When I saw a newspaper clipping of HH Holmes' "Murder Castle" framed on the living room wall, I was instantly intrigued and ready for a wild ride of mazes, sinister rooms, and all-out chaos. By the end of the movie, I was still waiting for them. There was so much potential with the plot that just didn't materialize. If you're going to reference the Murder Castle and suggest that the characters are in an updated version, you need to see that through. There were only two "murder rooms", if you will, but we see characters trying to navigate a poorly-lit hallway that suggests there are several more rooms to see in that gigantic mansion. Nope! Just two. And one is used more than once. It's as though there was a struggle between using the mansion to its full murderous potential, and spending the time on developing character relationships. In an hour and a half, it's difficult to do both. I think it would have made a great limited series if they had the time to flesh all of that out. In the end, I think it was less about drawing the parallels between the family and HH Holmes, and more about finding excuses to murder each other. From that standpoint, I was disappointed.
63 Reviews
Good film ruined by one stupid and I mean stupid scene
kjohn-778914 December 2023
Okay just finished watching this movie, even though the reviews on here are quite poor.
As I watched this film, I thought if it's crap, then I have always seen worse and boy are the worse films out there, even ones with big budgets.
The run time of the movie moved at a brisk pace and there was not one scene I thought that the film dragged on.
My only criticism is that one scene near the end, and I will say it here even though I won't be giving spoilers away.
The one scene and most people will know which one I am on about.
The scene where the daughter eats her dads eye, come on. This has to be the most stupidest scene I have seen for a very long time.
It wasn't done for shock value, because it failed on that, it wasn't done for gore because there was barely any in this scene. In fact it came across that it was played for laughs.
I am trying to get that stupid scene out of my head because apart from that I enjoyed the movie.
As I watched this film, I thought if it's crap, then I have always seen worse and boy are the worse films out there, even ones with big budgets.
The run time of the movie moved at a brisk pace and there was not one scene I thought that the film dragged on.
My only criticism is that one scene near the end, and I will say it here even though I won't be giving spoilers away.
The one scene and most people will know which one I am on about.
The scene where the daughter eats her dads eye, come on. This has to be the most stupidest scene I have seen for a very long time.
It wasn't done for shock value, because it failed on that, it wasn't done for gore because there was barely any in this scene. In fact it came across that it was played for laughs.
I am trying to get that stupid scene out of my head because apart from that I enjoyed the movie.
Um...okay
crazyonyou-024668 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
First off I want to say I didnt hate this movie, but I didn't like it either. There are some redeeming qualities with sets and lighting. Some of the acting was good some was heinous. I think there could have been a good story and thriller in this but they just went for the gore and forgot to develop a plausible plot. It seemed to build slowly and then tell you everything all at once. I wish it would have played the game out more and solved the actual mystery in the clues and evidence instead of they way they did it. It was anticlimactic and predictable. I saw that ending coming a mile away. I really wish they would have picked one theme, is it a murder mystery, saw like escape room, or an uncover deep family secrets movie... very few people could pull them all off in one film and this definitely wasn't it.
Just plain weird!
leon_staples24 October 2022
This movies biggest is puzzle is how they got Jon Voight to be in it. This movie has zero redeeming qualities, I'm not even sure what I just watched. Think of it as the saw meets knives out meets escape room but with none of the actual good bits. I should have known to steer clear when I saw that Jonathan Rhys Meyers was in it. If you do somehow decide that a couple of hours of your life are completely worthless and you would rather watch possibly one of the worst movies I have ever encountered than do literally anything else, then you have been warned, I gave you a heads up. This movie is just plain poor on every single level.
Dangerously lame: the legacy blunder
Stanlee10710 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
What happens if you bring a dysfunctional family together to celebrate a father's birthday & a murder game ensues? Well wonder no more, this is a disappointing answer to that question.
The acting & script are a mess. There is a couple of recognisable actors in this but it may be one of those pay check films devoid of any genuine interest from the cast. The plot is paper thin. The saw inspired "death games" have been done before and, in fact, done better than this. It attempts to be like solving a Sherlock Holmes case but lack the creativity & it is a bland case that any private eye could solve. The "twist ending" is so underwhelming that it leads me feeling apathetic to the characters' "endings". I endured an hour and half to reconsider life's choices. Please avoid watching this film. It is not worthy of your time. I saw it so any potential viewer do not have to.
