Review of “Hell Fest” (2018): A Halloween Slasher Ride
“Hell Fest,” directed by Gregory Plotkin and released in 2018, is a slasher film set in a horror-themed amusement park. The film stars Amy Forsyth, Reign Edwards, Bex Taylor-Klaus, and features a notable appearance by horror icon Tony Todd. The movie capitalizes on its unique setting to deliver a series of scares and thrills, making it a fitting watch for the Halloween season.
Plot Overview
The story follows college student Natalie (Amy Forsyth), who visits her childhood best friend Brooke (Reign Edwards) and her roommate Taylor (Bex Taylor-Klaus). The trio, along with their boyfriends, decide to visit Hell Fest, a traveling horror amusement park known for its terrifying attractions. Unbeknownst to them, a masked serial killer known as “The Other” has turned the park into his personal hunting ground, blending his real murders with the park’s staged scares. As the night progresses, the group must discern what is real and what is part of the show in order to survive.
Performance and Direction
The cast delivers solid performances, with Amy Forsyth standing out as the determined final girl. Reign Edwards and Bex Taylor-Klaus also provide strong support, adding depth to their characters. Director Gregory Plotkin, known for his work on “Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension” and as an editor for “Get Out,” effectively uses the amusement park setting to create a creepy and immersive atmosphere. The film’s strength lies in its setting, which offers a novel twist to the typical slasher formula.
Cinematography and Production Design
The cinematography by José David Montero effectively captures the vibrant and eerie environment of Hell Fest. The production design excels in bringing the horror-themed park to life, with intricate sets and atmospheric lighting that enhance the overall sense of dread. The use of practical effects and makeup, particularly for the killer’s mask designed by Tony Gardner (known for his work on “Happy Death Day” and “Scream”), adds to the film’s authentic horror aesthetic.
Themes and Symbolism
“Hell Fest” explores themes of fear, survival, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. The amusement park setting serves as a perfect backdrop to examine these themes, with the characters constantly questioning what is real. The film also touches on the voyeuristic nature of horror, as park visitors willingly subject themselves to staged scares, unaware of the real dangers lurking within.
Critical Reception
“Hell Fest” received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its fun, nostalgic approach to the slasher genre and the effective use of its setting, others criticized it for lacking originality and depth. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 39% approval rating, reflecting these divided opinions. Metacritic gives it a score of 26 out of 100, indicating generally unfavorable reviews. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film has been noted for its entertaining premise and atmospheric execution, making it a worthwhile watch for slasher fans.
Streaming Availability
“Hell Fest,” the film is available on various streaming platforms in the United States:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase.
- Apple iTunes: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rent or purchase.
- Vudu: Available for rent or purchase.
Conclusion
“Hell Fest” is a slasher film that offers a thrilling and spooky ride through a horror-themed amusement park. With solid performances and a unique setting, it provides plenty of scares and entertainment, especially suited for the Halloween season. While it may not break new ground in the horror genre, it delivers on its promise of fun and frights for fans of slasher films.
