I would vote this movie lower but I think that's what Dylan Walsh character would have wanted. He has alot of generic parts with some really poor dialogue exchanges. I can't help feel that some of the actors where just picked off the street it's very poor. The plot is completely unfounded although the effect are okay. Dylan Walsh's character is the only thing stopping me giving this a lower score because its an complete oddity. It seems to jarr against the movie and for some reason he is the most entertaining thing by far. His character has a terriable clichéd back story and his behaviour is so odd. The rest of the film takes it self semi seriously while he just seems to be having a blast. I have to give the movie credit for this because its completely original in the regard. Everything else about the movie is pretty pants to be fair.
35 Reviews
Nothing special but watchable.
jmbovan-47-1601736 September 2020
Nothing new here. Still, it does have enough random elements that I enjoyed watching it overall. Drug addict director is given second chance with a fright fest. And of course a bus transporting the criminally insane just happens to crash near by the abandoned asylum that is housing the fright fest. Go Figure! I wish there was a bit more to the ending rather than just "It ends." Production quality is low in some areas (i.e. Did they simply ask people to walk through the fright fest and "act scared"?), but oddly enough I enjoyed the actors and some of the main characters enough to enjoy watching this film. But, if you don't enjoy basic slasher films without much plot or character development, this isn't for you.
Mindless gore fest
Leofwine_draca4 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
FRIGHT FEST is yet another low budget horror film which early on takes the form of a mindless gore fest and never really develops from there. Annoying and underwritten characters work their way through a nonsensical and uninteresting plotline which is really an excuse to stage one kill scene after another. As usual violent prisoners go on the rampage to bump off anyone they come across, and particular care has been taken to deliver prosthetic effect after prosthetic effect. But if you're looking for any kind of filmmaking quality whatsoever then you've come to the wrong place.
10 star ratings are ridiculous and wrong
RealisticCritic22 March 2019
I like all kinds of movies. They don't have to be cinematic masterpieces or high budget films for me to enjoy them.
That being said, this was horrible. These 10 star "rave" reviews have to be fake. If somebody actually did like this boring, plodding mess it should still only rate a 6, maybe 7, tops.
Nothing was interesting, yet I stuck it out until the end thinking maybe it was a reverse horror flick, in that the body of the movie was bad and the ending would somewhat redeem it (as opposed to the more prominent opposite). Nope.
The only thing I could think of that was remotely positive was Pancho Moler's performance. I mean, I like Dylan Walsh, but even his character didn't interest me.
No, this was lame, predictable (which generally isn't bad in itself but didn't help this movie's case), and pointless to watch. The ending was just as bad as the rest of the film, and felt like it was going to continue for a couple more minutes yet just stopped. I couldn't even handle watching it straight through, I had to break it up between two nights of viewing.
So don't believe the 10 star ratings. If, by some miraculous universal paradox you did find this entertaining, then it still wouldn't be worth a 10. I absolutely hate coming on here and seeing those kinds of pandering reviews since they ruin any kind of fair representation. Which is usually when I decide to add my own.
That's why this is here. To let you know that this boring sludge fest is nowhere near close to being a "perfect horror masterpiece" no matter what your tastes are.
That being said, this was horrible. These 10 star "rave" reviews have to be fake. If somebody actually did like this boring, plodding mess it should still only rate a 6, maybe 7, tops.
Nothing was interesting, yet I stuck it out until the end thinking maybe it was a reverse horror flick, in that the body of the movie was bad and the ending would somewhat redeem it (as opposed to the more prominent opposite). Nope.
The only thing I could think of that was remotely positive was Pancho Moler's performance. I mean, I like Dylan Walsh, but even his character didn't interest me.
No, this was lame, predictable (which generally isn't bad in itself but didn't help this movie's case), and pointless to watch. The ending was just as bad as the rest of the film, and felt like it was going to continue for a couple more minutes yet just stopped. I couldn't even handle watching it straight through, I had to break it up between two nights of viewing.
So don't believe the 10 star ratings. If, by some miraculous universal paradox you did find this entertaining, then it still wouldn't be worth a 10. I absolutely hate coming on here and seeing those kinds of pandering reviews since they ruin any kind of fair representation. Which is usually when I decide to add my own.
That's why this is here. To let you know that this boring sludge fest is nowhere near close to being a "perfect horror masterpiece" no matter what your tastes are.
Not even a spoof
Saiph908 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I have read some reviews saying this is an excellent spoof on B movie horrors, it fails at everything. It is not funny, it is not a horror it is beyond boring. The script is basic, the special effects below average, acting is awful I was conscious that everyone was acting, it looked like they were reading autocues. The production values awful, when the lad who had his figures cut off was having them bandaged you could see his clenched fist, the people electrocuted lowered themselves to the floor. There was no buy in the characters as everyone was tissue thin. This was an awful depicting a loony killing people a waste of 90 minutes.
