Critics largely panned The Haunted On line casino. Scream Horror Magazine referred to as it “unconvincing” and the movie has discovered a spot on a wide range of IMDb lists with titles corresponding to “The Worst 25 Films of 2007” and “The Worst Films I’ve Ever Seen.” With a dismal 21% viewers rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s clear the movie struggled to impress.
Nevertheless, director Charles Band’s effort has the power of a filmmaker making an attempt to make the most effective of a restricted price range and showcases an appreciation of style cinema that horror followers can admire. Regardless of its flaws, The Haunted On line casino has grow to be a responsible pleasure for audiences who welcome manufacturing outfit Full Moon Options’ recognisable mix of fantasy and horror.
The film is confidently filmed, with a compelling setting that evokes a nostalgic sense of schlocky marvel. The forged, that includes style legends just like the late Sid Haig and Michael Berryman, is surprisingly good, regardless of being underutilised. Haig’s standout moments come on the movie’s climax, and though the plot drags at instances, the ultimate act delivers some entertaining kills and gore.
For devoted Full Moon followers, particularly these acquainted with Band’s work from Puppet Grasp to Blood Dolls, it is a strong post-2000s entry that’s higher than a few of the extra absurd choices like Gingerdead Man and Evil Bong. Whereas informal viewers would possibly choose Band’s earlier movies, The Haunted On line casino nonetheless provides sufficient to fulfill followers of campy horror.
What Makes The Haunted On line casino Value Watching?
Also called Useless Man’s Hand, the movie’s various title references Wild Invoice Hickok’s ill-fated two pair of Aces and Eights which he held in his ultimate sport in 1876. Whereas not one of many official titles of Texas Holdem fingers, it’s well-known as a harmful hand to have as a result of it provides power that may coax a participant into betting too huge and being overwhelmed by these holding Three of a Form, a Straight, or higher. In different phrases, Two Pair appears like a robust place but it surely pulls gamers right into a false sense of safety.
That’s what occurs to the oldsters within the movie. The Haunted On line casino follows Matthew Dragna, who inherits a decrepit on line casino from his late uncle. Matthew, his girlfriend JJ, and their buddies go to the run-down property, solely to find its darkish previous. On the anniversary of a bloodbath that claimed 5 lives, together with that of mob boss Roy “The Phrase” Donahue, they be taught that Donahue’s ghost haunts the on line casino, looking for revenge. Since Matthew’s uncle was chargeable for Donahue’s loss of life, the mob boss’s vengeful spirit now targets Matthew as the one surviving relative.
Nostalgic Schlock
The movie is undoubtedly flawed with an absence of real horror being its most outstanding concern. The script’s overuse of casino-based puns, like when it makes a “useless man’s hand” reference throughout a roulette scene, falls flat. Nevertheless, followers of Band’s low-budget horror model will admire its campy attraction and tacky humour. The setting of the haunted on line casino provides a nostalgic, schlocky ambiance that evokes a few of Band’s earlier work too. Whereas it might not be a standout in Band’s catalogue, The Haunted On line casino supplies sufficient quirky leisure for individuals who get pleasure from his specific model of low-budget, B-movie horror.
