Social commentary lost in the confusion of a horror sex comedy

Rating: 4/10 (15 January 2006)

Hostel. A film that doesn't know what it wants to be. "Hostel" behaves like a sex comedy but has a mean spirit and problems with tone shift. And "Hostel" is just too funny in a very immature way to be an intense horror film. "Hostel" has been hyped as a "retro" horror film. Any movie goer going into this film with that notion will be disappointed. The bottom line: it really isn't that scary or gory. Hostel also tried to included social commentary. The film fails completely in this aspect.
(spoilers) The concept of how rich people will pay for anything and that there are sick people who will take the money and provide them with the product remains lost in the mess that comprises "Hostel's" narrative. (spoilers)
Eli Roth, the director, continues to exhibit the same weakness that his feature film debut, "Cabin Fever" suffered from. Both films should be more shocking and thrilling, creating a sense of fear and dread. But Roth's "Horror Comedy" approach deflates whatever emotional ride he was setting up his audience for.
This fault of Roth is a real shame. "Hostel" shows great promise and missed opportunities. Eli Roth's direction in "Hostel" does show some genuine ingenuity and talent. One scene in particular where one of the victims sits in complete darkness not knowing what will happen to him was very nerve racking and effective. The opening three minutes of "Hostel" are also quite good.
So maybe one day Eli Roth will make a good horror film. But for people looking for a far better take on the theme presented in this material, I would recommend "My Little Eye". This small clever film is not a great horror film. But "My Little Eye" successfully tackles the same themes as "Hostel". "Eye" manages to be truly frightening, and more importantly follows through on the social commentary of the rather sick and perverse idea that was the basis of "Hostel".
end kdc