I knew how “Hell’s Half Acre” would end from about the midday way point. This is a found footage horror movie, set in a prison with YouTube paranormal investigators. It’s challenging when there are so many similar storylines around. With a small budget, an unknown cast, and plenty of heart, John Patrick Tomasek’s production (distributed by Terror Films) certainly can’t be accused of not trying.
The location is decently elaborate standing in for the usual abandoned building. Instead, Hell’s Half Acre is set in a permanently closed prison. Once the group transitions from having conversations in cars and living rooms, there are lots of deliberately dusty elements and rooms to work with. Of course, there is a noticeable nicety to this supposed old building, and a lack of dark and dingy atmosphere makes it hard to buy into. The prison and who might be haunting its many far-too-clean walls are fleshed out with ample detail.
The Rockland Heights Prison the YouTubers visit is home to the ghosts of a few big-name serial killers. Strangely, Marcus argues vehemently that ghost hunting is not what he is all about. This is a YouTuber who suddenly wants to have morals. It’s a silly story arc and would have been better left out. Back in the 80s Martin Clay, a well-known serial killer and cannibal alongside Eddie Richards (The Red Ripper) led an organized uprising. A supernatural Devil-worshipping element is thrown into Hell’s Half Acre for good measure.
Hell’s Half Acre Review
While each character has some superficial backstories, this is just filler. None of it ties into the rest of the storyline. Even so, performances aren’t terrible for the speaking parts. Some of the film’s editing sometimes made the group’s movements look a little forced. However, this didn’t take away from the fact that all things considered, Hell’s Half Acre is a well-produced independent film.
But what instantly struck me and continued to perplex me throughout was the almost comical dialogue. Scripting in Hell’s Half Acre let this title down. From the argument about what type of show they would be filming to oddly phrased conversations, I was taken out of the moment.
Hell’s Half Acre is akin to Grave Encounters only with the lights on. Effects are decent though and make good use of some well-placed blood spatter by way of the usual entrails being spilled, a decapitation, and some stabbing. Add to that Martin Clay is a cannibal ghost who eats a few people and I would call this found footage horror movie a moderately adequate success.
I give Hell’s Half Acre
2.5 YouTubers who don’t like money out of 5
For another review of Hell’s Half Acre read from the ReelReview.com website. Need more found footage movies? Watch Mind Body Spirit next if you like films about supernatural things. The Life of Belle | Last Radio Call | and The Little Horror Movie are some other great found footage too.
Are you looking for more ways to watch this movie and all the other great titles on Mother of Movies? Hell’s Half Acre is streaming free on platforms like TubiTv. For more direct ways to watch, try Justwatch.com or ReelGood.com
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