Be afraid ...
kosmasp14 January 2019
... be very afraid. For what reasons you ask? Well that will be entirely up to you. Chances are the reasons will be the wrong ones - a majority of people who've watched this agree, that it's not really good. But that is not my reason for voting so low. It's because I watched it and unfortunately it really did not hold up to the title or a certain B-movie standard.
It does try very hard and I'll give it a fair point for trying. But in the end all the effort almost goes to waste. The jokes do not work as well as the movie intends, the special effects are ok for the budget this had. If that is enough of course for your taste. It's really a shame, because a lot of things might have worked better under different circumstances. But if you're only out for "blood" (interested in many watching many different kills), you may get something out of this
It does try very hard and I'll give it a fair point for trying. But in the end all the effort almost goes to waste. The jokes do not work as well as the movie intends, the special effects are ok for the budget this had. If that is enough of course for your taste. It's really a shame, because a lot of things might have worked better under different circumstances. But if you're only out for "blood" (interested in many watching many different kills), you may get something out of this
A nice idea, but a terrible film.
deralexanderda24 March 2021
Where to start?
Thankfully it's only 87 minutes long. Any longer would have been cruel and unusual punishment, and I haven't done anything wrong!
The script is bad. The music is bad. The direction is non-existent. The special effects and makeup are awful. There is no acting ability on display whatsoever.
Avoid at all costs and find something better to do with your 87 minutes.
Thankfully it's only 87 minutes long. Any longer would have been cruel and unusual punishment, and I haven't done anything wrong!
The script is bad. The music is bad. The direction is non-existent. The special effects and makeup are awful. There is no acting ability on display whatsoever.
Avoid at all costs and find something better to do with your 87 minutes.
The worst film I've ever seen
wxprdhz15 September 2021
I've never felt compelled to write a review until this. Everything, editing; story; music; acting; and production are awful! I'd be embarrassed to put this out as a media studies project. Seriously, the worst film I've seen in memory.
Awful!
finlayargyle4 July 2019
Lazy, horrible ending...Could have been clearer...
AndyVanScoyoc15 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Have you ever watched a movie and thought...Wow...this sucks...
But you watch it anyway because while it's bad you just gotta see how it ends?
This flop fest would go into that category. Worth a watch if you can see it for free...but if you pay to watch it, you're crazy.
Low budget plotline with a decent budget for filming...could have been a LOT better.
Am I the only one who would like to see a horror film with some brains?
Maybe the two aren't ever meant to combine... because this film could have done something more than it did.
I've seen better...I've seen worse. What I want to see is something good, something new, something fresh, something not boring in real slash em up horror.
I'm not holding my breath. The industry is far too happy continuing cranking out this cookie cutter junk.
But you watch it anyway because while it's bad you just gotta see how it ends?
This flop fest would go into that category. Worth a watch if you can see it for free...but if you pay to watch it, you're crazy.
Low budget plotline with a decent budget for filming...could have been a LOT better.
Am I the only one who would like to see a horror film with some brains?
Maybe the two aren't ever meant to combine... because this film could have done something more than it did.
I've seen better...I've seen worse. What I want to see is something good, something new, something fresh, something not boring in real slash em up horror.
I'm not holding my breath. The industry is far too happy continuing cranking out this cookie cutter junk.
I think people are missing the point
bigncruce28 August 2018
Good Mindless watching
cameronleehorace1 November 2020
Ok This film isn't going to win Oscars for best acting or directing. But it's great mindless watching for Halloween! People giving bad reviews would be right to but I think it's just a Hollywood diversion type of flick and not supposed to be an art movie of any kind, it is what it is. Saying that it was very cliche and the sleezy director types really rubbed me up the wrong way. I don't like this depection of a director as it gives other filmmakers a bad name. But it's a pretty fun film.
Fun horror
bobeaumont27 August 2019
What's with the hate?
This is perfect little cheap horror film, acting is ok, as is the story, but the main thing is the special effects are very good, and the kills are great.
Just relax and enjoy the fun, there are far worse horror films out there.
Low budget nonsense
elliotjeory14 November 2021
just not very good
heavenmisc14 December 2019
It obviously isn't meant to be a serious horror movie, but overall the acting was bland, the plot poorly executed, and the jokes not funny. Leave this on in the background for white noise, I guess. It's a typical B movie with nothing particularly special about it.
Could Have Been a Gem
chriswh-714-76679831 December 2019
The plot had so much potential, and the set design/misé en scene matched perfectly from what you'd expect from a Halloween-themed movie. Even on a poor budget, the film's editing, screenplay/script, and acting fail to justify the film's existence. Characters are not just paper thin- but fail to match common stereotypes- rendering them completely un relatable and unlikeable. The first half had a decent pace, but the second half of the film drags on and on. Unfortunately, this film is not so bad that it's good- it's simply unwatchable. Unless you are very young and easily frightened, you are better off rewatching a horror classic instead of this sad attempt at B-Movie Horror.
