Movie Review: HELL (2011) - Nightmarish Conjurings

Salutations my screechers, screamers, and scary dreamers,

Tonight’s tale of terror entitled “Hell” involves an intense increase in heat hobbling humanity and pressuring people to persevere however possible.

This post-apocalyptic feature does not have any central creature, but focuses on mankind’s desperation when the world is unfit for habitation. The conceit itself is rather smart and worked well near the start though it lost its initial sheen when events began to feel routine. The finale played to nearly every convention so it had a hard time keeping my attention.

Though this suffered in the third act the actors gave it some impact by taking writing that was very clichéd and making sure it was well played. The lead women were the best thing on screen and capably stole every scene and they even had the best narrative thread when the two main actresses went head to head. The men were never given a chance to excel as their parts were not penned nearly as well, but though the writing was obviously slanted they did the best with what they were granted.

Since the script was poor and they shortchanged the actors let us examine the technical factors. The sun blasted color schemes bring to life the weather extremes and provide a harsh uninviting look which served to keep me on the hook. Sadly, the sun swept desolation was not kept up for the whole duration as the back half is mostly dark which stifled the creative spark.

Story/Concept: 1
Direction/Style: 1
Scares: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Rewatchability: 0
TOTAL: 4/10

In conclusion, a great concept is ruined by poor execution and a very predictable resolution.

Stick to the shadows my fine friends.