Eli Roth's hostel

[FilmMakerr]

I didn't like Hostel.

I expected some brutal stuff to come out of it, stuff I'd never see anywhere else, but all I got were no more then one or two scenes of blood.

To be honest, I actually liked Cabin Fever better, because atleast that wasn't advertised like Hostel was.

 

[Jeremy Ordan]

Hudson,

Once again, I am really agreeing with you regarding this film and what works and what doesn't.

One thing that I wish that you would have commented on though was the use of sound. During the torture scenes the use of sound really makes this the ideal film to learn how to use sound effectively in a horror film. I even did a test with this film. I watched the torture scenes once normal with sound going and everything else. I cringed. Then I watched it again with the sound muted, no cringe. Now just to prove my point, again, watched it with sound, cringe. This film really does have the best use of sound for effect since the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre (original).

In general though, this is a disappointment on so many fronts. With your classic horror films you believe that these things could happen to you, whereas with this film, it just never seems all that plausible. Plus, if I was as big of a tool as these characters, it deserves to happen to me.

-Jeremy

 

[Jdaniels]

I have to agree with you. I am actually a long time purveyor of uber-gore. I spend some time searching the nooks and crannies of New york for the really underground rare stuff but I don't know what my or others fascination with it is. Then again I also can't comprehend the person who buys an Ashley Simpson CD for her "musical ability".
Same thing isnt it?

 

[Bsmith]

I actually thought this movie was more "porn" than "horror". At the end..I was like what? thats it? After watching an hour of sex, I get 15 minutes of scary time?

The sex scenes weren't even that good. I've seen better porn than this.

 

[Blaine]

After watching this movie I felt like I needed to take a shower. It is beyond me what QT saw in this and why he'd associate his name with it. It really pissed me off because of the story...or more to the point, lack of story. If you want a mindless, and I do mean mindless, gorefest, this might be your movie. If you like a movie that makes sense, this ain't it. Contrived is far too mild a word for this POS. I think you were WAY to generous, John and Yankee, in your assessment of this movie. I'm angry that I spent the time to watch it. Horror? Hardly. There was nothing remotely scary about this movie. It was just 93 minutes of gratuitous sex and gore.

On the positive side, the gore was done well. So much for the positive side.

Not for one minute while watching this movie did I believe the characters and the positions they found/put themselves in. And the idea of that guy going back for the girl was ludicrous. No one saw them...give me a ****ing break. Contrived. I didn't like From Dusk Til Dawn for many reasons but compared to this, it should have won an Oscar for best picture.

And that band of kids...wtf was that all about? With the whole Slovak nation looking for him, he gets out????:shocked:

And coincidence piled on top of coincidence. This movie was just insulting.

 

[J.R. Hudson]

Great review; and I too am getting more and more annoyed with each passing movie moment. I just breezed through Tobe Hoopers Morturary and it was by far more compelling than Hostel (I'm not saying Morturary was good per se)

-

I watched about 20 Minutes of Behind the Scenes on Hostel and decided I don't like Eli Roth. The first words out of his mouth are:

The toilet is shallow and without water and I can feel the steam of my **** as it is 2 inches from my sack.... and then he proceeds to say **** every other word there on out

-

What's the hype on this guy ? Also, Cabin Fever was alright from an indiependent standpoint, but really ? Why is everyone smoking this guy off ?

Rob Zombie blows this clown out of the water and get's less attention.

-

Rant over

-

Sigh

 

[Blaine]

I wasn't wild about House of 1000 Corpses but it was WAAAY better than Hostel. After watching the movie I really had no desire to watch the special features. I probably should have "cooled off" and done the review tomorrow but I don't think it would make any difference. Usually, if a movie is bad, I just don't like it. It takes beyond bad for a movie piss me off.

 

[Jeremy Ordan]

You know, the three of us normally agree with each other regarding most films (except Blaine refuses to bow down to the brilliance of Rob Zombie... in time you will my son), but for me I think I'm getting more and more pissed about this film as time goes by.

Honestly, the only redeaming quality is that the sound for this film is exactly what sound should sound like in a horror film. Not the score, not the dialogue, the misc foley effects (like the toe being chopped) that make you cringe.

