The Jersey Devil

In the 2014 comedy film The Jersey Devil, directed by Joseph Pepitone and starring Chris Mulkey, Keith Collins, and David Chokachi, an audacious and hysterical twist is made to the traditional devil figure. This light-hearted farce explores the eternal battle between good and evil, heaven and hell, seasoned with a dose of supernatural whimsy and a refreshing dose of humor.

The film follows Lucifer's (Chris Mulkey) plot to abscond from Hell after a 1000 year stint. Tired of the grim and frightful underworld, the devil seeks solace in the bosom of the human world. He wants to experience the simple pleasures of life and escape the monotony of eternal damnation. However, to pull off this audacious endeavor, he lures a hapless human, Leonard (Keith Collins), into taking his place as the Lord of Hell, while he takes up residence in the quaint city of Jersey, New Jersey.

Herein lies the predicament as Leonard, a man with a previously ordinary existence, is forced to head the hellish underworld. The human world isn't too mundane either for the devil himself. The plot deepens when Leonardo (David Chokachi), the angel from Heaven, begins his mission to bring the devil to his knees and thwart his plans. As the narrative unfolds, audiences are treated to a series of comic events that blur the line between good and evil.

"The Jersey Devil" is not an average story related to the popular folklore of a creature dwelling in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey but rather a satirical take on the life of the devil himself. Chris Mulkey, known for his firm grasp of versatile roles, brings a distinct comic flair to the devil's character that is both engaging and amusing. His spectacular performance, peppered with sharp wit and a hint of sarcasm, forms the backbone of the film.

Keith Collins, playing the bewildered human-turned-devil, adds a touch of sincerity and relatability, hilariously encapsulating the struggles of an average human thrust into the daunting role of ruling hell. David Chokachi, in his role as the righteous angel Leonardo, delivers a commendable performance balancing the comedy with a slice of drama.

The shining point of the film is indeed its ability to transform a deep philosophical conflict into a source of hilarity without belittling the underlying themes in the process. Joseph Pepitone puts forth an engaging narrative that gives a fresh take on the concepts of heaven, hell, and maintains a light-hearted tone throughout.

The film is an ideal pick for viewers who enjoy their comedy wit-fully dark and unapologetically irreverent, as well as those who appreciate a quirky interpretation of age-old themes. With a clever script, vibrant performances, and a healthy dose of supernatural shenanigans, The Jersey Devil promises a delightful viewing experience from beginning to end. This out-of-the-box comedy questions the conventional perception of good and evil while serving a hearty blend of laughs and unforeseen twists.