Creepy Chronicles: Unveiling SpookyWorld’s Veil

Read Time:4 Minute, 24 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Spooktacular!
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): Quinn Monahan
Where To Watch: premiered at the 2023 Fantastic Fest, with additional showings at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar on September 27, 2023; learn more here www.spooktacularthemovie.com

RAVING REVIEW: October's eerie whispers invoke a hunger for ghostly adventures in many souls. Amidst this spectral ambiance, David Bertolino's historical venture unfolds. He’s not just a creator of sinister spectacles but a dreamer whose ambitious endeavor, SpookyWorld, encapsulated the very essence of Halloween into an enduring, hair-raising spooktacular ride. The ghostly voyage of SpookyWorld is splendidly narrated in the documentary SPOOKTACULAR! under the meticulous directorial eyes of Quinn Monahan, with Tom Savini donning the cap of the supportive executive producer.

So before we get into it, the long and storied history of haunts has as many “originals” as there are ways to scare people. There are many ways to describe the “first” when it comes to haunts, from the first theme park to the first event, the first purpose-built haunted house, the first conversion into a monthly event, and more. This isn’t even counting the origins of haunts and their ancestors back to the 1800s and before with the exploitation of people and the carnivals that supported them. This rabbit hole is as deep as the darkest voids, but we’re here to talk about SpookyWold and this documentary, so I digress!

SPOOKTACULAR! is not a mere look into Bertolino's whimsical imagination but a nostalgic window into an era where the haunted houses we know today started. Ironically, you only have to look back to Berlin, Massachusetts, in 1991 to see who we must thank for our year traditions. It beautifully traces Bertolino’s journey from a quirky vendor of novelty gags to the mastermind behind a haunting hayride through shadowy woods that beckoned thousands into a thrilling embrace of phantom thrill. Through adept storytelling, Monahan paints the landscape of Bertolino's aspirations, which surpassed mere screams, transforming into a ghostly domain that pulled in horror legends like Linda Blair, Tom Savini, Kane Hodder, and so many more.

The mystery of SpookyWorld sent shivers far and wide, vibrating through the venerable corridors of horror and capturing the hearts of fright enthusiasts with its chilling charm. SPOOKTACULAR! Ingeniously intertwines testimonials from horror stalwarts like Robert Englund, Alice Cooper, and Vincent Price with the spectral odyssey of SpookyWorld, lending a touch of nostalgic reverence to Monahan’s narrative, taking it from a mere surface-level dive to a heartfelt tribute.

Monahan excels in unmasking the marketing acumen of Bertolino, the driving force that catapulted SpookyWorld into the limelight, blossoming into a global horror marvel. Yet, there's a fleeting hiccup as the narrative gently brushes over the challenging transitions SpookyWorld underwent, from Berlin to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, eventually converging with Nightmare New England to become a sought-after haunted hub in Litchfield, NH. While the haunt has managed to reinvent itself, this documentary focuses on the early building blocks of this historical purpose-built “scream park.”

SPOOKTACULAR leaves the viewer hungry for a more profound exploration into the gruesome corners of SpookyWorld’s domains. I loved the story, but I could’ve watched another two hours about the haunts themselves. A more in-depth examination of the creative minds from which these frightful experiences emerged could have added a more enhanced layer to the storyline.

In conclusion, SPOOKTACULAR! is much more than a recount of SpookyWorld. It’s a ghostly expedition traversing Bertolino’s imaginative haunts, paying tribute to the early days of tangible horror while showcasing the boundless blend of creativity, a touch of macabre, and a daring vision to turn the supernatural spectacle into reality. Through a montage of chilling testimonials, historical snippets, and the indelible legacy of SpookyWorld, the documentary reveals the ghostly entrepreneurship Bertolino embodied, immersing viewers in hauntingly nostalgic memories. Through the lens of SPOOKTACULAR!, the audience is invited to an ethereal panorama of a golden era where the frights were genuine, touching upon the eeriness of the tangible in a world.

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[photo courtesy of SPOOKYWOOD PRODUCTIONS]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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