Daniel Radcliffe's post-Harry Potter film career has provided viewers with a number of mixed gems that have rarely showcased his acting potential.

Of the few films he has released since waving goodbye to the franchise that made him a superstar, "Horns" is arguably the one to best represent his potential. The film itself is a fun thriller that can veer a bit off course with its religious subject matter.

As the film opens, the camera swoops down onto Ig Perrish (Radcliffe) and his girlfriend Merrin Williams (Juno Temple) in a romantic scene in a "Garden of Eden." The camera then swoops down through the ground until we find Ig's world literally turned upside down. Moments later, the viewer finds out that he is being accused of the murder of Merrin. He insists on his innocence and sets out to find out who killed her.

However, one day, frustrated by Merrin's death, he destroys a religious icon and urinates all over it. The next morning, he inexplicably starts to grow horns out of his forehead. He is literally playing the part of the devil that everyone associates with him. The catch here is that being the fallen angel gives him access to people's darkest thoughts. Moreover, he seems able to get them to do his bidding and it is with this power that he sets out to unlock the mystery of his girlfriend's murder.

The concept is quite clever and allows the film to open up and take some risks. This is pure unabashed entertainment for the majority of its running time and the viewer will be in for a lot of laughs throughout. At one point, Ig gets a group of journalists to duke it out for an exclusive interview. Later on, he manages to get to gay cops to accept their sexuality.

It is this kind of lightness that keeps the concept fresh. But alas, there are far too many moments later in the film where director Alexandre Aja seems to take the material too seriously. And that is when the film starts getting muddled in its tone. There are still some moments to relish (including an appearance by Satan himself as a fallen angel and demon), but some of the plot twists come off as a bit heavy-handed.

There is one twist that is, unfortunately, overly obvious, thus taking away from the impact it would have in different circumstances. There seems to be some indecision on whether to hide said plot point and how. Initially, the viewer is pushed one way, but a few scenes later, the revelation becomes self-evident.

The film also loses momentum after the big revelation is made. The film's climax is actually quite sloppy in its execution and ultimate result with the tone flopping from one end of the spectrum to the other rather quickly. Is this meant to be an emotional conclusion or one full of slapstick? It is hard to really know what the intention is here.

That does not mean that the film loses its potency or the viewer's interest wanes. Quite the opposite. Daniel Radcliffe is the main attraction here as Iggy, giving the character a combination of awkwardness and swagger. His delivery of the snappy dialogue is always precise and it is clear that the actor is enjoying himself.

The remaining cast is also strong, with Juno Temple providing a rather vulnerable performance. Max Minghella is also terrific as Ig's best friend Lee and Joe Anderson gets arguably the most complex role as Ig's accomplished yet deeply troubled older brother.

The film's pace is relentless -- aside from the aforementioned momentum loss in its final act -- and the decision to cut back and forth between the past and present adds to the mounting intrigue.

Those looking for a solid piece of entertainment will enjoy "Horns" if they can overlook some of the preaching that goes on throughout. Radcliffe gives a fine performance while Aja keeps the film moving at a steady clip.

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