decent modern horror

Rating: 8/10 (16 April 2006)

OK, so the Tarantino reference is somewhat misleading, but what do you expect? it's a trailer, it's designed to get you into the cinema.
that aside, any mainlining horror fan won't complain. and let's be honest. your average horror fan by demographic is a teenage hormonally challenged male, mentally or otherwise. and on this basic level, the film surely delivers. additionally, the film has so many cinematic references (The Wicker Man being one example) it's obvious that it comes from the hands of someone who's steeped in horror lore.
the plot is simple. backpackers, two American and one European, seek fun and adventure in a 'dangerous' europe. they head eastwards on the promise of promiscuity and more besides.
the characters are not complex. but the plot, for those familiar with horror film morality, does not follow an obvious trajectory, and the gore is unsparing. as is the nudity. it plays with clichés and chews them up, then spits them out, big style.
this is grown up, modern horror, proud of its roots, but revelling in modern shock value.