The acting & script are a mess. There is a couple of recognisable actors in this but it may be one of those pay check films devoid of any genuine interest from the cast. The plot is paper thin. The saw inspired "death games" have been done before and, in fact, done better than this. It attempts to be like solving a Sherlock Holmes case but lack the creativity & it is a bland case that any private eye could solve. The "twist ending" is so underwhelming that it leads me feeling apathetic to the characters' "endings". I endured an hour and half to reconsider life's choices. Please avoid watching this film. It is not worthy of your time. I saw it so any potential viewer do not have to.
Incredible Performances
wishbinvisible24 September 2023
I titled this Incredible Performances because the performances were so incredibly bad. I have watched many movies in my 70+ years where you may have top box office actors and actresses who give sterling performances and it seems to draw in incredibly good performances from their costars. I've now learned that the reverse is also true. The acting in this movie is so poor that it dragged John Voight and Jonathan Rhys Myers down with them. I don't know if they are strapped for cash or why they would stoop to doing such an incredibly bad movie coupled with incredibly bad acting on their part. On top of that, even if they had performed well, the plot and storyline is so ridiculous that this goes in the annals of one of the worst movies ever. Oh. Two stars because it was not overly long. Thanks for that.
Well...they took a stab
christyengland-1810913 November 2022
While the plot seemed killer at first, all the intrigue was quickly murdered by a subpar script, butchered by 3rd teir directing skills, and laid to rest with some of the worst acting I have ever seen.
That being said, John Rhys Meyers and John Voight certainly did the best they could with an impossibly bad script. They showed their worth as actors, and were the only believable characters in the whole film. While some of the dialogue was even cringier than the abhorrent special effects, it was obviously not the actors fault. For their sake, I will give two stars. One for each of them.
But by all means...watch the film. Can't say I didn't warn you.
That being said, John Rhys Meyers and John Voight certainly did the best they could with an impossibly bad script. They showed their worth as actors, and were the only believable characters in the whole film. While some of the dialogue was even cringier than the abhorrent special effects, it was obviously not the actors fault. For their sake, I will give two stars. One for each of them.
But by all means...watch the film. Can't say I didn't warn you.
Genuinely Shocked At how bad the Acting was
binthaider-755-8228494 December 2023
Seriously wondering what the heck happened.
Was it meant to be cringey comical?
Absolutely NO ONE could act.
Genuinely Shocked!
I have never seen Jonathan Reys Meyers and Jon Voight act this badly before . And the rest of them seem to be lower than amateurs. I'd say fresh out of school but more like day one in school!
I have never heard of Will Sasso before but I sure hope I never ever see him again! How was he even casted.
The script writing was pathetic. Lack of empathy, lack of realism. I'm going to have to see my reviews and see if I have watched anything as silly, cringey and bad as this before.
Was it meant to be cringey comical?
Absolutely NO ONE could act.
Genuinely Shocked!
I have never seen Jonathan Reys Meyers and Jon Voight act this badly before . And the rest of them seem to be lower than amateurs. I'd say fresh out of school but more like day one in school!
I have never heard of Will Sasso before but I sure hope I never ever see him again! How was he even casted.
The script writing was pathetic. Lack of empathy, lack of realism. I'm going to have to see my reviews and see if I have watched anything as silly, cringey and bad as this before.
Animal lovers, skip this one!
kwally-1396230 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I certainly wish that I had. About five minutes in, a cute little kitten gets creamed in a garbage disposal-very graphic, very horrifying, and completely egregious. They never should have done that, because frankly the cat was the best actor in the cast. I think that Jonathan Rhys Meyers must have lost a bet or something-he has done much better work than this dreck, and I have no idea what drove him to sign on to this-even he couldn't carry this cast of has-beens and amateurs. This is another variation on a theme we've all heard, very slow paced, with no new twists. A good one to skip.
Zero out of ten.
Zero out of ten.
Worst camera work ever
danacheney-3386711 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
It's not a bad movie but it has it's flaws. As other people have said it is similar to other movies combined like Clue and Saw, just small elements. They apparently don't know how to use a steady cam because the camera work gave me a horrible headache.
It made absolutely no sense when someone was stabbed and lost an eye. The director must have thought the eye looked great and decided to throw it in a scene, literally. The special effects makeup artist are talented.
