How to describe Hell Fest, a Halloween-themed horror flick that harkens back to 80s slasher like Hell Night, Funhouse, The Prowler and countless others? It would be a lot easier if I remembered it well.
And no, it wasn't the rum and beer that made me forget much of Hell Fest (well, OK. Maybe a little bit). It's more how generic the flick is, offering little new to the horror subgenera other than its unique setting.
OK, the movie is competently made and acted. It looks good, and the Halloween/amusement park setting begs for this to an annual October watch. It really does. The characters are generally likeable as well, which is rare for movies of this kind.
The problem is we've seen this before, and done better. The kills aren't especially graphic or memorable, and director Gregory Plotkin fails to generate any real tension or suspense. On this level, which is really the most important for a horror/slasher film, Hell Fest is an epic fail.
There is one bright, shocking moment, and that takes place in the film's final moments. If you feel like finding out what that is, go for it. Otherwise, I'm giving Hell Fest a Bad, and moving on... to some more rum and beer.
And no, it wasn't the rum and beer that made me forget much of Hell Fest (well, OK. Maybe a little bit). It's more how generic the flick is, offering little new to the horror subgenera other than its unique setting.
OK, the movie is competently made and acted. It looks good, and the Halloween/amusement park setting begs for this to an annual October watch. It really does. The characters are generally likeable as well, which is rare for movies of this kind.
The problem is we've seen this before, and done better. The kills aren't especially graphic or memorable, and director Gregory Plotkin fails to generate any real tension or suspense. On this level, which is really the most important for a horror/slasher film, Hell Fest is an epic fail.
There is one bright, shocking moment, and that takes place in the film's final moments. If you feel like finding out what that is, go for it. Otherwise, I'm giving Hell Fest a Bad, and moving on... to some more rum and beer.
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