Death Valley

Death Valley is a slasher about some brat and his parents going to Arizona to only be stalked by a psycho. It's not a slasher in a traditional sense because it lacks the horror elements to the effect of, say, Friday The 13th but plays more so as a thriller. But I don't know. Maybe it's just me. It was alright. The killings were bloody and happy and the movie functioned well but it's nothing special. Just another everyday dumb ass slasher movie.

It's boring. It's slow. Where are the nasty and brutal murders? Where is the tension that is supposed to scare us? This is like watching Sesame Street without the funny characters of Ernie and Bert or Grover. It's really lame. Maybe it was the writing...maybe the direction...maybe the acting, maybe the editing, maybe the cinematography, maybe the special effects, maybe the makeup. Maybe all of the above brought this to something barely able to keep your eyes focused on. I wanted to get scared...not bored. This didn't scare me...it didn't even interest me...I had more fun watching the time on the microwave instead of watching this film. Don't bother to buy it..and if you see it on television by some freak chance, there is no need to tuck the kids asleep.

This is a movie that is somewhat scattered. While the presence of Peter Billingsly might lean towards a film that would appeal to children, that is certainly not the case here. On the other hand as a slasher, "Death Valley" is extremely mild. The musical score is interesting, and there are a few suspenseful moments, but in the end the viewer is left unsatisfied, with a bit of a letdown. The acting, especially by Billingsly, is way above average, and character development is not forgotten either, but the entertainment value is lessened by the weak slasher elements, especially since the villain is about as interesting as a mud puddle. - MERK

Death Valley is a perfect thriller containing all the suspense and terror without entering in the gore area. Maybe is a little old fashion and the story have some holes in it, but that goes to a second plane. The photography and the score are top notch. Also we have a very frightening performance by the great and only Stephen McHattie. The film also shows scenes and situations rarely seen on today features (like the one in the bathroom, the pool and car sequence, the dancing on the roof, the last revelation about the killer(s), and a few more). It's a very well crafted movie. The plot, for me, was just average. It doesn't matter. The movie has an unique style and that's what I love about it. Hoping a DVD release soon. Bye.

I enjoyed very much. Kept me awame 'till 4:00 AM to see it's end before going to bed. Surprising elements. A few lenghts, that is why I gave 9. The little boy is very good. Seen in French. Si vous êtes au Québec et que vous avez Frissons TV, profitez-en si vous le voyez à l'horaire.

...a movie without a script totally bombs. From the writer of "Universal Soldier" (1 & 2) and "Hard to Hold", it's a wonder this movie is even as good as it is. The actors and director do a remarkable job despite the drivel they are forced to work with. If they did a total rewrite of this movie, it would probably be pretty good, but as it is, it is somewhat boring and just BLAH. It has some moments but I wouldn't bother unless it is on TV and you are bored anyways.