That is the only redeaming quality. I don't know, mother ****ing eli roth...

-Jeremy

 

[Cephalectomy]

Personally, I liked Hostel. I thought it was fun, not everyone nitpicks like film makers about small things. Was this movie genious? No. However, I haven't seen too many that are. It had a small budget and I thought this movie was "fun". I hate that everyone places so much emphasis on "realistic" these days. 99% of movies are NOT realistic, they're movies made to entertain. I noticed someone mentioned the characters weren't memorable enough, personally, i hate big stars in movies, all u can do is associate that actor with something else they did, it takes away from a movie, especially horror I think. As for realitsic, there's a lot of boring people out there, we don't all stick out, why do these folks have to? I think it's more "realitsic" to have them not be anything special. As for gore and stuff, a lot of people complained that this movie didn't push the envelope like was advertised, well, you're NEVER going to see a movie released in the theatre with loads of realitsic violence/gore. The ratings board just won't let it go, all these movies (Hostel, Saw, Devil's Rejects, Hills Have Eyes, etc) get cut. If you want all out gross out, you have to go for the more indepenant stuff, and in turn that means smaller budgets, so it's that lovely catch 22, there's no winning on both levels. Anyways, I thought this movie was enjoyable but of course overhyped like all movies these days. If you buy into the hype, you screwed yourself, people should know better these days. It's all marketing. I personally liked Cabin Fever better, even though everyone seems to hate it.

Biggest dissapointment for me : High Tension. ..Awesome Gore, Nice Camera shots....HORRIBLE TWIST. Anyways, that was pointless, but just wanted to toss it in.

 

[Blaine]

QT's patronage of this movie kinda scares me. I hope he doesn't let it affect him and what he plans to turn out in the future. I realize he served as Executive Producer but when he puts his stamp on a movie (I believe it said Quentin Tarantino Presents) he must be held accountable. I think it affects his credibility. Will I think the next thing he puts his name on is worth seeing? Maybe not. It's no longer a slam dunk.

 

[J.R. Hudson]

Personally, I liked Hostel. I thought it was fun, not everyone nitpicks like film makers about small things.

Small things ? Nitpicking ? This film is nothing but an overhyped average horror film.

[/quote]Was this movie genious? No. [/quote]

It was average.

However, I haven't seen too many that are.

I can think of a ton of films better than this garbage

It had a small budget and I thought this movie was "fun".

The budget was 4 Million. Amazing what they accomplished with $4 Million. Of course, the 20 million in marketing surely helped propel it to the 47 Million Domestic gross (not very good) but the ratio is expense to profit ratio is huge.

I hate that everyone places so much emphasis on "realistic" these days.

Dont hate. It is not about realism, it is about plausibility, that of which this film has none.

99% of movies are NO0T realistic, they're movies made to entertain.

Again, it is not the realism factor, it is the bullshit factor.

I noticed someone mentioned the characters weren't memorable enough, personally, i hate big stars in movies, all u can do is associate that actor with something else they did, it takes away from a movie, especially horror I think.

I said it and to make it clear to you, I do not want moviestars but at least give me characters I can care about. I wouldnt hire these actors. At least a film like Texas Chainsaw (remake) or Scream has characters that are likable and memorable. This film has none of that (Sans the naked dames)

[/quote]As for realitsic, there's a lot of boring people out there, we don't all stick out, why do these folks have to? I think it's more "realitsic" to have them not be anything special. [/quote]

I have no idea what you are talking about here.

As for gore and stuff, a lot of people complained that this movie didn't push the envelope like was advertised, well, you're NEVER going to see a movie released in the theatre with loads of realitsic violence/gore. The ratings board just won't let it go, all these movies (Hostel, Saw, Devil's Rejects, Hills Have Eyes, etc) get cut.

I need none of the gore as it is usually the imagination that works better; think Se7en or even The Devils' Rejects. For what it is worth, I watched the UNRATED edition and it has more than enough gore for my tastes.

I thought this movie was enjoyable but of course overhyped like all movies these days. If you buy into the hype, you screwed yourself, people should know better these days. It's all marketing. I personally liked Cabin Fever better, even though everyone seems to hate it.

