Hell Fest (2018)

Much like the recent "The Strangers" sequel, "Hell Fest" is far from a 'game-changer' as far as modern theatrical slasher films go. We're talking some basic shit right here, though I wouldn't go so far as to call it unwatchable. Honestly, I yearn for the now rare occasion in which a traditional slasher film is granted a wide release, whether it totally sucks or not.

Some college friends go to a horror theme park where a lunatic shows up, singles them out and proceeds to kill them off one by one...

That's it. Six kids being stalked by a killer in a hoodie and mask that looks like an Easter Island head sculpted out of excrement. Of the few kills, only two are worthwhile - namely, the mallet to the skull. The rest, are pretty generic stabbings, more or less. The movie's setting is definitely its strong suit - making for a good Halloween season 'feel'. I had actually visited a popular scare park a day or two before going to this movie so my mindset may have carried over a bit in adding to my fondness for this particular atmosphere and the particular 'vibe' here is pretty spot on. That said, there's really nothing "Hell Fest" does that calls for too hearty of a recommendation. It's weak on the kills for the most part, the killer isn't terrible looking but isn't going anywhere near 'iconic' status, and some of the stalking scenes kinda drag. At the end of the day, "Hell Fest" is passable but ultimately could've been better. A fine throw-away watch around October, if anything.