Mikes Film Talk

Writer/Director Thomas Smith gives us the 2026 supernatural mystery horror; Demon Squad: Tooth and Claw. This 97 minute long offering feels like an amalgamation of Buffy meets Night Stalker with a magical Karl Kochak. Mind you, it could have been that straw fedora atop Nick Moon’s head that took me that way.

Thomas Smith shares writing credit with Erin Lilley and Devon Coleman. Lilley also plays a major role in the film.

Not least of which is a nod and wink to Moonlighting, sans Bruce Willis, but with all the sardonic wise acre repartee of that hero. *Side note: It has to be said, the “big bad” made me think of a Joss Whedon demon. Another cross between the Giles monster and the Vampire leader who “kills” our beloved cheerleader.”

This long way around the barn is a way of saying that I got a kick out of this one. It’s well worth the time to set down and watch it.

The Demon Squad: Tooth and Claw Story

Nick Moon is a paranormal investigator. A string of vicious murders gets the gumshoes’ attention. This PI is no run of the mill “Philip Marlowe” complaining about his luck. We have no “I’m tired Nulte, everything I touch turns to sh*t.” (Farewell My Lovely 1975) The investigator is tired, however. His magic is below the fill level.

Despite this, Moon is a spiritual relative of David Addison. Wisecracking and overly optimistic of his capabilities, he entertains. However, he has a magical ace up his sleeve and an arm weapon. Perhaps even a touch of that other chapeau wearing and sardonic hero exists here as well. Hence the Van Helsing and Indy references.

The Demon Squad: Tooth and Claw Main Cast

Rob Eubanks is Hank Treme.

Ginger Cressman is Suni Nightshade.

Victoria Antonelli is Chari Devine.

Erin Lilley is Daisy O’Reilly.

Khristian Fulmer is Nick Moon.

Michael Anthony Bagozzi is Deputy Mayor Ingram.

Interesting

Fulmer and Lilley have worked together before. They also had Smith as their director in two other films.

Demon Squad: Tooth and Claw Works

Despite, or because of, the slightly off-key events, the whole thing works. DP Kris Skoda fills the frames with details that count. Editor Sharonda Harris makes the action fit with no hanging, or missing moments. Hand in glove, these two, and it shows.

Composer Søren Odom gives us a score that helps sell the story. The film was made with kickstarter funds and inspired by the legend of the “Wolf Woman of Mobile.” It is, apparently, a sequel of Demon Squad (2019) where the PI first faces evil. In this second iteration, the tale centers around a “Dog Man.” This seems to be a reworking of a Native American boogeyman legend, the Skinwalker.

This trio of paranormal investigators work well together, in terms of interaction and believability.

The FX are good enough to carry the story. Some of the VFX may feel a tad shaky. Having said that, since the film’s budget is around $30K, who cares? For such a miniscule budget, it does the job. The film entertains quite capably.

Hang on, Have I Seen You Before?

There a lot of “little” things that help sell this tale. Most I got rather quickly. At one point, though, the film had to be stopped. The spheres that Hank works on were maddeningly familiar. *And was this character a nod to Obi Wan?* I realised that they look a combination of Star Lord’s stolen booty in Guardians of the Galaxy and a miniature “Death Star.” [They also resemble the football-ish shaped (Aka; soccer.) R2 D2 from the same verse as the Death Star.]

Now back to other items of familiarity. The character of Moon feels a combination of Indiana Jones and Van Helsing as Fulmer plays him. This is on top of the David Addison air. Antonelli taps her inner Madame Arcati as the faux clairvoyant. While Moon’s partner; Daisy, can be seen as the scientific monk; Carl, in Van Helsing. [The one who invents and tweaks the gadgets used by Jackman’s hero.]

I’m not complaining. Far from it. Sure, I found bits of other celluloid and literary “heroes;” they are there for the taking. However, each actor, by the powers of script and talent, make the roles their own. This marriage of traits makes these oddball paranormal specialists feel comfortable people and as a team.

I have Heard This Song Before

Anyone who manages to fit the good ole Wilhelm Scream gets kudos from moi. Considering that the scream was going to disappear forever a few years back, it’s nice to see (hear) that this iconic sound never really left.

The Verdict

Demon Squad: Tooth and Claw is a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It can be streamed on Tubi, Fawesome and Prime. Fighting Owl Films, Thomas Smith, and co have given us a paranormal treat. This is a fun one to watch. Pop some corn, grab a beer, or fizzy drink and kick back for 97 minutes and enjoy. You can thank me later.

The Trailer