The genre that really gets a lot of play is Horror. Everyone likes a good scare at the movies, and even more so if it’s close to reality. The Resort follows the formula of quick horrifying incident and then introduce the characters that will have to face the same circumstances. It’s a tough premise to work out on the screen, but this filmmaker does a reasonably good job of providing some jumpy moments along with a final twist.
A writer, Lex “Alexandra” (Bianca Haase), has been working on a book on the subject of paranormal activity. She constantly looks for new strange happenings to write about, but has been wanting better content. Coming home one evening she gets a birthday surprise party from her best friends Chris (Brock O’Hurn), Bree (Michelle Randolph), and Sam (Michael Vlamis) who will be accompanying her on the trip to Hawaii. This is no ordinary journey because her surprise includes a side trip to the abandoned island of Kilahuna. The local lore has it that a young “two” faced girl haunts the only resort that was ever built there. Now abandoned it will be a great place to explore for her book.
Writer and director Taylor Chien sets up a good story as the foursome begins their trek to the place where myth and reality may actually be one. While he creates a lot of anxious excitement, how his movie begins and evolves, really doesn’t make the grade. There have been many films lately that show part of the ending in the beginning, but the ploy here just doesn’t work as far as this horror film goes. The gorgeous filming of the beautiful Island, the majesty of the haunted resort, banter between the four friends, the “special paranormal TV report” about the island, and teasing of Lex by Sam about ghosts, is plenty of setup for what follows.
The Resort has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains violence, language, brief nudity and grisly images. The acting is terrific, cinematography excellent and the location perfect. The film opens in theaters and VOD on April 30. My rating 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Brock O’Hurn, Michelle Randolph, Bianca Haase, Michael Vlamis
Directed and written by: Taylor Chien
Genre: Horror
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, brief nudity, language, grisly Images
Running Time: 1 hr. 15 min.
Opening Date: April 30, 2021
Distributed by: Vertical
Released in: Theaters, VOD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