I too thought Cabin Fever was a better film (although not the sensation everyone else seems to think it was). I dont think anyone here (being filmmakers) buys into film hype. But let's examine the DVV Cover:

You should see the back of it:

Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill 1 and Kill Bill 2) present ...... (Blain is absolutely correct; what the **** is QT thinking attaching his name to such mediocrity ?
Jay Hernandez (Friday Night Fights!) and the dude from (Dumb and Dumberer) and Eli Roth (Cabin Fever) and blah blah ........

Biggest dissapointment for me : High Tension. ..Awesome Gore, Nice Camera shots....HORRIBLE TWIST. Anyways, that was pointless, but just wanted to toss it in.

Didnt see it as it looked 'Eh...' Sides, how scary can a French Film be anyway ?

-

Anyways; props to a 4 Million dollar picture making 70 Mil.

 

[krestofre]

Well, so much for looking forward to the film version of King's Cell.

 

[J.R. Hudson]

I thought the same thing (and am reading the novel now).

 

[Cephalectomy]

<Small things ? Nitpicking ? This film is nothing but an overhyped average horror film. >

so then, you bought into the hype? if not then the hype shouldn't matter


<It was average.>

Overall, yes. By todays standards in horror, i'd say better then average.


<I can think of a ton of films better than this garbage>

Horror films, as of recent? Please name a few, in my experiences a lot of people like horror films i would call garbage. It's all a matter of opinion of course.


<The budget was 4 Million. Amazing what they accomplished with $4 Million. Of course, the 20 million in marketing surely helped propel it to the 47 Million Domestic gross (not very good) but the ratio is expense to profit ratio is huge.>

yup, 4 million is pretty minimal for a feature length movie with a worldwide theatrical release. And yes, a lot was spent on marketing, any movie that makes any huge amount of money has surely done the same.


<Dont hate. It is not about realism, it is about plausibility, that of which this film has none.>

I think what happened in this film in theory could happen, I didn't find anything exceptionally impossible. Likely however, no, but I can't say that for many movies, especially from the U.S. since everyone feels the need to come out with a happy ending or an over the top story.


<Again, it is not the realism factor, it is the bullshi* factor.>

guess it depends on what you consider realistic or not, i think it's purely subjective, like many things.


<I said it and to make it clear to you, I do not want moviestars but at least give me characters I can care about. I wouldnt hire these actors. At least a film like Texas Chainsaw (remake) or Scream has characters that are likable and memorable. This film has none of that (Sans the naked dames)>

See, me and you are on a different level I believe, I like underground horror, I personally hated the TCM remake, I though it was one of the biggest piles of **** released in recent years. Scream I can respect, it was doing something a little different, or trying to at least and it was the original of these brand of movies. I do understand your need to care about the characters, that's what makes their torture/death more "painful" to watch. I cared enough for it to get the point across, but no, these actors weren't amazing. However, when compared to a lot of old horror movies, which are my favs, the acting is definitely far beyond those.


[/quote]As for realitsic, there's a lot of boring people out there, we don't all stick out, why do these folks have to? I think it's more "realitsic" to have them not be anything special. [/quote]

<I have no idea what you are talking about here. >

All I was trying to say is that characters don't always have to stand out or have a lot of substance to them, I don't know about you, maybe you live a big life with a lot going on but being someone from a small town, i see a lot of boring uninteresting people I could care less about, and that to me is realistic.


<I need none of the gore as it is usually the imagination that works better; think Se7en or even The Devils' Rejects. For what it is worth, I watched the UNRATED edition and it has more than enough gore for my tastes.>

I haven't watched the uncut version yet, i should have it monday (i rent dvds through mail), I've only seen the theatrical release. I agree that Seven and The Devil's Rejects are good movies. Gore isn't necessary but it can also be fun, and the devil's rejects wasn't exactly horror, it was more of an explotation film if you ask me. The most uncomfortable scene in that is the hotel scene likely, it was just the crude unforgiving actions and dialog that made it work.


