of bad movies, as in, "Well, the acting wasn't very good, but the story was great!" While parts of this movie were alright, maybe even good at parts, not one aspect of this film was good all the way through.

Writing: 3/10 The basic story of American Satan might have been good if it was handled better. However, the script, if indeed there was a script, was awful, and many, many times it was hard to tell if the bad product on screen was because of bad writing or bad acting. The production quality didn't turn out to be good enough to convincingly carry the scope of the film, which could have been better handled if the writer/director knew his own limitations.

Directing: 4/10 When I saw the movie, I didn't know that the writer/director, Ash Avildsen, is the CEO and founder of Sumerian Record, the label that produces Asking Alexandria, (a great band, for the record). If I had known this I might have had a slight inclination that this movie was made with no better prospects than to reel in Andy Biersack fangirls, and metalcore fans, myself included, and not delivered with passion for or love for the music, or even quality movies. What was caught on camera and put on screen, at times, was so chaotic and incoherent, as my friend and I were watching the movie, at a pivotal part of the film, my friend looked over at me and asked, "Wait, what happened?" and I had to explain what I was pretty sure had happened but was not clearly shown. Also, what the trailers showed of the band playing in the movie looked great and I was really looking forward to it, however what was shown in the movie looked like it was ripped straight from a concert tape of your average rock band. I couldn't get into it, even as a huge fan of the kind of music they play. All in all, it just wasn't good, and I believe the person most at fault for this entire catastrophe is the writer and director himself.

Acting: 5/10 The acting in this movie is very spotty. Sometimes it seems like the newcomers to acting and stars of the movie, Andy Biersack and Ben Bruce are doing very well with their acting debut, and other times its painful to watch. This goes for the experienced actors of the film to, finger pointed straight at Malcolm McDowell. But, as said before, it's often hard to tell if the poor product on screen is the fault of an actor doing their job poorly, or if the script they were given was just god-awful.

Overall: 4.5/10 There's not a lot to like here unless you're a die-hard Andy Biersack, Black Veil Brides fangirl, or boy, and consider everything he touches to be descended straight from heaven. Anyone who considers himself a fan of quality films, or at least have one thing, one good aspect of a movie to praise after devoting almost two hours to it, should probably go look somewhere else.

Average straight to DVD/Blu-Ray movie. Average does not mean Bad.

[rob-ert-p · 5/10 · 21 April 2018]

So as I am watching this movie I found my self asking what would I do if was in this situation. And honestly that is what I look for when I watch anything from Movies to TV Shows. I want to put myself in that situation. Was the movie so good that it should be put up for awards. No. The writing was weak in some areas and lacked in others. Some of the actors and actresses seemed to just be there for the check and not really into their roles. With all this bad why should you watch this movie? The sound track mostly honestly. If you are a metal head or rocker you are going to possibly enjoy this flick. It keeps this film going. The lows are when the music is not going and you are not dove straight into this environment that is their depiction of hard rocker life style. I give this a 5 because its not like I wouldn't watch this at all. It is average and this should be a straight to blueray/dvd movie.

Better than I had expected

[darksyde-63508 · 6/10 · 1 February 2018]

While I had my reservations about this movie at first, since I am not a huge fan of Andy Biersac or his band Black Veil Brides, I have to say this movie turned out to be a lot better than I thought it would. A band just starting out moves to the Sunset strip, looking for fame and fortune . A rivalry band that the basisst was in before joining the resckless s constantly sabotages the band, until one night the band meets "The Devil" and talks them into performing a ritualistic "revenge killing" on a member of the rivalry band for international fame, and to save Andy Biersacks mom from terminal cancer. Soon, they all wish they never made the deal. Both Andy Biersack of BVB and Ben Bruce of Asking Alexandria are decent enough actors, and the tunes are decent enough. The story is a little generic though. But as I said before, it turned out to be better than I had expected

not bad at all

[voigaswolpertinger · 22 January 2018]

So well, i do not tend to write reviews on movies often. but i just figured i HAD TO for this one. not because it knocked me off my feet, but because after watching it i went on here and saw all these really bad reviews. i had been entertained well for nearly two hours, i got more than i expected, considering "drama, music, thriller" are the lead tags on it, yet i would rather like to see it as a dark comedy about the industry and thus all the cliches and stereotypes explain themselves. so, if you can make fun of yourself or take serious matters with a light heart, go ahead and watch. it got plenty of the "sex, drugs and rock n roll" woven into a story that is not half as bad as other reviewers try to make you think

Why so negative?

