Watch Satan's Playground
- NR
- 2003
- 1 hr 30 min
-
3.4 (1,004)
Satan's Playground is a 2006 independent horror film directed by Dante Tomaselli. The movie follows a family of six as they go on a camping trip in the forests of New Jersey. The matriarch of the family, Donna (Felissa Rose), is pregnant and her husband, Frank (Salvatore Paul Piro), is looking forward to spending some quality family time before the baby arrives. They're accompanied by Frank's sister Mary (Ellen Sandweiss) and her boyfriend Joseph (Edwin Neal), as well as their two children, Tara (Amanda Marie) and Jared (Danny Lopes).
As the family drives towards their destination, they stop at a gas station where they're warned by the attendant about the dangers of the forest. But they dismiss the warning and continue on their journey. They soon find themselves lost and stranded in the woods, with their car breaking down and no cell phone service. They come across an old abandoned church and decide to take refuge inside. However, it soon becomes apparent that they are not alone.
The family soon encounters a group of deformed and twisted individuals who seem to be stalking them. As they try to find a way out of the woods, they come across a strange, abandoned town called Marlboro. They investigate the town in search of help, only to find that it is empty and littered with old, abandoned homes and buildings. The family discovers a horrific secret hidden within the town, which leads them to a fight for their survival.
The movie has a chilling and foreboding atmosphere, which sets the tone for the horror to come. The desolate New Jersey wilderness is both eerie and beautiful, thanks to the movie's stunning cinematography. Dante Tomaselli is able to create an unsettling sense of dread throughout the film, with the help of a haunting soundtrack and creepy sound effects.
The acting is strong, with Felissa Rose giving a standout performance as the heavily pregnant Donna. Salvatore Paul Piro is also convincing as her husband Frank, who tries his best to keep his family together. The child actors, Amanda Marie and Danny Lopes, do a great job of showing the fear and confusion that the characters are experiencing.
Satan's Playground pays homage to horror movies of the past, particularly 70s exploitation films. The movie contains several nods to classics like The Hills Have Eyes and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. However, it also offers something new and original, with its unique take on the traditional horror movie setting.
Overall, Satan's Playground is a tense, atmospheric horror movie that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It's a must-watch for fans of the genre and those who enjoy a good scare.