I like martial arts/tournaments movies and i enjoy strange horror theme movies. So when i saw this movie on the store, i was intrigued. I originally wanted to watch it on Halloween season as its when i prefer to watch horror movies, but seeing it on sale on Xbox for like 2$ rental, i couldn't help myself and decided ill watch it right away.
So i knew the budget was gonna be very small, this is an indy flick. I think overall they did fine with that they had. The makeup for the monsters is alright,the martial arts itself is decent, not amazing but definately not sluggish, the electronic music is typical of these low budget "psychadelic bad trip" movies where things get stranger and stranger. The camera work does feel very indy but its alright and lastly, the acting is a mix bag.
The "host" was really the highlight, he got energy, he is goofy but not too goofy, make you feel a bit uncomfortable while being entertaining. Don't get me wrong, he is rather by the book for this type of character but the actor had fun with it and reminded me a bit of Azazael in Supernatural.
Sadly i can't say the same for the lead actress. Altough her action scenes were decent, her acting was uninspired, boring, and wooden. She never seem to react to anything, whatever its strange, scary or whatever. She always has that stoic boring face. I don't know if thats how the director wanted the character to be played or simply a lack of acting talent, but i didn't felt compell by her at all. The rest of he actors are alright but their role are rather small.
When i say the movie is strange, its because i feel its the kind of movie you should watch while being drunk or stone very late at night, to kinda immerse yourself in the delirium that is happening. Its hard to explain with words but its a flick i wouldn't watch in the afternoon sobber.
Since there is only a few reviews, i want to keep mine spoiler free so i won't talk too much on the plot, but overall i taught it was alright and you get the point of it. I was just a little disapointed that the monsters per say are not really explored much. I mean, i supose they are there to fit the hellish theme while giving foes that are menacing and seem like an hard to cross over obstacle, but the opponents could had simply been big demon dudes and it would had kinda fit the same purpose. That said it does not really matter that much ultimately as i feel the movie serve its purpose and tell its story fine.
So overall i had a decent time to finish my night, glad i saw it. But really just a rental for a one time watch. Be aware tough that you gotta enjoy low budget horror movies to make the best out of it, and as Jeremy Jahns would say, its a better time, if you're drunk :-)