[launa-65333 · 7/10 · 3 July 2023]

I enjoyed the movie for what it was. The acting was decent. It was entertaining. The negative reviews here seem like they were expecting something absolutely life transcending. It's a movie about a rock band and some of the stuff that happens in the lifestyle. Yes there was a evil and good theme there but it wasn't childish or absurd like some of the reviews say. I also don't think it was a "Rock baad, Rock Sataan" type of deal either. It was just a good show. If you enjoy metal and band stuff you'll probably dig it. It's not going to be on any award shows or anything but cult classic maybe. Just hang out and enjoy the ride. No expectations. ....and don't listen to the negative reviews. I'm glad I didn't read any until after the movie.

A children's movie with sex and drugs

[kay_rock · 3/10 · 21 August 2018]

There really aren't any serious spoilers here but any time I mention even a single plot point I click the box to be safe.

The whole point of the movie seemed to be very childlike moralizing with an immature judeo-christian bent. The acting wasn't as terrible as many here are stating, but the whole story was so ridiculously transparent and predictable that it was hard to take seriously. The devil is bad. Don't do drugs. Stay faithful. Don't compromise. Killing is a bad idea even if it will make you money. Good and bad boiled down to eye-roll-worthy simplicity.

There is little maturity difference between this film and a saturday morning cartoon, with characters and situations that are equally two-dimensional. I doubt anyone over the age of 12 would think there was any message in here worth hearing, and anyone under the age of twelve probably shouldn't watch people shooting up and having sex in a bus with a teenager.

They might have done better to drop the moralizing and just make a horror film out of it.

As good as I expected it to be, in a good way.

[mattharden · 7/10 · 23 September 2019]

This movie is underrated, being a fan of most of the actors in this film, it came out to be as good as expected. They first mentioned this movie being made back in 2014, they would tease about it for two years on Instagram until they gave a theater date, although it was in select theaters. Now yes it was annoying having to wait a few months for someone to post a good quality version on a movie site, but the wait was worth it. The people who made this movie are a bunch of young actors, most have never been in a movie besides YouTube videos years ago or someone who hasn't done much acting in over 10 years (Drake Bell). The acting of Andy and Ben was better then I expected it to be, although I have seen what they have done on YouTube which is impressive for a YouTube series, but for a movie I didn't think Andy's acting to be as good it was. The only problem I actually have with this movie, is how the use the singer of Palaye Royale, a pitchy not to great voice, over Andy. Andy is in a band himself and has a great masculine voice. To put a pitchy singing voice over a masculine male voice was just....weird and kinda cringy. Besides that, they spent their time writing a entire soundtrack and making "The Relentless" an actual band pretty much for the movie and future tv show. They'll even put out another for the show so that's impressive to put as much work into the movie as they did. The reason this movie is underrated is specifically because people can't appreciate how much work these people put into making this film, but by the so called flaws that aren't even that bad. This movie definitely isn't perfect, but it is entertaining, it has a badass soundtrack, and a interesting story.

I'm so confused by all the positive reviews

[birdiexx · 3/10 · 23 February 2019]

Listen... I'm not movie critic, but holy cannoli this movie is a cringe fest. Super cool concept, however, the execution made me wanna be executed myself. Idk if a 13 year old who spent entirely too much time watching conspiracy videos on YouTube while going through a goth stage wrote the script or??... And the acting. Sweet heavens the acting. Pretty sure they found the actress who played Lily on a clearance shelf at Walmart next to all the other Equate boxes. I couldn't finish it.

I gave it 3 stars because, as I stated above, it was a cool concept. And Andy is also really pretty.

