When I first heard about “Party Bus to Hell”, this had one of those horror titles that sounds like a fun movie that looks like it’s going to be a fun time. When I come across a title like this, you can count me interested. But the other thing that got me interested was the fact that this was film was being directed by Rolfe Kanefsky, who has directed such crazy horror films such as “Nightmare Man” which was a part of After Dark Horrorfest 2 back in 2007 and his first film “There’s Nothing Out There” which Troma released the 20th anniversary edition of the film back in 2011 and is available on Amazon Prime.
The film is about a group of young adults who head to Burning Man on a party bus. They are hoping to have a good time but that get ruined when the bus all of a sudden breaks down in the isolated desert. This party takes a turn for the worst when a satanic group crashes the party and everything goes to hell. The remaining survivors barricade themselves as they try find a way to survive this party before it completely goes to hell and no one is left alive.
This was one of those films where I thought it was going to be a very bad film as I couldn’t stand Tara Reid’s performance in opening scene. It made me think to myself what I was getting myself into. Thankfully, it was only that opening scene in the film. After that, I was totally having fun with “Party Bus from Hell” as it was a good ride.
What made this film work so well for me was Rolfe Kanefsky’s direction as this had the same feel of his first film. One of the things that makes his direction very good was the way he directs the film’s material. Whether it’s was the way that he and his effects team uses the gore effectively and creatively to how each of the scenes are approached, it gives you that fun B movie goodness that makes you feel like you’re having a good time as this was creepy and fun. The other thing that I liked about this was the fact the performances added to the film’s fun and creepy tone. Kanefsky does a great job making sure that you like the performances even though it has your typical horror stereotypes. What makes it overcome those stereotypes was the way that the performances gelled together. He does a very good job making sure the cast is having fun with the material at hand as it showed on screen. The film also has a couple of standout performances from actresses Stefani Blake and Sadie Katz which added to the film being creepy and fun.
The screenplay written by Kanefsky, and producers Sonny and Michael Mahal was pure B movie fun. The screenplay does a very good job being creative and creepy. One of the things that makes it fun was the fact that they make sure the scenes keeps moving as there wasn’t a dull moment. Whether it’s the way the dialogue scenes are handled to how they keep you guessing what the endgame of the story is, it’s done in a way that it’s fun and you’re having a blast. The other thing that I liked about this was the fact it incorporates homages to films like “Demons”, “The Hills Have Eyes” and “The Road Warrior” so well with the film’s story that helps enhance the film’s story especially with one of the film’s sex scenes which will never make you look at sex scenes again as it gives you a great horrific image. This was a fun screenplay from the writers as this was something I would want to watch again.
Overall, this film was one very fun ride as it has all that you want in a B-movie. All aboard this “Party Bus to Hell” as it’s a creepy and fun ride that leads you on to the highway to hell.
Review Rating: Four Stars
