Hayride

Classic(?) horror premise, boring storyline, you already know this movie. decent acting, especially in pivotal points, but who doesnt know the ending? unfortunately set up for a sequel, ok yeah ill watch that too

I'm often amazed at 1 star reviews, but is one case where I could understand. I can honestly contend that this is, without doubt, without hyperbole, the absolute lowest of the low. In several years of Octoberfest, dozens upon dozens of Halloween based films, this one bites the dust (in hindsight, previous worst "House of Fears" is Oscar worthy in comparison).

The opening bits between guy and girl and his family had a certain charm, authenticness perhaps. It seemed a 5/10 (my default, basically neutral or passable). 45-55 mins in, it loses its intro period grace and just keeps knowing at the bone. I honestly doubt there was a script with entire segments just going on and on and on, seemingly entirely improved and not even edited. Actors blatantly looking into the camera.

There is no humor, no gore, no good kills, no nudity, no budget, no script, no editing. The sound effects are overused stock and the "score" consists of old classics that are free to public domain.

The "kills" are entirely cut-away. Someone is seen walking, we cut away to shot of killer, killer makes stabbing motion, we cut away to victim who suddenly has ketchup on neck, stomach, etc. That or killer sneaks behind and we get an implied but never seen back stab. No effects or effort made. Not a single decent kill will be found.

This movie is absolute drivel that anyone could do with probably 50 dollars worth of Halloween toy props and a phone, provided you can get people to "act" and supply some vehicles. By 55 mins, I simply gave up and fast forwarded through the pathetic kills and lame ass ending. I've seen bad films before but this takes the cake. 2/10 is a new low for me, as is having to actually resort to fast forwarding. I honestly hope I can spare someone from this experience, you will undoubtedly regret it. Beyond the niche appeal of Halloween based films, it holds absolutely no value to horror or film at large

Hayride is supposed to be a slasher, an ode to the slashers. And in fact it is really a slasher, can't disagree about that fact but sadly it's missing a few points that are a must be done in slashers. There isn't any point of view from the killer and there's no nudity.

Still I can live with that fact but there's more going on. Sadly this flick is on the boring side because it do has a lot of talking going on and a lot of stupid conversations. But not only that. Most of the killings are done off-camera which naturally doesn't add a positive note towards the horror.

The story itself did had a lot of potential but it's the flick itself that really isn't almost watchable due that fact of not showing the horror.

Hayride is low budget but doens't offer a nice ride.

Gore 0/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 1/5 Story 2/5 Comedy 0/5

Hayride is a story about a convicted serial killer who is being transferred and escapes. While this is happening a little ways down the road is the annual hayride event that is built around the legend of Pitchfork. Pitchfork's story is told to us as flashbacks at a campfire hang out, his story is not so much a serial killer one at first, he is a man who was over protected of his daughter and family and when his daughter ran away he went into a rage and started killing people to find her. The locals are not sure if this story is fake or real, and they are also unaware that a couple miles down the road an escaped serial is on the run. That is what makes this film such a fun little watch; it gives you two threats, one that is real and one that is an urban legend? This film plays out like the beginning of something more than an actual film, which is not a knock. This felt like the first chapter of a story that I hope we get more stories from. Like the original Halloween, a lot of the movie is story based and dialog based, but the dialog all seems like they are trying to build a franchise or at least a sequel, they are making the story so interesting that you know they were looking past part one.

This is a low budget indie slasher, and the film really kept a decent pace, though the story telling at times does seem to get a little heavy, but trust me the third act of this film makes up for it. While the kills are low budget, the suspense and music to the scenes really was a winner. This film builds a tense, and does not let up till it gets to the payoff to the scene, which for the most part was fun and jump worthy. The ending was smart and clever, and it will get you trying to think about everything you just watched, because it painted a scenario that has me hoping they give us more. This is a horror film made by a fan for the fans. This makes The Texas Chainsaw Massacre look like Sesame Street, the chainsaw is dead it is time for you to meet the Pitchfork. Horror has a new icon. Forget Hollywood, support the Indies they are still respecting you horror fans, wait till you see this one.

8.5 out of 10 wicked channel.com

Two events collide in HAYRIDE creating the backbone of the story: #1- A behemoth-sized, mass-murdering maniac named Duncan escapes custody and goes on a rampage. #2- an annual Halloween hayride takes place nearby. This occurs after the hayride operators have told the tale of "Pitchfork", a legendary murderer.

Needless to say, Duncan shows up and the gushy fun begins.

HAYRIDE is an ultra-low-budget film that makes the best of its limited resources. Are there moments of clunky-ness? Yes. Is there some cheeeze? Yes, but overall it's an effective enough Halloween retro-slasher. Hell, there's even a bit of character development! Now, THAT'S scary!...