I wondered how Will Sasso ended up in the movie because he normally does comedy but he pulled off the part. I'm also puzzled why Jonathan Rhys Meyers is credited before Jon Voight and Will Sasso.
It made absolutely no sense when someone was stabbed and lost an eye. The director must have thought the eye looked great and decided to throw it in a scene, literally. The special effects makeup artist are talented.
I wondered how Will Sasso ended up in the movie because he normally does comedy but he pulled off the part. I'm also puzzled why Jonathan Rhys Meyers is credited before Jon Voight and Will Sasso.
Mishmash of other better films - don't bother
johnbthomasiii8017 May 2023
This is really a waste of time and I'm very sorry I spent my time watching it. The script is contrived and the "legacy" bit is so hokey when it is revealed that it just makes you want back the time you wasted watching it. There are so many aspects of this film that made me want to throw up my hands in exasperation: poor cinematography in that our perspective makes us believe something is happening that is not; a vast mansion that apparently only has a couple of rooms; laughable macguffins; nonsensical character development and interaction; and many more. BUT the most agregious problem is the overall plot and the final reveal: it literally - and I do mean literally- makes zero sense.
Voight is pathetic and Rhys Meyers is obviously drinking/on drugs again. Casting in general is questionable.
There is a seed of a good idea here, but all involved lost sight of it very early on.
Don't bother.
Voight is pathetic and Rhys Meyers is obviously drinking/on drugs again. Casting in general is questionable.
There is a seed of a good idea here, but all involved lost sight of it very early on.
Don't bother.
At Better than people give it credit for
caitwing175 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Interesting story line created off the history of H. H. Holmes and the Murder house. Good cast. Beautiful house and a good twist ending. It reminded me of the game Clue mixed with Ready or Not. The CGI wasn't the best but they did great on the practical effects and movie make up. Interesting tie in with H. H Holmes on the big reveal. It didn't cheat you on the horror scenes with quick flashes; it let you linger and suffer with the captors. It has a well developed storyline that kept me interested and engaged until the end. I only wish they would have shown more of the clues and pieces of the game. They explained the pieces of the riddles and the players thought processes well but I would've like to take my time with the game's case files, letters, and clues to feel like I was playing along too.
Interesting. Can't Decide if I like it or not... Worth a watch I suppose
roweshowsports2 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Very interesting movie. There are a lot of similarities in this movie that have characteristics of the movie clue and characteristics of the movie your next. I would say it's a mix of those Scripts without the comedy. That's the best way I can describe it. It has some bloody, gory scenes. Honestly probably has a lot of potential but I'm not sure it is executed as well as it possibly could have been, I'm a huge fan of Jonathan Rhys Meyers, I like everything he's in, I'm a huge fan of Jon Voight, Jonathan Rhys Meyers has had issues with alcohol, and I guess been hard to work with so the once a brilliant and promising actor has sort of been delegated to straight to video B-movie's which is really disappointing. But again I am wondering unless he just wanted to work or wanted the money, why Jon voight decided to do this movie maybe it's because of his political views he has basically been delegated to these types of movies? I'm not sure. Is it an interesting movie, worth a watch, you may like it, you may be confused, and like me not know if you like it or dislike it.
If I could give it a zero I would
lgtaylor2216 September 2023
Horrible movie. Do not waste your time. What is it with Hollywood these days? All they come up with is soul sucking crap. If it had some actual plot or some decent dialogue it could have been intriguing. Instead they made a slasher film with lots of foul language. Low brow and dumb. How on earth did they convince such talented actors to play in this movie? Just killing off your characters in the most bloody and awful ways does not make it a good movie. Irritatingly stupid but at the same time cruel and heartless. Kind of the perfect example everything that's wrong with the world today. Nobody involved in this movie should be proud of themselves.
Super bad movie
juanstaufert8 January 2023
This movie is lousy, lousy performances and stupid puzzles, it's a copy of saw in a mansion but bad enough that it makes others feel sorry!the gas room doesn't make any sense, the key in the heart doesn't have any riddles, everything is confusing and without a plot that fills you with suspense everything is illogical, absurd and cheap. I could not see a positive point in that movie that has neither head nor tail, it is a complete waste of time, I better watch saw and have fun because the puzzles were more entertaining than this disastrous movie.do not waste your time or your money because it is not worth more than to regret it, with this disgusting movie.
