Director: Craig Singer
Screenplay: Robert Dean Klein & Craig Singer
Cast: Jamie-Lynn Sigler... Cathy; Patrick Renna... Bill; David Clayton Rogers... Steve; Alex Solowitz... Jim; Andrea Bogart    ... Jen; Jennifer Tisdale... Liz; Brittney Coyle... Colleen; Chelsey Coyle... Samantha; Dave Warden... Jonah.
Synopsis: Ten years after he brutally murdered two girls at a the theme park attraction called DARK RIDE, a killer escapes from a mental institution. A group of six friends on a road trip stop off at the amusement park unaware that a psychopath is seeking refuge there.
Rating: R
Studio: Lions Gate
Running Time: 94 minutes
DVD Extras:

• Commentary by director Craig Singer and producer Chris M. Williams
  "Ticket to Ride" featurette
  "Behind the Mask" featurette
  Deleted scenes
  Storyboard montage

Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1

Film Review: Taking advantage of all the tools at his disposal, including the back lot at Universal Studios, director/writer Craig Singer plays upon our primal fear of the amusement park “fun house” and delivers one of the better scares to be found in the After Dark Horrorfest (a.k.a "8 Films 2 Die 4"). Singer further lucks out in the casting department with “The Sopranos” actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler and young veteran actor Patrick Renna, who appeared in one of my favorite films, “The Sandlot.” Singer proves that he has the chops to tackle a bigger budget film as every penny of the budget is brought to bear in the production designs, sets, and special effects. However, while DARK RIDE has the scariest of intentions it lacks a bit in atmosphere. Reminiscent of films like Tobe Hooper’s “The Fun House,” the film does have a slightly better plot. It possess that feel of a homage to the slasher films of the late 70’s and early 80’s, but with much more gore as inspired by the more contemporary genre films. Singer and co-writer Robert Dean Klein clearly demonstrate their working knowledge of the film genre, but a bit more experience of the literary genre they might have given the narrative a bit more. The plot is a bit thin and some of the comic relief often feels like the filmmakers are winking at the audience a tad to often. I would have been interested in seeing what these filmmakers could have done with adapting Richard Laymon’s “Funland” for the screen. Singer is unquestionably a talented filmmaker and a rising star to be on the look out for, especially if he were to turn his efforts on some fresher material originated by someone else. Still, not being a fan of the films or the business ethics of After Dark Horrorfest (a.k.a "8 Films 2 Die 4"), DARK RIDE has enough merit to give it a viewing.

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