I'm in it for the Madonna.
But, you have to admit The House of the Devil takes 13 gallon diarrhea dumps on Trash Humpers. When I look at TH, I see a product of shameful self-parody released by a superbly talented filmmaker, that breaks no new ground whatsoever, and seems to have more fun poking its audience with a stick instead.
On the other hand, I look at a film like The House of the Devil, by a talented rookie; which has the potential to really be a game changer in its genre.
With THOTD, West romanticizes the forgotten horror gems of the 70s/80s with an amount of respect that I don't think I've ever seen matched in any similar homage. It chooses to be low-key rather than kooky, and at the same time perfects the craftsmanship of tecniques like the freeze framed opening credit sequence, and 80's dance sequence, with a true sense of beauty.
It's a methodically dry, slow burner that should be compared to something like Rosemary's Baby, or To the Devil a Daughter rather than 976-Evil, or Chopping Mall. It's a 2009 80's period piece done in a 70's style. I think Cabin Fever 2 was his 80's gross out tribute before the studio butchered it to death. He's abandoned it since though -- DUNE STYLE.
Sorry for the rant, I'm just a big fan. I'm glad West found a style that really works for him.