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6 Degrees Entertainment

'Hostel / Hostel Part II' (Double Feature)
(Jay Hernandez, Derek Richardson, Lauren German, Heather Matarazzo, Jordan Ladd, et al / Blu-ray+DVD / R / 2019 / Mill Creek Entertainment)

Overview: Double the Shock, Double the Horror! Presented by Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill, Vol. 1 & 2) and directed by Eli Roth (Cabin Fever), 'Hostel' is a shocking and relentless film in the tradition of Saw about two American backpackers (Jay Hernandez, Friday Night Lights and Derek Richardson, Dumb and Dumberer) in Europe who find themselves lured in as victims of a murder-for-profit business.

Once again presented by Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill, Vols. 1 & 2) and written and directed by Eli Roth (Hostel, Cabin Fever), 'Hostel Part II' is the shocking and gruesome sequel about the underground torture ring where rich businessmen pay to torture and murder their victims.

Blu-ray Verdict: In 'Hostel (Director's Cut)' (2005), three backpackers head to a Slovak city that promises to meet their hedonistic expectations, with no idea of the hell that awaits them.

"Sick, twisted, disgusting and absolutely brilliant" read the review blurb on the back of my original copy of 'Hostel' on DVD! While it may sound sensational, particularly for horror flick with a budget under $5 million, every word rings true.

'Hostel' begins by introducing us to three pals, Paxton, Josh and Oli (Jay Hernandez, Derek Richardson and Eythor Gudjonsson respectively), on a backpacking journey through Europe of sex, drugs and partying.

Horny as can be, they take a newfound friend's advice to check out a Slovakian city that promises to fulfill all their desires for intimate, no-strings attached relations.

But once they get settled in, Oli inexplicably disappears, soon followed by Josh. That leaves Paxton to unravel the brutal truth behind this mystery.

'Hostel' is impossible to sufficiently describe to someone who hasn't seen it. It's not because it's so good (though it is pretty good), but because it's such a creative, unusual film experience.

Indeed nothing quite like this has ever been done before, at least not this superbly. The film is heavy on the blood and guts, but the blood and guts are entertaining and actually contribute to the film in a this-will-gross-you-out sort of way.

Indeed, 'Hostel' is many things, but it's not guilty of gore for the sake of gore.

The direction and acting represent another high point of 'Hostel'. The picture is oozing with fresh talent from most every orifice (a fitting way to put it).

The young-at-the-time director Eli Roth keeps things running at an efficient pace and gets the most out of what is a fairly basic storyline. It's fair to say he is unrelenting and seems intent in asking the audience how much they can take, but this approach works amazingly well in the film's favor.

As for the performers, they are all no-names, but they rank as one of the most talented no-name horror casts in memory. Hernandez is worth singling out, as he has the believability, subtlety and charm needed to carry the film.

Unfortunately, many have dismissed 'Hostel' as another mindless gorefest. That's really too bad, because beneath the decapitated heads and leaking eye sockets lurks a truly original, entertaining piece of work. This one was always destined for culthood.

In 'Hostel Part II (Unrated Director's Cut)' (2007), three American college students studying abroad are lured to a Slovakian hostel, and discover the grim reality behind it.

As detailed above, the first 'Hostel' took me by surprise and I found it to be more compelling than I had anticipated. This second installment is equally enthralling and grabbed me by the balls!

Although bloody and sadistically violent it is also darkly funny and populated with some of the strangest; menacing and unusual looking characters to grace the silver screen in quite some time.

I felt I was in Argento territory here during some of the sequences and this is most certainly not a bad thing at all.

The design of the film was great and contains some rather excellent cinematography and evocative music that all melded together to create an exciting and tense movie sequel experience.

Not for the faint of heart — but, then again, it wasn't made for pu**ies! Yes, this movie is violent. Yes there are buckets of the red stuff spurting about. And yes sometimes the scenes playing are disturbing, but 'Hostel Part II' still pays off BIG time (for all its fans). This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with an Alternate Director's Cut Ending.

www.millcreekent.com





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