<I too thought Cabin Fever was a better film (although not the sensation everyone else seems to think it was). I dont think anyone here (being filmmakers) buys into film hype. But let's examine the DVV Cover:

You should see the back of it:

Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill 1 and Kill Bill 2) present ...... (Blain is absolutely correct; what the poo poo is QT thinking attaching his name to such mediocrity ?
Jay Hernandez (Friday Night Fights!) and the dude from (Dumb and Dumberer) and Eli Roth (Cabin Fever) and blah blah ........>

Well being the producer, he likely forked some cash into it, he obviously liked the idea and is likely friends with Eli. It's just another marketing ploy, people should know better these days, and if not, then hey, all the better for Eli. I personally think QT is highly over rated, i'm not saying i don't like his style but the way he is praised gets tiresome, I like Reservoir Dogs a lot, but didn't give two shits about Pulp Fiction, I enjoyed Kill Bill but all he did was rip off other Kung Fu movies to make his own. The guy obviously has talent but he's no godsend...again....simply my opinion.



<Didnt see it as it looked 'Eh...' Sides, how scary can a French Film be anyway ?>

Well that's kind of ignorant isn't it, who cares if he's french or not, frankly the movie was really well done, i just don't care for this new trend of twists and the twist in this movie was a bit of a cheap i'd say. However had it been more straight forward I'd of loved it, the look was great, the gore was great and it actually managed to make me jump in one spot which is pretty uncommon these days. I haven't seen a movie that "scared" me in, i don't know how long. I'm too desensitized to horror now I guess.


<Anyways; props to a 4 Million dollar picture making 70 Mil.>

Indeed. Also, I hope none of these comments sounded like attacks on your opinions, don't take them as such, just trying to give me side to your comments. :nads:

 

[J.R. Hudson]

so then, you bought into the hype? if not then the hype shouldn't matter

No no no. I watch everything. Hype does not affect me. It is just irritating to see QT pimping it.

Overall, yes. By todays standards in horror, I'd say better then average.

I dont judge on genre curves. Just as a flick.

Horror films, as of recent? Please name a few

In the last 2 years ? The Devils Reject's, Dawn of the Dead 04, Shaun of the Dead, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Secret Window, Saw, The Village, Constantine, Amityville Horror 05 ...

yup, 4 million is pretty minimal for a feature length movie with a worldwide theatrical release. And yes, a lot was spent on marketing, any movie that makes any huge amount of money has surely done the same.

They should shoot all films in Prague with these prices.

I think what happened in this film in theory could happen, I didn't find anything exceptionally impossible. Likely however, no, but I can't say that for many movies, especially from the U.S. since everyone feels the need to come out with a happy ending or an over the top story.

In theory, time travel is possible. But our point is, we are not stoked on the conveniently wrapped up plot in the 3rd act.

guess it depends on what you consider realistic or not, i think it's purely subjective, like many things.

It is pretty strict, my rules of realism (plausible).

See, me and you are on a different level I believe, I like underground horror, I personally hated the TCM remake, I though it was one of the biggest piles of shi* released in recent years. Scream I can respect, it was doing something a little different, or trying to at least and it was the original of these brand of movies. I do understand your need to care about the characters, that's what makes their torture/death more "painful" to watch. I cared enough for it to get the point across, but no, these actors weren't amazing. However, when compared to a lot of old horror movies, which are my favs, the acting is definitely far beyond those.

Never said they could not act; just was not impressed with them. They lack longevity. They lack that' Qaulity' of wanting to see them again. Not sure what level you speak of; A good film is a good film, a bad film is a bad film.

I personally think QT is highly over rated, i'm not saying i don't like his style but the way he is praised gets tiresome, I like Reservoir Dogs a lot, but didn't give two shi*s about Pulp Fiction, I enjoyed Kill Bill but all he did was rip off other Kung Fu movies to make his own. The guy obviously has talent but he's no godsend...again....simply my opinion.

Now I know were on different playing fields. Blasphemy. How can I even talk film with you after this ? (I'm crying in the fetal position now)

Well that's kind of ignorant isn't it, who cares if he's french or not, frankly the movie was really well done, i just don't care for this new trend of twists and the twist in this movie was a bit of a cheap i'd say. However had it been more straight forward I'd of loved it, the look was great, the gore was great and it actually managed to make me jump in one spot which is pretty uncommon these days. I haven't seen a movie that "scared" me in, i don't know how long. I'm too desensitized to horror now I guess.

