Turistas or Paradise Lost, is a perfect example of what is wrong with modern American horror films. It feeds on irrational fear. I know America is a vast country, but only under 13% of Americans have a passport - these kinds of films only heighten this irrationality but also suggest a certain superiority that is often
insulting. To this films credit, there are other nationalities represented here but unfortunately as a Brit (and from London) I'm slightly annoyed at the portrayal of the typical Brit as being a cockney twat. I'm sure Swedish viewers were just as insulted. Also, what is the murder rate in America again? It's xenophobia, pure and simple and I don't like it. Also, don't name your silly little horror film after one of the greatest libratory achievements of all time - I probably don't have to tell you that this film has nothing to do with John Milton - Although I bet John Stockwell will argue that it is about the fall of man in some ways but I would argue it is the fall of original thought/film making. It is, like others have said here, Hostel in Paradise. Still, all that said, to its credit it does attempt one thing that is usually woefully absent in most slasher films and that is character development - Although, only as far as the men are concerned, the women don't matter so much, just as long as they are running around in bikinis. The underwater cinematography is also very well done and earns this film a slightly higher rating than I want to give it. Do not attempt returning to England Desmond Askew , we'd rather you didn't return!
February 22, 2011
Top Critic
