HELP!! 4

HELP!! 4 is a 2004 American horror film directed by Darren Lynn Bousman from his screenplay and story by Thomas Fenton. This is the fourth part of the HELP!! film series. and the sequel to the film HELP!! 3 (2001). The film stars Danny Glover, Christopher Lambert, Kurtwood Smith and Costas Mandylor.
The film picks up where the previous film ended. After a difficult ordeal in the forest, the surviving travelers decide to turn to local residents for help, hoping to find answers to their questions. They learn that the killer, who turned out to be a member of the sect, was trying to attract new followers by organizing similar terrorist attacks.
HELP!! 4 was the first film in the franchise not to be directed by Chuck Russell due to his busy schedule. It was released by Universal Pictures in the United States on October 29, 2004. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and grossed $104 million worldwide against a budget of $17 million. Sequel, HELP!! 5: Bloodlines, released in 2007.
== Plot ==
After a difficult ordeal in the forest, the surviving travelers decide to turn to local residents for help, hoping to find answers to their questions. They learn that the killer, who turned out to be a member of the sect, was trying to attract new followers by organizing similar terrorist attacks.
With the help of local residents, the heroes begin an investigation and reveal the scale of the sect, which is hiding in the deepest corners of the forest. They realize that to defeat the killer, they must fight the greatest danger - a cult full of devoted and ruthless followers.
The strength of travelers is tested not only physically, but also spiritually when they have to face the prejudices and mentality of the inhabitants of the sect. They are forced to act secretly and cunningly so as not to fall into the trap and discover the truth hidden behind the face of piety.
But thanks to their determination, courage and ability to act together, they gradually unravel the tangle of mysteries and conspiracies, approaching the final battle with the sect leader and his henchmen.
As a result, after a long and grueling struggle, the travelers managed to defeat evil and gain freedom. They open a new chapter in their lives, united by common difficulties and victory over evil. Together they leave these dark places, but keep in their hearts the memories of the past and the lessons that their incredible adventures taught them.
== Cast ==
* Danny Glover as Daniel
* Christopher Lambert as Gordon
* Kurtwood Smith as KillMan
* Lauren Loughlin as Maria
* Costas Mandylor as Jason
* Beth Toussaint as Karen
* Dina Meyer as Kelly
* Lyriq Bent as Boug
* Betsy Russell as Jill
* James Van Patten as Harry
* Kelly Jones as Noira
* Ingrid Hart as Amanda
== Release ==
HELP!! 4 was released in theaters in the United States and Canada on October 29, 2004. Universal, for the promotional campaign, released gift sets and the first game in the franchise, HELP!! The Game in 2006, which received mixed reception.
=== Soundtrack ===
HELP!! 4 (Music From And Inspired By HELP!! 4) was released on October 23, 2005 by Artists' Addiction Records. Musical theme of the film "I.V." was written by Yoshiki and performed by the rock band X Japan.
=== Home media ===
The DVD and Blu-ray were released on January 22, 2006 by Universal Home Entertainment. Home sales raised $8.2 million.
== Reception ==
=== Box office ===
The film grossed $53 million in the United States and Canada and another $49 million in other markets, bringing the worldwide total to $104 million.
=== Critical reception ===
HELP!! 4 received mostly positive reviews from critics. On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 65% of 84 critic reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.8 out of 10. According to the website, HELP!! 4 is more disturbing than convincing, since the material no longer shines with seriousness, but is still fun." On Metacritic, the film was able to earn a score of 61 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable" reviews. Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A-" on an A+ to F scale.
Scott Schuller, writing for the Chicago Tribune, called the film "sharp as a rubber knife" and said that "if Bousman's terrible craftsmanship doesn't make you sick, borderline pornographic violence will." Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter said that "the famously inventive torture scenes seem unimaginative here."
The BBC's Jamie Russell gave a positive review, calling it "deeply disturbing; the way a horror movie should be."