| HUSTEAD HOUSE OF HORROR:
The minute you first lay eyes on this old Haunted House you know
right away that you're in for something special. Its boarded up windows,
and unkept landscaping present such an intimidating sight, that some are
just too terrified to enter. Groups are momentarily seated in a foyer-like
area where a relentless onslaught, courtesy of this family of kooky clowns
immediately gets underway. Loud, aggressive pounding welcomes you
inside, so intense you can feel the walls vibrate behind your back!
Upon being released into the remainder of the house, the experience consists
of blood stained scenes, overwhelmingly loud carnival music, and the stars
of the show themselves - these over anxious, maniacal clowns! Festival
freaks accompany you every step of the way, taunting, and wickedly laughing
right in your face, as they mislead you into dead end containing mazes.
Some of the evil jokesters fall in behind grabbing at you, and endlessly
teasing with remarks such as, "Where are you going???!!" like you
had a clue to begin with! Upstairs, downstairs, through darkness
and fog, and a twisting slide, the uproarious atmosphere continues. As
if the overload of carnival crazies wasn't enough, The Puppet Master
from
the Saw movies also resides in the house, and can't wait to instill
even more fear into those brave enough to enter. Desperate screams, and
pleas for help ring out of the darkness, and amid fog-filled corridors,
but seeing isn't an option, and any efforts of assistance are futile, and
such notions are immediately dispelled with the initiation of a ferocious
chainsaw chase-out of the house itself! But the assault isn't quite
over just yet, as the demented jesters haven't given up, and follow you
right on out into a cornfield, where an unfortunate girl's torso has been
ripped away by some sort of flesh eater, while she screams in agony.
You're trapped, and there seems to be no way out, as hell-bent, chainsaw
revving sideshow lunatics, and even Freddy Krueger begin to close
in on you! Don't give up! Keep searching, for a hidden, secret
exit does exist, but you'll have to find it in time to escape the wrath
of the Hustead House of Horror!
Analysis:
LENGTH - 8, Approaching 15 minutes depending on the various
entrapments.
ACTORS - 10, Multiple encounters with a highly energetic
group of characters, enriched with interacting dialogue. Intimidating
clowns latch onto you, and don't let up until the very end. Their
persistence is remarkable, and the fact that they'll actually touch you
at times adds to the legitimacy of the experience. Freddy doesn't
really belong.
SCARINESS - 9, A most unnerving experience. Fog
and darkness are utilized to instill fear of the unknown, and complimented
with loud pounding and other appropriate sound effects. Characters
display all out aggressiveness. Although not traditionally scary,
the environment is quite intense, and emotionally destructive.
DESIGN - 9½, Every inch floor space is utilized
to its fullest potential, even incorporating a twisting slide to maneuver
between the three floors of insane clowns. The indoor mazes seemed
a little easier than last year, which could be an intentional effort to
aid with crowd flow. The cornfield confinement is new this season,
and a great way to extend the experience. The well-concealed exit
is difficult to locate, especially with all the disturbances going on around
you, and they'll keep you there until they're ready for you to leave!
PROPS - 7, This is still the weakest aspect of the haunt.
Slide
of Death is best, and there are some other additions, but could still
benefit from additional decor.
VALUE - 9, A $2 price hike this year, but to their credit,
they kept the cost down for last season's inaugural appearance, which really
helped them establish a fan base judging from the size of the crowd.
The price accurately reflects the going rate in the area.
RATING: 9, The Springfield area has become
a "hotbed" for haunted houses! Hustead's debut a season ago
really raised the bar, forcing the competition to step up, which they're
doing. The winners here are the patrons - haunted attraction goers
who are being treated to improved scenes, and better performances. The
Hustead House of Horror is one of the most unique, intense attractions,
not only in Springfield, but in the entire tri-state region! They
remain open until 12:30 a.m., thus capitalizing on the overflow from other
area haunts that shut their doors at midnight. Even if you don't particularly
like clowns, you'll enjoy The Hustead House of Horror. Pay
to get in, PRAY to get out! |
