Click Here >> Watch/Download The House of the Dead 1978 Online
The House of the Dead: A Perfect Example of What Not to Do With a Video Game Adaptation
When it comes to adapting video games into movies, it’s safe to say that Hollywood has had a less-than-stellar track record. From “Super Mario Bros.” to “Assassin’s Creed,” there have been more than a few misfires over the past few decades. Unfortunately, “The House of the Dead” is one such game-to-movie adaptation that falls into the category of train wrecks.
A Brief Look at the Plot
Before diving into why this movie failed on all levels, let’s take a quick look at the plot. The story follows a group of college students who head to an island rave party, only to find themselves fighting for survival against hordes of zombies. It’s a simple premise that could have been executed effectively if done right.
The Cast and Acting
The first issue with this movie is undoubtedly its cast and acting. None of the actors were particularly memorable or stood out in any way. Their performances were lackluster and unconvincing, which detracted from any sense of immersion in the story. Even worse was the fact that some actors seemed more like caricatures than actual human beings, with over-the-top personalities that bordered on offensive stereotypes.
The Horror Genre Tried to be Revived
The horror genre was in need of a revival when “The House of the Dead” came out, so there was a lot resting on this movie’s shoulders. Unfortunately, it didn’t deliver. Nothing about it was particularly scary or even suspenseful. Rather, it felt like a disjointed mess of action scenes and attempted jump scares that fell flat.
The Special Effects
Another major issue with this movie was its special effects, which were laughably bad even by early 2000s standards. The zombies looked like they were straight out of a cheap Halloween costume, and the blood and gore effects were unconvincing at best. Even worse than the visual effects were the sound effects, which sounded like they were ripped from a library of stock sounds rather than created specifically for the film.
The Dialogue and Script
The dialogue in “The House of the Dead” ranged from cringe-worthy to downright nonsensical. Much of the dialogue seemed as if it had been written by someone who had never actually heard human beings speak before. The script also suffered from an identity crisis: it tried to be both serious and campy at the same time, which resulted in an awkward mishmash that was difficult to take seriously.
The Score and Popularity
The score for “The House of the Dead” was forgettable at best and annoying at worst. It did nothing to add to any sense of tension or atmosphere within the film. Unsurprisingly, given its abysmal quality, “The House of the Dead” was not a commercial success and was largely panned by both audiences and critics alike.
Conclusion
All in all, “The House of the Dead” is a prime example of what not to do when adapting a video game into a movie. It fails in nearly every aspect, from its cast and acting to its special effects and dialogue. If you’re a fan of the game, it’s best to steer clear of this movie altogether. At the end of the day, “The House of the Dead” serves as nothing more than a cautionary tale for Hollywood executives looking to adapt beloved video game franchises for the big screen.