Campfire Tales

Redeeming all at once,the adolescent film,the film made up with sketches and the B-movie horror genre,it was too good to be true.And however,"campfire tales " could have done all that.Preceding "the sixth sense",the film recalls,more than "Jacob's ladder" ,the obscure "carnival of souls " (1962)."Campfire tales",like the three movies mentioned has an ending with coup de théâtre,completely unusual.

So why is half of the movie routine and business as usual?OK,the honeymooners are useful for the plot,but their whole sketch has no real connection with the main story.The same goes for the little girl surfing online and her dog.On the other hand,the last sketch is at once scary and significant:its conclusion magnificently segues into that of the whole movie.

One marvelous scene:one of the boys is getting cold and he asks the girls to share their blanket:isn't it it an extraordinary clue?A lot of directors would dream of such a trick.Had the film had an internal cohesion,had he used all its sketches as it did for the last one,it would have solved the squaring of the circle and the three -despised- genres,which I mention above ,would have been enhanced.Yes,it was a heaven sent opportunity.Try to see it anyway ,it deserves better than its poor rating.

Sporting surprisingly high production values and a cast full of familiar faces, the horror anthology "Campfire Tales" will keep genre fans mildly amused.

Why only mildly amused? Well, the cast isn't the only familiar thing about this movie. Most eek freaks have already heard variations of the film's stories around campfires of their own. To wit, the opening segment (starring James Marsden and Amy Smart) is a quick retread of "The Hook" urban legend.

The three main tales, told by a group of teenagers (including Christine Taylor and Christopher Masterson) get progressively better. Ron Livingston turns up in an acceptable bit about terrorized honeymooners, followed by a rather creepy cautionary tale of an Internet predator. Finally, the always effectual Glenn Quinn plays a stranded biker who falls for a mute, mysterious girl (Jacinda Barrett) in the film's best segment.

Of course, it's those storytelling kids who suffer the nastiest twist of all.

The film's end title music, a slightly retooled version of "The Monster Mash" is weirdly fitting. Though entertaining, "Campfire Tales" is nothing new.

I originally posted the first user comment on this movie,and claimed it was crap and it didn't make sense.I Didn't MAKE SENSE. Campfire tales is a thoroughly enjoying film (now that im 2 years older and watched it last night).The actors were famous but not TOO famous. The acting itself was more than acceptable,it was rather good.I will rate the movie per segment of films. 1)The black and white scene (A.K.A-"The Hook") This one was rather pointless,it looked good,but didn't hold much grip at all,the only disappointing one,i don't think it was even included as a segment.Here is the scare-o-meter. (Poor) 2)The R.V Story (honeymooners stuck in woods) Possibly the most entertaining of all tales,the acting was good in this one too,disappointing bout the typical caravan sex scenes.Yet it was intriguing,you think "WHo was knocking on that door".It had suspense,and not too gory.Liked this one (Very Good) 3)Internet Chat Tale (Little Girl Meets Psycho) This was a smart addition,gore left at a minimal,frights left at EXTREME.Although dull at times,the last few minutes were most entertaining,don't get me wrong it was still fun to watch.Real creepy,and could happen to anybody,so watch who you're talking to. (Very Good) 4)Ghost Tale (Man kisses ghost)?? Not the best,it wasn't too atmospheric for a ghost tale.This one was strange,the aspects were rather good,playing music and the screaming,but everything was too real to be ghastly,although it was good,it was quiet bloody,and could have been better with that idea. (Acceptable) 5)The Ending (the 4 lost teenagers) These are the 2 attractive gals and guys telling the tales through-out the film.The best thing about the film is definantley the ending,it set a great impression,the ending was totally un-expected.Watch it,it was so well done,the realism was spectacular. (TOP NOTCH) 6)THE FILM OVERALL Campfire tales was more than i used to take it for,i actually like it so much now im buying it on video,cause its a truly entertaining horror movie forget the trash you see these days,like many,im disappointed that this didn't really go nowhere,it was straight to video,to me it was better than all the hype "horror" you see these days. Overall for Campfire Tales (Very Good) 8 out of 10

This is a gem of a movie I discovered by accident. It is a nice anthology horror film which contains four stories rolled into one. There is graphic sex which is a little distracting, though. If you like this one you should check out "After Midnight".

Good (not great) little horror film with a high "creep" factor (not to be confused with a 1991 movie by the same name, or the more recent (2001) Campfire STORIES). Central tale of stranded teens telling ghost stories around a campfire in spooky woods nicely leads into, and ties together the different stories that make up the bulk of the movie (Watch for Ron Livingston (Office Space, Band of Brothers) and Jennifer MacDonald in a spirited, sexy segment ("The Honeymoon")). Solid acting and a few truly "scary" moments make this an above-average chiller. Good example of interesting story line, coupled with quality ensemble acting resulting in a whole greater than the sum of its parts. "Surprise" ending of the main story adds nice creepy twist, although some may see it coming. Movie is not available on DVD, but can be found on VHS.