Why the negative reviews? It's not a perfect movie but well acted for a young inexperienced cast

[sophiexjane · 8/10 · 11 July 2018]

I don't usually write reviews for films on here but I had to for this one, purely to counter balance the many negative reviews! Is the movie perfect, no, but it's actually pretty good if you like a little more 'indie' films and like alternative music. This movie isn't a 'supernatural' film but more like a thriller message about the dark side of the 'rock and roll music industry' and how wanting fame has it's costs on yourself and those around you.

I also thought the inexperienced actors were better actors and more convincing than the 'veterans'. I hadn't heard of Andy Biersack or Ben Bruce before this but for musicians to act they did a really good job and were very watchable, funny and convincing. The soundtrack is also very good plus 'The Relentless' bands music too has been on repeat since (Remington Leith's voice is perfect for Johnny Faust').

Overall it's not a bad movie, it's just more a film you'd stream at home than go and see at the movie theatre. I actually hope there is a follow up/TV series that had been suggested as I'd definitely watch it.

So if you're willing to not take yourself and this movie too seriously then I'd recommend watching it

Modern take on Goethe's Faust

[cnc-phillips-31-366526 · 7/10 · 31 January 2018]

This movie, sadly, won't get the reviews it deserves, as no one looks for symbolism and depth in film, anymore. It's a very old story, to be sure, but it is well-acted and the project's love and dedication to Goethe's Faust deserves credit where credit is due. The soundtrack is top notch and used well throughout to add feeling and atmosphere. Some scenes need polish, no question, and the pace is sluggish and loses coherency at times, but overall, a great ride.

Preachy

[nanagladys · 2/10 · 14 November 2018]

Not a horror movie! More like a movie for good Christian kids add in sex and drugs to shock them enough so they won't ever want to be rock stars, because rock music and Satan go hand in hand. So was this a church commissioned movie? It sounded a lot like my mother when I was 14 and into gnr, Alice cooper, skid row ( you get the idea) "that music is demonic, Satan uses it to control stupid kids to rebel " I suppose the point of my rambling is if I'd wanted a lecture about good vs evil or rock music and the devil I could've just picked up the phone and said hey mum I've just bought tickets to see iron maiden..

Solid movie, but confusing voice swap.

[patrickschenk13 · 8/10 · 22 June 2019]

This movie tells a great story. The only thing that bothers me is that Andy doesn't sing. Why cast him if he's not going to sing? He has 10 times a better voice than the voice over

Pretty good

[sashaajackson · 7/10 · 21 April 2018]

Honestly over all this movie was better then I expected. I loved the cast and how well they protrude their part. The dialogue was a little funky tho and the plot was kinda confusing. Anyways I would recommend this movie.

Wow, that was rough

[mschenk-24237 · 4/10 · 10 July 2018]

I thought this was a horror movie, but it definitely was not. It leaned more on the thriller film side. The soundtrack was actually decent, the acting and actors were great, the story was weak, rough, and tried to go too many places. Take out all the brutal shots and this could have been a lifetime movie.

Also, I had no idea who Andy Biersack was, but he was the only reason I kept watching.

Classic Case of Good Soundtrack...Sub-par Movie

[mitchgibby · 20 June 2018]

I was excited for this movie. I'm a fan of Andy, had a fun character actor cast, especially McDowell as the devil himself. That idea alone sounds awesome, but the movie was full of good ideas, but very bad execution. I didn't really hate it, there were parts I liked, not enough to save it. The music was definitely the highlight. The movie coulda been so much more, but it really wasn't. Shame.

6.5 Stars From Me

[Foutainoflife · 7/10 · 1 March 2019]

There are a lot of people who are saying they were disappointed with this. Some say it is that the music should've been harder, satan should've come across much more evil or powerful and some have said they weren't pleased with the acting. I think all that is a bit harsh.

I'd seen this for a while and considered watching it but it wasn't until my son wanted me to check it out that I finally did. I thought it was a decent film. One of the reasons that I had not picked it up was that it seemed to be promoting a harder rock than I care for but after watching it I can say that I liked the music. It wasn't nearly as hard as I had expected and I think that worked in the films favor. I can understand why some folks wanted it to be harder but if you don't like music that hard you don't want to listen to all that. I would think that it would be appealing to a larger group using the softer music.

