Hostel

Post by **Leisher** » Sun May 07, 2006 5:28 pm

A "horror" film by Eli Roth of Cabin Fever fame.

Going into this film I was very worried because Cabin Fever was an abomination. However, this film represents an obvious step forward for Mr. Roth. It still has lots of problems, but he's improving.

Without giving anything away, Hostel is about...wait for it...a hostel outside Amsterdam where bad things happen. Two Americans and an Icelander end up there looking to get laid after it's recommended to them by a local kid.

The problem with Hostel is that it's not really a horror flick. I guess it could be termed a "horror", but I'd classify it more as a drama in the vein of 8MM.

The storyline is fine with no terribly glaring errors (unlike Cabin Fever) and Eli has gotten better at writing realistic movements and actions for his characters. Where he still needs to improve though is giving them depth. He makes a slight mistake early on, and I'm not sure if the problem is his writing or direction, in leading viewers to feel strongly for the wrong characters. One character, in particular, meets a bad fate late in the film, but you don't care as this person is barely fleshed out. It's also never fleshed out why this person is there. In fact, it doesn't make a lot of sense why one particular type of person would go to this Hostel. (That statement will be easy to figure out once you see the film.)

The film is generally very predictible with no real surprised and I know the ads claim it's the scariest film in years, but don't believe the hype. It's anything but scary. Sure there are graphic moments and there is gore, but there is nothing scary about this film and even the gore is low key.

Another problem that will kill your immersion is the forced moments towards the end of the film. I can't say more without spoiling anything, but trust me, when one of them occurs, you'll think it's convenient and dumb.

Overall, this isn't a bad renter and is entertaining.

5 out of 10.

P.S. After you've seen it, you'll get this: It wouldn't work.

Malcolm · Post by **Malcolm** » Sun May 07, 2006 8:12 pm

This is in the queue. I may bump it up.

Post by **GORDON** » Sat Jun 10, 2006 10:46 pm

Yeah, I agree with Leisher. Not bad.... but I'll only get the DVD if I see it on sale. A really good sale.

And they HEARD about the hostel outside amsterdam... but it was actually located in the eastern bloc somewhere.

Post by **Vince** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 12:15 am

But how does it compare to Bordello of Blood?

Post by **GORDON** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 12:24 am

No comparison... Bordello rocked.

Malcolm · Post by **Malcolm** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 2:26 pm

Sequel in the works. To be released January 7, 2007.

Malcolm · Post by **Malcolm** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 12:37 pm

Finally got around to seeing this. How utterly fucking god-awful. Nothing made any goddamn sense. Roth's characters still act about as rationally as in "Cabin Fever." My respect for Tarantino went down a notch after seeing the "presents" credit he got in the opening.