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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... [More]
Director: George Ratliff
Presents a group of very sincere, very dedicated individuals who try to bring God into people's lives in a way that is controversial, often bizarre and never less than fascinating in what it says about modern conceptions of sin and salvation.
Even if you do not agree with the message that the Hell House haunt is purveying, you will find the Hell House documentary fascinating.
Lazy filmmaking, with the director taking a hands-off approach when he should have shaped the story to show us why it's compelling.
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.
[An] absorbing documentary.
A tad controversial, Hell House doesn’t exist to cast stones, but rather document their hurlers.
Texan director George Ratliff had unlimited access to families and church meetings, and he delivers fascinating psychological fare.
Top CriticThe Trinity Assembly approaches the endeavor with a shocking lack of irony, and George Ratliff’s documentary, Hell House, reflects their earnestness — which makes for a terrifying film.
Lookin' for sin, American-style? Try Hell House, which documents the cautionary Christian spook-a-rama of the same name.
Top CriticDespite 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.
As a director, Mr. Ratliff wisely rejects the temptation to make fun of his subjects.
Top CriticRatliff’s two previous titles, Plutonium Circus and Purgatory County show his penchant for wry, contentious configurations, and this film is part of that delicate canon.
For anyone unfamiliar with pentacostal practices in general and theatrical phenomenon of Hell Houses in particular, it's an eye-opener.
Disturbing and brilliant documentary.
Often hilarious, well-shot and, importantly, entertaining, Hell House is a fascinating document of an event that has to be seen to be believed.
Frightening, well-done documentary.
Top CriticThis is more fascinating -- being real -- than anything seen on Jerry Springer.
I encourage everyone to watch it and discuss the difference between Christ's ministry and the 'ministry' of these high-pressure gospel salesmen.
A candid and often fascinating documentary about a Pentecostal church in Dallas that assembles an elaborate haunted house each year to scare teenagers into attending services.
Top CriticPreaches to two completely different choirs at the same time, which is a pretty amazing accomplishment.
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