I didn't think the acting was awful. There are drugs, alcohol and physical, mental and spiritual seduction taking place. With all that going on, it rollercoasters in mood, will, psychical state and mentality. Considering the broad range of the characters I thought the actors all did a pretty good job.

Satan, I can agree, didn't seem the master of evil, the great tempter or powerful in the form of an old man. I expected him to be a boss and the only boss thing about him was showing up in a sharp car. He just didn't come across right.

Overall I enjoyed the film. It could've used some tweaking but it wasn't as bad as some reviews are suggesting.

Wow, so bad it should be on Youtube

[glynwinter · 1/10 · 2 February 2018]

This had potential, good cast, good idea - could have been great. But first the script utterly sucked, one expects a powerful and elegant monologue from Satan himself, instead he comes across as a grumpy old man and basically a dull sterotype. Next, the story telling was jumpy and badly edited - just didnt flow or hold your interest after the first 20 mins and the band tried so hard to be cool and riotous that they felt more like the Spice Girls reincarnated. How you can have a bunch of good actors and get such poor and woody performances from them is beyond me - I guess ultimately the director let everybody down as the raw materials had promise but the result was a dull trope which oscillates between cringe-worthy and boring.

Mixed feelings...

[lucky_blond · 6/10 · 21 January 2018]

Allusions to Goethe's Faust? Great! Symbolics? It is marvellous as well. But so many things are so exgagerated that it made me sick. Besides, the scenes of taking drugs and having sex are depicted as if they are the climax of any rock musician's career. Seriously? I always thought music is more than just getting high after show and having sex with fans. And one more thing that puzzled me throughout the film was the voice of the lead singer of the Relentless. Actually, I expected Biersack to sing, not just move his lips.

Had to turn it off. So lame

[stuffsaleanthem · 1/10 · 25 January 2018]

I figured that this might be slightly cheesy, but I had higher hopes after some of the cast was introduced and were veteran actors, but even they couldn't save this film. First "American Satan" should have had a metal band...not a Nickelback/Chevelle crossover. Second, again...SO CHEESY and typical stereotype cast saying stereotypical lines that are delivered as half assed as possible. Decent premise, terrible writing and terrible execution.

Gritty, edgy and raw. Loved it!

[shanaelynne · 9/10 · 26 July 2018]

I've never rated a movie on IMDB but I feel obligated like so many others on here to balance the bad reviews. I don't know why they didn't like it. I loved it -I am disappointed I'll never be able to watch it for the first time again.

As an debut for so many of the cast and crew including the director/writer (first feature length drama) and Jesse Sullivan, who has basically NO acting experience, and two musicians (also no experience) it was well enough acted and well enough written to tell a great story.

There were revelations at just the right time and the last gimmick at the end was enough to make you say "ooooooooo!!!" to your movie watching partner next to you as the screen goes black and leads to credits.

To everyone saying it glorifies sex and drugs, (did you finish the movie?) I say when you make a deal with the devil where do you stop? Can you stop? Its not saying that drugs and groupie sex is the height of their career it's saying that they're getting caught up, as so many do. How many great artists have left us too soon due to heroin and other drug induced deaths?

This movie does well to be gritty and even makes you uncomfortable sometimes and it SHOULD! The content is raw and, from the perspective of a commoner with no knowledge of fame or (mis)fortune, real.

Loved it. Give it a shot. Have an open mind. If you like gritty independent stuff, you should like it!

Pretty Entertaining. People have too high of expectations or shouldn't review movies

[rohanownz · 6/10 · 15 July 2018]

First of all I don't know why so many people are like "I thought this was a horror movie". From the trailer or description alone it did not scream horror movie. It turned out to be pretty much exactly what I expected it to be. A movie about a band signing a deal with the Devil and the consequences and reality of making such a decision. Many people actually believe that this type of thing exists. But it really doesn't matter if you believe it or not because although the movie is seen as fictitious, it opens up a lot of doors when it comes to the journey of becoming the next big sensation in Hollywood. The trials and tribulations, the impact your actions and decisions make on not only your career but your whole future. Including your family, friends, and even your own soul. To the point where you can't even distinguish what is real and what isn't real.