Come to think of it, what is the French contribution to cinema? (Beyond the NEw Wave moevement I mean)

Indeed. Also, I hope none of these comments sounded like attacks on your opinions, don't take them as such, just trying to give me side to your comments.

No of course not. I'll let you know if they are offensive (I have banning power) Muahahahahahah! Kidding.
Seriously, please let me know as well if remarks come acorss as intrusive. Most likely they are not intended that way.

 

[Aaron Marshall]

I just don't want to see this movie.

I dislike Eli Roth from Cabin Fever. Anyone that could create that mess can't be playing with a full deck.

Pancakes?

After Cabin Fever was over I just sat there in a pissed off trance for about 30 seconds. I kept thinking, "Did I just waste that much of my life? I could have spent that time sculpting figurines out of day old dog crap. I would have felt far less violated intellectually.". I wanted to throw a brick through the TV, but then I came to my senses. It wasn't the TV's fault...but then I thought, "But the TV did display the movie and that means something...". So then I thought about the brick idea again, and then came to my senses once more.

I guess it just angered me because for that budget; almost any DVXuser could make a film 100x better. Ok I might just be talking out my rear, but you get my point.

On second thought, to Eli Roth's credit he did make me a lot more confident as a filmmaker. I thought, "Damn if he can make it any idiot can.". So Eli Roth, maybe you're some sort of a genius. Maybe that's your purpose; a beacon of hope.

I'm not even going to give Hostel a chance for fear of another 30 second trance pondering how I wasted another 1hr 30 some odd minutes of my life.

 

[FilmMakerr]

High Tension had amazing gore, and everything.

The twist is just fine, but they cheated, and that upsets me.

 

[Blaine]

I'm not even going to give Hostel a chance for fear of another 30 second trance pondering how I wasted another 1hr 30 some odd minutes of my life.

It's now sixteen hours since I saw it and I'm still pissed about how bad it was and how insulting it is that the person who wrote and directed tried to put something like this over on me. He obviously doesn't respect his audience. :furious3:

 

[Kholi]

I just don't want to see this movie.

I dislike Eli Roth from Cabin Fever. Anyone that could create that mess can't be playing with a full deck.

Pancakes?

After Cabin Fever was over I just sat there in a pissed off trance for about 30 seconds. I kept thinking, "Did I just waste that much of my life? I could have spent that time sculpting figurines out of day old dog crap. I would have felt far less violated intellectually.". I wanted to throw a brick through the TV, but then I came to my senses. It wasn't the TV's fault...but then I thought, "But the TV did display the movie and that means something...". So then I thought about the brick idea again, and then came to my senses once more.

I guess it just angered me because for that budget; almost any DVXuser could make a film 100x better. Ok I might just be talking out my rear, but you get my point.

On second thought, to Eli Roth's credit he did make me a lot more confident as a filmmaker. I thought, "Damn if he can make it any idiot can.". So Eli Roth, maybe you're some sort of a genius. Maybe that's your purpose; a beacon of hope.

I'm not even going to give Hostel a chance for fear of another 30 second trance pondering how I wasted another 1hr 30 some odd minutes of my life.

L M F A O

PAAANCAAAkES! dude I never even watched Cabin Fever, but I know the quote well. My friends are always ranting on how garbage is was.

But whatever, people are entitled to form their own opinions about movies. Nobody's better than anyone else for what they like or dislike.

 

[Blaine]

But whatever, people are entitled to form their own opinions about movies. Nobody's better than anyone else for what they like or dislike.

I agree with that statement. And the reason I like reading other's reviews and giving mine, is that I will find out who I agree with so when they give a review on a movie I can make a judgement about whether or not I want to spend money on it. I may not always agree with someone's taste in movies, but at least it gives me a place to start. If there is someone I consistantly disagree with, I'm probably not going to be taking his recommendation on a film. It's a matter of taking input to make decisions on how to spend my time.

Not everyone is going to agree with my choices in movies but if they tend to like what I like, they might accept my recommendation. If they hate what I like, I might just save them some time.