"It takes all kinds of critters to make Farmer Vincent's fritters".
What a tag line. Motel Hell is one of those movies that could only have been made in the eighties. It is an incredibly twisted and often hilarious ride into the macabre. Although the films pace is slow, the further along it went, the more sick and crazy it got, which in turn made me even more engrossed in the weirdness on screen.
The movie is set in a fictitious town in the deep south of America, where people come from far and wide to sample the delights of Farmer Vincent's distinctively flavored produce. One might ask the question why do so many of these visitors not stay in the nearby motel the family also runs? Affectionately named Motel Hello (the neon 'O' on the sign seems to be constantly on the blink), some visitors do choose to stay there, although after checking in, they never seem to check out again! Could it have something to do with Farmer Vincents amazing fritters? Is that why they taste so darn good?
The acting is played totally straight, and comes off all the more wacky for that very reason. It certainly is incredibly similar to Tobe Hooper's Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 in spirit. The film is incredibly funny, with many of the supporting characters coming across as hilarious. Also, there is very little visible gore, but this really takes absolutely nothing away from what is a great movie from the 80's.
Arrow really have pushed the boat out with this release, and the awesome double sided cover and pristine transfer of the movie are only the beginning, and believe me, the transfer really is incredible. There is so much depth in the picture, so much clarity, it really is incredible. You get an insightful commentary track from director Kevin Connor that is moderated by Callum Waddell and four incredibly interesting featurettes which feature an interview with star Paul Linke and an interview with co-star Rosanne Katon amongst others.
There is also a collectors booklet featuring brand new writing on the film by Kim Newman, illustrated with archive stills and posters, plus Motel Hell comic extracts and an exclusive interview with Chris Moreno.
This is another incredible release from Arrow Video, and is the first time Motel Hell has been released anywhere in the world on Blu-Ray. I urge you all to pick up a copy, as this is one of those films that certainly benefits from nostalgia, and is a heart warming, gut wrenching trip back in time!
You'd certainly have to have been buried in a field with a bag over your head not to enjoy this one!
You can buy the movie from Arrow Video's official website by clicking HERE.
Darkest regards......Dani.
I saw this one for the first time in full this past Halloween. I was really surprised just how entertaining it was. Vincent was soooo likable. I rooted for him the whole time.
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