Now I'm not even a huge fan of metal and satan and all that jazz but the music in this movie was pretty damn good. Some people are upset it wasn't hardcore metal and considering the name American Satan you would think that it would be. But I feel like this will resonate with a lot more people than just targeting a specific group of listeners. I mean even if you like heavy metal you can listen to this and enjoy it. But if you don't like heavy metal it would ruin the whole movie.

With all that being said I felt like the actors did a really good job and I was actually stoked to see Drake Bell in this movie because I wasn't expecting it. Sure you can argue maybe the Devil wasn't portrayed in the best way but I still feel like his cryptic and weird behavior made for an interesting and layered character. Constantly kept me on my feet wondering when he was going to return again and what he had to say next. I also wanted to learn a lot about his history which is always good for a film because it leaves you wanting more.

Oh yeah and screw the bass player. Like seriously. What a lowlife piece of trash.

Some are arguing that this film portrays sex and drugs in a good light but that's only true if you watch the beginning of the film. Which I wouldn't be surprised because a lot of people probably stopped watching it and tried to make a review based on something they didn't even finish. Just like life of course in the beginning it's all fun and games but eventually your sins and addictions will destroy you. It all starts when they make the deal and then quickly things start to go downhill real fast. I don't really see how you can say this movie is complete trash. It's nothing amazing but it's a decent watch and has a few highlights. Which is why I am rating it a 6/10. It's above an average meh film for sure.

Like watching a R-rated Chick Tract

[relax1977 · 4/10 · 10 February 2018]

OK so this won't apply to everyone but if you grew up in a certain kind of Evangelical Christianity - the type where every once in a while a "cool" speaker with a casual outfit and an allegedly dark past would come tell you about how Satan lurks in all the things you love - then this movie will seem weirdly familiar. From watching the trailer I expected a rock 'n roll horror movie, what I got was... something else entirely...

Firstly, this is not a horror movie, not even a little bit (there is some decent to good rock in it though). It's basically a sermon about the perils of moral Rock 'n Roll decadence, although much like most of those sermons it does a way better job of making sex, drugs & rock 'n roll seem awesome than in warning you against it.

I'm not using allusions to sermons lightly here. The movie both starts and ends with the same kind of out of context, industry insider quotes to make it seem like the devil is real, runs music and everyone involved knows it. Furthermore the movie has continual infodumps on the illuminati and how Satan supposedly controls everything from rock to hip-hop to Apple Computers. But unlike a sermon, there's not actually a point to any of this. Despite heavy handed character names like "Johnny FAUST", there never seem to be real stakes. Selling out to Satan is... sorta bad maybe? But maybe also no big deal? And maybe nothing matters?

I would say this is like a Chick Tract with more graphic nudity and drug use but honestly a Chick tract has way more punch to it!

A real gem exposing the industry

[carlostherican · 10/10 · 24 December 2021]

This movie is based on the facts of the price you have to pay for fame basically exposes the industry and their dark hidden secrets. What truly goes behind the "fame" and "fortune" of the rock stars life and path to become famous.

Eclectic cast

[audie_u · 6/10 · 31 October 2018]

Some of the cast are of course more polished than others. No one completely flops but there are a few scenes that don't quite measure up. I would recommend this more to people who are interested in and familiar with the music scenes Andy Biersack and Ben Bruce come from, but this was still entertaining and flowed well.

Embarrassing

[shereenmo · 1/10 · 28 January 2018]

This movie is painful to watch. I think Malcolm mcdowell has dementia because my God his acting is just pathetic. He doesn't have a lot to work with the script so I dunno. Also game of thrones guy, I expected more from him, but again embarrassing. And the sex scenes where the two pale skeletons have sex grossed me out. Seeing peoples spines and hip bones poking out is disgusting. And that Lilly girl, seriously? He cheats on his hot girlfriend with the ugly girl that looks like a ten year old boy?? And the scene with virgin, totally uncalled for and a trash attempt to be shocking. Was just gross and stupid. Don't waste money on this, thank God it's on kodi because I'd be pissed if I paid to see this.