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Hell House (2002)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:33
Fresh:31
Rotten:2
Average Rating:7.5/10
Consensus: A fascinating, even-handed account of Hell Houses.
Theatrical Release:Nov 15, 2002 Limited
Synopsis: George Ratliff's stirring documentary sheds light on one of late-20th Century America's most confounding creations, the Hell House. Providing a bizarre twist on the traditional haunted house... George Ratliff's stirring documentary sheds light on one of late-20th Century America's most confounding creations, the Hell House. Providing a bizarre twist on the traditional haunted house formula, Hell Houses are church-funded, elaborately staged productions that trade fictitious monsters for the so-called demons that haunt our everyday lives--demons such as abortion, suicide, and homosexuality. Brought to you by the parishioners at your local Pentecostal or Southern Baptist churches, Hell Houses aim to frighten nonbelievers into a life of purity (as they see it) by accepting Jesus Christ as their personal savior. Ratliff's impressively unobtrusive camera takes the audience behind the scenes of one of America's most notorious Hell Houses, sponsored by the Trinity Assembly of God Church in Cedar Hill, Texas, following the outlandish production from its pre-planning stages all the way through its wildly successful two-week run. Rather than merely presenting these people--and this spectacle--as an outrageous example of reverence gone bonkers, Ratliff takes the time to establish the humanity of each participant, which adds another layer to the film. Frustrating, hysterical, and stimulating, HELL HOUSE is a testament to the saying "truth is stranger than fiction." [More]
Director: George Ratliff
Director: George Ratliff
Producer: Zachary Mortensen, Selina Lewis-Davidson, George Ratliff
Studio: Seventh Art Releasing
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Reviews for Hell House
Even if you do not agree with the message that the Hell House haunt is purveying, you will find the Hell House documentary fascinating.
I encourage everyone to watch it and discuss the difference between Christ's ministry and the 'ministry' of these high-pressure gospel salesmen.
The whole thing's like a Jack Chick comic tract come to life, and it would be easy to condescend to, but director George Ratliff has not done so.
Perhaps it is as Albert Einstein said, 'Before God we are all equally wise – and equally foolish.'
It is a strength of a documentary to disregard available bias, especially as temptingly easy as it would have been with this premise.
By focusing on the basic decency of these people [Ratliffe] exquisitely captures the irony of a community at odds with its god’s message of unconditional love.
It's up to you to decide whether to admire these people's dedication to their cause or be repelled by their dogmatism, manipulativeness and narrow, fearful view of American life.
A tad controversial, Hell House doesn’t exist to cast stones, but rather document their hurlers.
A life-size reenactment of those Jack Chick cartoon tracts that always ended with some hippie getting tossed into the lake of fire.
Despite what anyone believes about the goal of its makers, the show ... represents a spectacular piece of theater, and there's no denying the talent of the creative forces behind it.
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