A Modern Day "Video Nasty"?

Rating: 8/10 (24 February 2006)

I had two expectations when going into this film. Firstly, that it was going to be just as good as "Cabin Fever", and secondly, that I had heard it was brutal. Both expectations were met - and then some. Roth's direction and writing was terrific, there was never a dull moment in the film.
The cast were all fantastic too. Jay Hernandez was great as hottie Paxton and moved from being care-free to fighting for his life with real conviction. Derek Richardson was also good as nice guy Josh. It was extremely difficult watching what happened to him. Ethor Gudjansson was rather annoying at times as Icelandic backpacker Oli. Barbara Nedeljakava and Jana Kanderbkava were both well cast as Natalya and Svetlana. Jennifer Lim doesn't get enough screen time as Kana, but she was awesome. Finally, Jan Vlasak was terribly creepy as the Businessman.
Without giving too much away, I describe "Hostel" as a modern day 'Video Nasty' (not that we really have video anymore, but you know what I mean) due to its extremely gruesome moments. The pain that you see these people go through, even though not real, is shown with such conviction you can almost feel it yourself. The little 'business' that is being run in "Hostel" would be deemed so socially unacceptable that I'm surprised this film wasn't banned.
A tremendous job well done to all those involved, the DVD will be great. Again, without saying too much, Natalya and Svetlana most definitely got what they deserved.