What even is this?!?
HorrorFanatic4Life26 June 2019
I'm not one to really put trash-talking reviews out there, but this one warranted one of the few bad reviews I've ever given.
To be honest, I stopped it 20 minutes in because it was just not worth my time to go any further. I couldn't even tell you what it was supposed to be about or what I had even watched in that 20 minutes because it was that bad for me.
I'm not at all saying it's because it's a lower budget, "B-movie" considering I've found several of those that ended up being really good, but there is a lot more that could have been done or not done in this movie. Also not saying it's not worth watching, as I'm sure some people enjoy terrible movies like this, but I'm definitely not one of those people!
I want my $1 back from renting this!!
To be honest, I stopped it 20 minutes in because it was just not worth my time to go any further. I couldn't even tell you what it was supposed to be about or what I had even watched in that 20 minutes because it was that bad for me.
I'm not at all saying it's because it's a lower budget, "B-movie" considering I've found several of those that ended up being really good, but there is a lot more that could have been done or not done in this movie. Also not saying it's not worth watching, as I'm sure some people enjoy terrible movies like this, but I'm definitely not one of those people!
I want my $1 back from renting this!!
Horror needs to go back to its roots!
realrobocop-3950222 May 2019
Acting, dialogue, and directing all takes a turn for the worse right from the start, the sheer reason for this abomination of a film must of been a project, the gore and the amount of deaths were acceptable, waste of time 101
Twisted
smidebarry28 August 2018
Pretty much like a survivor horror movie. Give it a shot!
maheenggmu28 September 2018
Fun
guillermog230 August 2018
I typically veer from horror movies, but enjoyed watching this movie. The premise is good, and the story flows. It avoids an onslaught of cheap, gratuitous, and sensationalistic gore, and leaves much of that to the imagination--the "horror" is in the storyline, not in special effects. One can easily focus on any of several of the characters and delve into a satisfying psychological/sociological discussion; one can just as easily simply watch it and have fun with it. I'd like to see a sequel.
Now, if every movie you watch has to have the gravitas and cinematic weight of a Fellini, then perhaps you should stick strictly with Fellini. This movie accomplishes it's goal, and should be rated on that alone.
Now, if every movie you watch has to have the gravitas and cinematic weight of a Fellini, then perhaps you should stick strictly with Fellini. This movie accomplishes it's goal, and should be rated on that alone.
Not a bad movie,
aleksandercieply30 January 2021
Fun popcorn horror
brianqnyc27 August 2018
Definitely worth the watch. A slasher flick that pokes fun at itself and with no self importance. Lots of kills and a slasher villain that brings the goods.
Nothing new in the genre but delivers what looks like a low rent version of the upcoming Hell Fest or Blood Fest.
Dylan Walsh steals the show
Coffee_in_the_Clink14 October 2023
The mayor of Sommerton is out of favour in the recent polls. What better way to win back his popularity this Halloween than to organise a fright fest for the town? The 'deadbeat;, alcoholic, misanthrophic and drug-addled horror director Spencer Crowe (Dylan Walsh) is recruited to set it up and run it for the town. The mayor has the connections to get him off his latest DUI, so Crowe needs to deliver. Crowe sets himself in the control room of the local abandoned asylum, puts his minions to work, and opens the doors to Sommerton. But a bus transporting the criminally insane ends up on the side of the road outside the town, and a vicious killer ends up at the fright fest and runs amok...
Cheap gore, over-the-top characters and performances, sharp dialogue and an absolutely insane atmosphere, make this a very enjoyable film. I really enjoyed Dylan Walsh's performance, and thought that he really made the film. The writing is the film's strongest point, at least when it comes to the dialogue. Not that it is by any means Oscar-worthy, but for what it is, "American Fright Fest" more than delivers. It is typical low-budget fare; there are plenty of kills and enough going on to make the film run nicely. The gore is cheap but plentiful. The ending is a let down, as many others have stated here, but I really enjoyed it for its dark humour and the misfit characters.
Cheap gore, over-the-top characters and performances, sharp dialogue and an absolutely insane atmosphere, make this a very enjoyable film. I really enjoyed Dylan Walsh's performance, and thought that he really made the film. The writing is the film's strongest point, at least when it comes to the dialogue. Not that it is by any means Oscar-worthy, but for what it is, "American Fright Fest" more than delivers. It is typical low-budget fare; there are plenty of kills and enough going on to make the film run nicely. The gore is cheap but plentiful. The ending is a let down, as many others have stated here, but I really enjoyed it for its dark humour and the misfit characters.
See also
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