Terrible
elliemayes-9160710 July 2023
I gave it a watch because of the actors. However, it was like an Uncorked film production. Of course the acting was great. But the storyline was WEAK and rushed. Not enough dialogue that alluded to who JV's ancestor was. And it was STUPID to use a voice disguiser if the main characters already knew who was speaking. The characters were not very well developed either.
No protagonist. The ending could have been a lot stronger. The movie started out good, but fell apart after the first 20min. And by the way, the cat scene was unnecessary. But way to go on giving idiots out there ideas on new ways to abuse animals.
No protagonist. The ending could have been a lot stronger. The movie started out good, but fell apart after the first 20min. And by the way, the cat scene was unnecessary. But way to go on giving idiots out there ideas on new ways to abuse animals.
The Acting Is So Bad
gbarrett-3994129 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This may be the worst acting that I've seen especially when you factor in they used some credible actors. The girlfriends are both insufferable. They seems as if they just started acting the first day of the movie. The dad gets his foot graphically injured but is walking a little later with no pain. Jon Voight is his usually loopy self. The parents son dies and they barely seem to care. It's as if they all forgot that there were life and death stakes. I don't know they pain Jonathan and Jon, but it must have been a pretty Penny given how trash this movie is. If you have chores to do it is ok to have playing in the background.
In a word WOEFUL
roxmewild28 January 2024
There is nothing more annoying or frustrating than writers whom just can't be bothered this movie is a classical example of this! They are so lazy that they don't attempt to deliver a half decent story as that would take effort on their behalf it is obvious they are more interested in what they feel are Gory special effects which is an insult to the audience and our intelligence! If I was in the cast this movie would definitely be the one I tuck in the back of my resume hoping it gets lost as with such a woeful script even the top A listers would struggle! Suficeto say don't waste your time watching this trash.
Worst film and acting I have ever seen
bdtchdhypp5 December 2023
Warning! Don't waste your time!
Nothing original in the storyline, just a mix of copied ideas from other films. Unrealistic and terrible acting. Just one example of many terrible oversights/failures... how does a guy burn himself trying to pick up metal sizzors but seconds later lean on a metal table in the same room, despite the fact blood is boiling on that very same table 😂
Part of me couldn't help think that towards the end there was something to reveal it was all just an over the top spoof, but no, they were serious. How they could make this film, watch it back and not be too embarrassed to release it and put their names on it, is beyond me.
Genuinely the worst film I have ever seen. And this is the first review I have ever written because I felt a need to warn others against this pathetic life wasting attempt at a film.
Nothing original in the storyline, just a mix of copied ideas from other films. Unrealistic and terrible acting. Just one example of many terrible oversights/failures... how does a guy burn himself trying to pick up metal sizzors but seconds later lean on a metal table in the same room, despite the fact blood is boiling on that very same table 😂
Part of me couldn't help think that towards the end there was something to reveal it was all just an over the top spoof, but no, they were serious. How they could make this film, watch it back and not be too embarrassed to release it and put their names on it, is beyond me.
Genuinely the worst film I have ever seen. And this is the first review I have ever written because I felt a need to warn others against this pathetic life wasting attempt at a film.
Better than expected.
Sleepin_Dragon3 December 2023
Ellison Betts assembles his whole family together for a weekend at his mansion estate, but when the shutters come down, and an alarm sounds, the family realise that they're pawns in a deadly game.
First of all, I get why there is some hate for this movie, I totally get that.
If you're expecting a cosy family get together, think again, this is one dysfunctional family, one that hides a dark secret.
I was all set once again to bemoan another of Jonathan Rhys Meyers's awful film choices, but in a bizarre kind of way, I found myself somewhat enjoying it, I liked the whole tie in of H. H. Holmes, it was pretty interesting, although they didn't perhaps capitalise on it.
It's fairly gory, there are a couple of scenes that are fairly gross, the scene in the basement, perhaps the highlight, there are also a couple of unexpected twists and turns along the way too.
7/10.
First of all, I get why there is some hate for this movie, I totally get that.
If you're expecting a cosy family get together, think again, this is one dysfunctional family, one that hides a dark secret.
