blood for the sake of blood

Rating: 8/10 (3 February 2006)

if you've seen cabin fever, you'll know that Eli Roth likes humor as much as his horror. Hostel is no different. firstly hotel is leaps and bounds above cabin fever in every aspect. it is very gory, but that isn't why it works. the premise of men paying money to torture others is a truly terrifying prospect, and this idea is treated well here. gore fans be warned; this film has it all, chainsaws, blow torches, drills etc. it is extremely dark, and yet at times very funny. one exchange between our hero and an American sicko discussing the best way to dispatch somebody is actually pretty funny. only one scene (unlikely, but necessary) brings the film down, but by that stage i was so impressed with the gore that i didn't care. one tip though. don't take your girlfriend. mine nearly threw up!