full of surprise and gore and special effects--but little more

Rating: 6/10 (15 January 2006)

Hostel is about a group of young men venturing out to fulfill their quenches for sex and drugs. Of course, torture enters into the movie later, as the previews depict, and at this point the movie takes a sharp turn. The film includes a very long introduction which exists simply to show that the protagonists like breasts and pot. The characters are certainly shallow, but the problem here is that it is difficult to feel empathy toward them at any point in the film. Hostel is better than most horror movies. For those who have seen The Grudge and the like, and were rightfully disappointed, you will find that this movie is undoubtedly better. But unlike the truly successful horror movies like Saw, this lacks an intricate plot and good acting--which, despite this common modern belief that gore and quick bursts of loud music or lights flickering on and off to make you jump is all that matters--is actually a problem. Again, the film is gory, although a good portion of the movie lacks any gore--or suspense for that matter. For those who love gore, blood, and fingers breaking off, see this. You will see some images that will more than make you feel uneasy. But this movie could have been better. And you'll see why too.