Gripping but Gross.

Rating: 8/10 (6 November 2015)

Hostel (2005): Dir: Eli Roth / Cast: Jay Hernandez, Derek Richardson, Eythor Guojonsson, Jennifer Lim, Barbara Nedeljakova: Intense yet unsettling horror film about the illusions given to three males backpacking to Amsterdam. Their quest for sex becomes a nightmare when they are sold for torture. What should be an X rated film becomes another example of a failed system out for the sell. This is not for everyone as it features pornographic scenes as well as images of torture ranging from drilling to blow-torching eyeballs. Director Eli Roth is skillful and presents the flashy culture and discos where these males are seduced, but he also presents the underground sex trade and torture, which unfortunately may have some roots in reality. Jay Hernandez, Derek Richardson and Eythor Guojonsson play the backpackers caught up in something truly evil. Guojonsson disappears first, then after their drinks are drugged by hookers, Richardson awakens strapped to a chair. Hernandez endures torture but fights back, survives, and takes revenge. Jennifer Lim is also searching for a friend and is caught up in the torture. She escapes but the physical scars bring emotional fatality and breakdown. Barbara Nedeljakova plays one of the vixens who lures the fellows to their doom. Uneasy yet well made smut that screams what we were taught about talking to strangers in strange unfamiliar lands. Score: 8 / 10