| NIGHT FRIGHT HAUNTED TRAIL AT SILVER
LAKE BEACH: The Night Fright Haunted
Trail originates with the descent of a steep, spooky hill, guarded
by witches and skeletons, and where thunder clasps ring out in the otherwise
stillness of the night, and lightning flashes illuminate the twilit sky,
casting unnerving shadows in the surrounding trees. Midway down the
incline sits an electric chair that challenges you to risk having a seat
unless "fear is the factor." Accepting this frightening proposition
results in an immediate surprise - one you'll have to test out yourselves
in order to learn the outcome! Don't let your guard down as reach
the valley below, for the woods are inhabited by vicious maniacs, just
waiting to unleash more horrific surprises on the unsuspecting. Care
to climb aboard a dilapidated, old school bus? If so, you'll discover
it to be infested with sadistic clowns springing to life from all directions!
One's concealed in the most perfect hiding place, and makes his presence
known at just the right time! More monsters come at you from inside
coffins and behind secret panels, while setting the stage for a fantastic
interactive feature that dares you to pull a chain in a scene where a guillotine
is the star of the show. Need we say more? Accept the invitation
of an enormous Grim Reaper to visit the gas chamber and witness jailed
inmates pleading for their freedom, followed by a death row convict meeting
his convulsing demise in a sparking electric chair. Flying ghosts
haunt a creepy hillside cemetery that gives rise to Freddy Krueger, Michael
Myers, and others who have no intention of allowing anyone to pass through
unscathed. Ceilings come crashing down, walls of ghouls close in
unexpectedly, and various surprises wait on the opposite sides of a series
of doors, only one of which permits progression through spider webs and
barbed wire, then into a dark maze and the eventual escape of the Night
Fright Haunted Trail at Silver Lake Beach.
Analysis:
LENGTH - 9½, Nearly 25 min. with the addition
of a few more twists and turns, and perhaps even longer depending on your
success (or lack thereof) with the maze.
ACTORS - 7½, Somewhat average at times, although
some characters leave a more lasting impression, while mechanical assistants
serve well in helping the others achieve adequate scares. A few more
intimidating personalities would be a major attribute. A little more
make-up than in the past, and some dialogue as well, but still could stand
to be a little more intense. Would benefit from more memorable characters
like the ghoul in the coffin, and the clown seated on the bus, both of
whom are startling, then relentless with their pursuit.
SCARINESS -8½, Plenty of sudden happenings throughout
with scary background music, and an ample number of characters and props.
DESIGN - 9, Everything flows really well from scene to
scene with hardly any dead spots - a characteristic uncommon with most
trails. This is achieved by keeping the distance between scenes at
a minimum, and covering transition areas with startling props and well
hidden characters.
PROPS - 9, Those of the animated variety seem a bit more
abundant this year, and are timed to deliver excellent scares, and most
importantly compliment the actors through deception.
VALUE - 9, Boasting a half mile of bone chilling terror,
this lengthy trail offers up numerous surprises, and abundant scares all
at a reasonable price (just $9 with coupon).
RATING: 8 ½, This trail caught our fancy
the first time we visited, and just gets more enjoyable with each passing
year. Annually one of the best trails around, even without one of
the largest budgets, the folks at Silver Lake Beach provide lots
of entertaining and impressive scares through inventiveness, clever ingenuity,
and downright hard work. As Halloween draws near, gather some friends
and take part in some seasonal entertainment by enjoying a haunting good
time at the Night Fright Haunted Trail! |
