The running time is 1 hr. 31 mins..
Written and directed by newcomer Scott Glosserman (co-written with David J. Stieve) the film is billed as not only a horror, but also a comedy and I think that is only in case some audience members find it humorous, because this is no more comical than any of the Nightmare on Elm Street or Friday the 13th films. Granted, I didn't think Behind the Mask was scary, but it is engaging and an interesting twist on a genre that certainly needs a kick in the pants.
As Leslie guides the students through his world and the lessons he has learned on how to successfully become the next great serial killer you begin to think back to Jamie Kennedy's Randy character in Scream as all the old stereotypes come into play. Are you a virgin? Better run like hell because Leslie has you picked out and he knows your every move.
As an added bonus Freddy Kruger himself makes an appearance, but this time without the makeup as Robert Englund plays Leslie's one-time psychiatrist and now nemesis. Even Kane Hodder, the original Jason Voorhees, has a small cameo in the film as the "Elm Street Resident", something you wouldn't know unless you watch the credits, which you will want to do... or at least fast forward through to see the very end.
Unfortunately I can't tell you anything about the special features since all I had was a screener copy, but I can tell you it comes with an audio Commentary with actors Nathan Baesel, Angela Goethals, Britain Spellings and Ben Pace, deleted and extended scenes, a couple of making-of featurettes and a copy of the screenplay on DVD-ROM.
Overall, I can't necessarily recommend this movie for everyone. Fans of the horror genre will certainly find it entertaining because it is just as much a look at the classic horror films of old as it is a new movie of its own. Whether or not Leslie Vernon will make a sequel appearance really depends on script and in the case that he ever does make his way back to the big screen will certainly increase the cult status of Behind the Mask.