Documentary Spooktacular chronicles the rise and fall of Spooky World, a US scare attraction that ran through most of the nineties. Spooktacular features interviews with both those who were involved behind the scenes and those that attended year after year.
Through the course of Spooktacular, almost every aspect of the park is examined. Several former workers discuss their route to the attraction, with the likes of both Kane Hodder and Tom Savini sharing their experiences as attendees. Alongside this is a detailed chronology of the park, its conception, journey to opening, the days of its popularity, and its rather abrupt ending. No stone is left unturned in director Quinn Monahan’s quest to delve into what made the park great, and exactly where it all went wrong for the popular destination.
Whilst Spooktackular is likely a loving trip down memory lane for those who grew up visiting the site, or seeing commercials on the television, for people on the outside, it’s harder to access. The documentary does a great job of explaining how appealing and fun the event was, but without any personal investment, it becomes more difficult to connect with. This is especially true to those outside of America. It is only in very recent years that the UK had started hosting anything close to a scare attraction and the concept of a hayride is slightly too foreign. It is not an issue that kills the enjoyment, but more that these viewers are watching from less of a rose-tinted glasses perspective. A comprehensive account about a once beloved attraction, Spooktacular is thorough in its information, but quite how wide its appeal will reach is uncertain.
Spooktacular!
Summary
A well researched documentary, Spooktacular has plenty of detail, an interesting story to tell, and will provide a perfect injection of nostalgia for those that grew up with the park.
Spooktacular was reviewed at Fantastic Fest 2023.
