The Gates of Hell

If there’s not some type of law which prevents horror movies from assuming the same name as another, there should be. The Gates of Hell is not a remake of the classic movie of the same name, as it’s not even really a zombie movie. There’s already been some confusion about that and no doubt the producers are hoping to capitalize off of the original film’s popularity. Lots of those who attended the Screamfest film festival assumed it was either a revival or a remake. It’s neither, and rightly so, as I can’t recommend it to even my most die hard horror fans.

The movie revolves around a mutant freak as a villain instead of zombies, while our heroes are stereotypical filmmakers who are looking to make a documentary on the hauntings of some mansion. Blair Witch Mansion, anyone? The title would be more fitting. Anyway, the direct of the movie wants to ensure his cast gets scared enough to sell the film, so he hires a friend to put on a rubber mask and mess with their heads. In pretty much the only redeeming scene of the movie, the guy never gets around to it as he’s the first to die.

The movie isn’t slow to get started, as there’s a body count of 5 before the sixty minute mark. The director, Kelly Dolen might be accused of going too fast, as there are only six in the group, so what appears to be a great slaugtherfest turns into a snoozefest as the remaining guy is still alive and.. doing nothing of interest. Perhaps if the killings had been a bit more spread out, the movie would have been more enjoyable.  A great twist was thrown in for good measure and it serves its purpose, but the movie is a bit TOO faced paced to redeem its self.

While it’s supposed to be a slaughterfest in which we don’t really care about the characters, the “horror filmmakers” idea has been done to death. Kids and cameras don’t mix and the sooner directors learn this, the sooner we can start getting better films from them. The script has its moments aside from this lackluster detail, and the film is competently directed. It’s not the greatest horror movie, but then again, it’s certainly not the worst. If you’re in need of a slasher flick with terrible cliches which you can stand, go for it. Otherwise, watch the first 60 minutes and then give up. The endings not that great.