As a dictionary-style onscreen definition explains at the start of “Gehanna: Where Death Lives,” that G-word is a long-standing term for a “most accursed place [or] destination of the wicked,” although not necessarily to be confused with Hell. An opening sequence of an old man having his face ripped off by muttering ritual practitioners in loincloths certainly doesn’t make it seem an ideal getaway spot.
Nonetheless, this English-language directorial debut for makeup FX specialist Hiroshi Katagiri sets its protagonists on a sacred burial spot they hope to turn into a commercial resort — something to which the resident spirits take great exception, natch. Trapped in an underground labyrinth, their predicament becomes all too relatable, since the movie itself strands viewers in a dimly lit purgatory that grows interminable, with little in the way of scares or excitement as relief. It’s not a total wash, but the eventually dreary mix of...
Nonetheless, this English-language directorial debut for makeup FX specialist Hiroshi Katagiri sets its protagonists on a sacred burial spot they hope to turn into a commercial resort — something to which the resident spirits take great exception, natch. Trapped in an underground labyrinth, their predicament becomes all too relatable, since the movie itself strands viewers in a dimly lit purgatory that grows interminable, with little in the way of scares or excitement as relief. It’s not a total wash, but the eventually dreary mix of...
- 4/30/2018
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
Stars: Doug Jones, Lance Henriksen, Patrick Gorman, Simon Phillips, Sean Sprawling, Daniel Joo, Eva Swan, Katherine Taylor, Justin Gordon, Matthew Edward Hegstrom, Mauricio Gomez Amoretti | Written by Hiroshi Katagiri, Nathan Long, Brad Palmer | Directed by Hiroshi Katagiri
I have to admit that what drew me most to Gehenna: Where Death Lives was the appearance of Doug Jones (most recently seen in the Oscar winner The Shape Of Water) in the movie. I suspected it might be just a cameo but it was enough to at least get me interested.
We start with a group of investors head up by Lance Henriksen, in a short cameo via phone call, who are looking for the perfect spot for a new resort. When they seemingly find this, they also find a hidden Japanese bunker from World War 2, which they decide to explore. This is a horror movie, so obviously exploring an abandoned war...
I have to admit that what drew me most to Gehenna: Where Death Lives was the appearance of Doug Jones (most recently seen in the Oscar winner The Shape Of Water) in the movie. I suspected it might be just a cameo but it was enough to at least get me interested.
We start with a group of investors head up by Lance Henriksen, in a short cameo via phone call, who are looking for the perfect spot for a new resort. When they seemingly find this, they also find a hidden Japanese bunker from World War 2, which they decide to explore. This is a horror movie, so obviously exploring an abandoned war...
- 4/25/2018
- by Alain Elliott
- Nerdly
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