This was a brilliant concept that was ruined by (1) Paris Hilton and (2) no real thought given to the conclusion. Seriously, I thought the concept was superbly creepy, and this had (IMO) all the ingredients to be a great true "horror" movie. This had everything needed to be so much more than what it was but the whole thing just felt like it had been put together by the same group of "kids" that it portrayed. While it had its moments of brilliance, the entire film was absolutely RUINED by the closing scenes. [spoiler] An entire multi-level building made completely out of wax that, thanks to an inferno in the basement, begins to melt; it melts so rapidly that the hero sinks into the "melting" staircase, all the way up to his knees, yet somehow no one is burned, scalded, or otherwise injured by any of this molten wax? In fact, the two protagonists manage to somehow peel their way through sheets of this same melting wax yet never seem to burn their hands...Seriously?!!![/spoiler] I loved the whole concept, and it definitely had a creepy vibe to it that was fun to watch; even had a couple moments of brutal violence in it that made me cringe (okay, at least ONE scene) but overall, the ending just completely ruined it for me...along with the fact that it was very much another "horny teenagers out for a good romp" movie that is so cliche in horror movies anymore. Not surprisingly, none of the leading names in this (Elisha Cuthbert, Paris Hilton, Chad Michael Murray) did anything memorable, but I have to give props to Damon Herriman (_Justified_) for his small but very memorable role here. Worth watching but just go in prepared for your basic teen-slasher movie with a completely unfeasible conclusion.

Engrossing and imaginative modern Mystery/Horror with Elisha Cuthbert

RELEASED IN 2005 and directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, "House of Wax" is a horror/slasher about six college students (4 dudes and 2 gals) who drive from Gainesville to Baton Rouge to attend a crucial football game. They end up camping in the woods somewhere off I-10 where some of the party discovers a mysterious town in the sticks that has a curious House of Wax. Horror and death ensue.

This is not a remake of the splendid 1953 Vincent Price cult flick of the same name. The only thing these two films have in common is their title, their genre, and the fact that they both involve a wax museum. It's therefore pointless to compare them as they are two totally different stories. Plot-wise, "House of Wax" is an obvious mixture of the original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (1974) and the 1953 film of the same name, along with elements of more modern flicks like “Wrong Turn” (2003) and torture porn.

Although the first 12 minutes or so are unimpressive with too much annoying shaky cam, the story starts to capture your attention at the camp-out sequence. From there their encounter with a horrible stench, a local hick, and the mystery of the isolated town & wax museum gradually pulls you in. The fairly slow initial 50-minutes are a crucial character-building and mystery-developing foundation to the final horrific hour.

The major protagonist of the story is Carly, played by Elisha Cuthbert, who was only 22 during filming and never looked better with her curvy cuteness. The glamorous and infamous Paris Hilton also stars and does a commendable job, but Elisha basically blows her out of the water as far as all-around beauty goes.

Speaking of Ms. Hilton, in light of the ads to “Come see Paris Hilton die,” it’s no secret that her character does indeed buy the farm and, the way it happens, is pretty amusing. The film's worth checking out for this scene alone, especially if you despise her.

The picture was shot in Queensland, Australia, of all places, but it works alright as a stand-in for the Deep South, although I don’t recall any hills along I-10, as depicted in the background of the town. Speaking of the town, it doesn’t look like a Deep South town, but rather a contrived set. Nevertheless, the filmmaking is top-notch in all categories with the rest of the no-name cast doing a fine job. As a matter of fact, the six college kids are all rather likable; even Nick (Chad Michael Murray), Carly’s supposedly 'black sheep' twin, once he shows his true colors.

"House of Wax" works fabulously for what it IS, a mystery/slasher flick. The unlikely story is played straight and serious by all involved; there's no silly "comedic relief" or camp to be seen. Everyone knows going in that this isn't going to be "Gandhi." But if you're in the mood for an entertaining and imaginative mystery/horror picture, look no further. "House of Wax" has practically everything you’d want in such a film. Why do I describe it as imaginative? See the conclusion's spectacular melting wax museum and you'll understand; this is F/X at its finest.

THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour, 48 minutes. WRITERS: Chad Hayes & Carey W. Hayes.

GRADE: B+

Better than expected remake from 2005 with some decent gore and the effects during the finale looks pretty good. The cast was alright, reminder Elisha Cuthbert's time starring in movies (courtesy of 24) but she was fine and even Paris Hilton wasn't... awful I suppose. Nothing I'd really revisit anytime soon but all in all found it to be entertaining. **3.5/5**