Being a horror fan fanatic I waited with anticipation for the release of Eli Roth’s “Hostel: Pt. 2.” The first installment released in 2005 was a very different kind of horror flick. It didn’t follow the usual formula. There is no bad guy in a mask, wielding a machete or chainsaw, killing teenagers at will. Fun as that may be and sound, it was not the case with Roth’s endeavors. This is where I think the big misconception of what ‘Hostel,’ was as opposed to what it actually is. “Hostel,” and “Hostel: Part 2,” are not slasher films. In fact, when the first film was released it had been dubbed by some as the most graphic American film ever made. Considering I’ve never seen every American film I can not attest to this. What I can tell you is, take the ‘slasher’ film genre completely out of your mind. There is an actual story line behind Roth’s work and it has nothing to do with the above mentioned. In fact, the grisly effects don’t begin in both films until about 40 minutes in. Slashers, pretty much right off the bat. Take it from me, once the blood letting starts it is relentless and brilliant. Can the two go together? If it’s done well, yes.
“Hostel: Part 2,” works off the same premise as its first feature. A group of kids head to Europe for fun, sex and drugs. Only this time instead of it being three young men, it’s the women’s turn. I especially enjoyed the beginning of the film. Roth tied up the original and its predecessor nicely by using flashbacks and bringing Jay Hernandez (Paxton, in the first film) the only survivor, back to begin the nightmare. Nice touch Eli. A main problem with sequels seems to be if you didn’t see the first film there’s really no point in seeing the second or third. Had Roth not begun the film the way he did, the same could have been said for “Part 2.” As with the first film, the 3 college students (this time played by Lauren German (Beth), Heather Matarazzo (Lorna) and Bijou Phillips (Whitney) all hot of course) get side tracked on their trip to Prague to Slovakia by a very attractive and alluring player Vera Jordanova (Axelle). On a side note, I am Slovakian, after seeing these two films, I have no intention of going there on vacation, just in case Roth is right. Unless of course I get a free airline ticket and a room at a ‘regular’ hotel. There is an undercover ‘hunting club’ which consists of very powerful, influential and wealth men and women who bid in an auction on foreign tourists: the game, to experience a kill. When I say kill; there are forms of death and torture in this film that is unimaginable and sadistic. It has even more impact being that it is right in your face on a 40 foot screen. My hats off to the special effects teams for these movies. Does it all look painfully real? You better believe it. Once again, it is just more proof that horror effects are truly an art form and the actresses play it to the hilt. These films do have some of the most graphic and gory scenes I’ve ever seen in film. There is an endless supply of blood and guts to go around. That being said, it is not grotesque, it follows the storyline and doesn’t seem so out of place. Of course on the other hand, it is all for shock value, pushing the envelope to see how far the filmmaker can take it. I do see the humor in this, hopefully I’m not the only one. True horror fans will get it.
There is the notion that you really do feel sorry for the women. They are after all the victims, right? Not so fast. I’m not going to play spoiler but I will say the men in the audience may have a scene or two they themselves may be squeamish over and may sit rather uncomfortably in their seats and hide their eyes. The ultimate female revenge sequence is not only surprising but brilliant. Nice going Lauren. The only sequence I rolled my eyes over was the ‘typical’ female running through the woods trying to escape. Though it may have been necessary as an escape route, Jason (Friday the 13th series) did pop into my head momentarily. You lost me for a minute on that one Eli. Hostel: Part 2,” written and directed by Eli Roth cements him into the horror film genre as a force to be reckoned with. His first feature film, “Cabin Fever,” is considered a cult classic even though it’s only a few years old. His films are imaginative, suspenseful and are truly unique. If you’ve got a strong constitution and an even stronger stomach, I recommend “Hostel: Part 2.” But be warned, there are images in this film that will be hard to forget especially the last 5 minutes. It’s an ending to beat all endings.