I was all set once again to bemoan another of Jonathan Rhys Meyers's awful film choices, but in a bizarre kind of way, I found myself somewhat enjoying it, I liked the whole tie in of H. H. Holmes, it was pretty interesting, although they didn't perhaps capitalise on it.
It's fairly gory, there are a couple of scenes that are fairly gross, the scene in the basement, perhaps the highlight, there are also a couple of unexpected twists and turns along the way too.
7/10.
Predictable like all the movies before
bnnlvrd20 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is so stupid that you know what is going to happen before it happens,and the ending is so sickening the little you know what, plans everything just to get the money, like all of the family in this nación, always killing they family for the money 💰💰💰 common. Wend will we see a movie that's really good and you don't know what will happen next,all of this rieders all of them got the same mentality and it's boring.example the loud mouth always gets it first and the stupid one last on till the end,they have to start making it more realistic, and stop that in the box thinking and then we can enjoy a good movie but these movies now they all of them are a waste of time why do you think you can see any movie in the internet because they know that people stop liking to go to the theaters to waste 10 or $12 just to watch a movie and the movie ain't worth a penny.
Piece of trash
mduncan-1411927 August 2023
Wasted over an hour watching this piece of trash and should have turned it off after one of the early scenes with the cat in the kitchen. I only started it thinking it was a murder mystery type genre and it had Jon Voight in it. Whoever took the time and money to put this overly gory trash on film should have their license revoked and camera taken away. And Jon Voight should be ashamed for being in it. He must have owed the film maker something. It's junk. I won't give it any stars because it doesn't deserve any, only a vomit and several poop emojis. Lesson: picking a movie due to an actor is a big mistake. And why is there such a fascination with the F word with directors and writers these days? They can't think of some more creative words to say? Isn't that a writer's job? Any 2 bit foul mouth kid can throw the F word around in a movie. 💩 💩🚽
Absolutely edge of your seat crime thriller. Many twists and turns but overall definitely a movie worth your time...
vanessaback17 June 2023
Absolutely edge of your seat crime thriller. Many twists and turns but overall definitely a movie worth your time and entertainment. Never expected any less after seeing the cast. Might not be as highly appreciated to watch by yourself and the younger crowd . Most definitely a mind twister. Certainly enjoyed it. No disappointment here. Without giving anything away as of spoilers can say that the cast themselves most definitely stood up and out to the challenge without a doubt a conversation piece to keep you guessing right to the very end. Only hope as many people get to enjoy this movie as much as we have overall. Wonderful to watch as a couple....
I think the movie is not bad
olcayozfirat22 December 2022
Horror movie of 2022. It is about the eldest of the family inviting all his family members to a mansion on an island on his birthday, where serial murders are committed with a game. I think the movie should be even higher than the current score average. There are some quotes from the movie "the saw" and "House on Haunted Hill". Although similar topics have been covered many times, they still arouse curiosity and are watched with interest. The reactions of the characters are somewhat artificial in the face of the events. They can return to normal immediately after losses.
There is no sex or nudity in the movie.
There is no sex or nudity in the movie.
A movie for people who don't like stories.
rapidreviews30 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is quite bad. There is a lot of heavy handed expository dialogue. You know the kind. Like one character says something like, 'Why can't you just admit you failed at running the family business 10 years ago, Dad!' and another character says something to the effect of 'Whoa big bro, are you just mad because Dad spent so much time with me and not you when we were kids?' Overall, the whole script is halting and poorly written.
Zero chemistry between this group of characters, which makes it hard to remember their relationships - who is married to whom, or in what capacity they are related. Accordingly, their reactions to the atrocities that happen are unbalanced and don't make sense given the supposed relationships.
Plot line could have been good, but is seemingly only half written. The namesake game with so much fanfare around it is easily solved within two or three questions. The reasoning for the crimes doesn't make sense. As others said, it's like Saw and Knives Out had a C-grade baby.
Zero chemistry between this group of characters, which makes it hard to remember their relationships - who is married to whom, or in what capacity they are related. Accordingly, their reactions to the atrocities that happen are unbalanced and don't make sense given the supposed relationships.
Plot line could have been good, but is seemingly only half written. The namesake game with so much fanfare around it is easily solved within two or three questions. The reasoning for the crimes doesn't make sense. As others said, it's like Saw and Knives Out had a C-grade baby.
See also
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