| Reviewed by www.ohioshaunted.com on Friday October 17, 2008 Pataskala Haunted Forest-"A Murdock Family Massacre" When we arrived at Pataskala Haunted Forest it was more crowded than we've seen it in a long time. We always look forward to visiting this haunt because it is one of the more unique haunts in Ohio. But did we leave with a good lasting impression? Length-10: It will take you nearly 30 minutes to escape the haunted forest where the Murdocks dwell. There are only a few areas where occasionally little is happening. This is the case where groups have to catch up with the tour guides. Design-8: Pataskala Haunted Forest consists of various skits that take place in small huts. These skits are entertaining, but can be somewhat drawn out to the point where you're wishing they'll be over soon. I understand that the creators want a lengthy haunt, but they may be better off mixing together a traditional haunted trail with scripted scenes. This would please people who love startling scares and intriguing stories that develop as you progress from skit to skit. Scenes include a moonshine bar, clown prison, a church service and much more. Props/Animatronics-7: This haunt's focus isn't on fancy props or well layed out sets. The focus is on scripted scenes that involve actors and customers who go though the trail. Additional animated scares would help keep people's interest in the haunting skits. Acting-8: I have to give Pataskala Haunted Forest credit for having their actors memorize skits that have interesting stories which people can easily follow. But occasionally characters become distracted by people talking or not paying attention and this ultimately ruins the skit and makes it much longer than it should be. There are way too many moments where a scene is very creative, but ends with a chainsaw chase out. Every other scene seems to include a gas powered chainsaw and after you've seen this 3 times in a row it starts losing its impact. The highlight of the night goes to the old man who tells the tale of the Murdock Family as He wanders around his rickety deck. He's obviously the most well trained actor Pataskala has and it will be a shame if He leaves this haunt. Scare Effect-7: There are occasionally some creepy scenes, but there are far too many skits that rely on chainsaws as their finish. It's really a shame since this trail is very creative and has lots of potential for the future. Fright Value: $10 seems like a reasonable price for a haunt that lasts 30 minutes or more. Plus parking is among the cheapest we've seen from haunts that charge to park your vehicle. Final Stab-8.0: There are a few problems I have with Pataskala Haunted Forest. While they may have some intriguing stories, far too many of the skits fall short because of overacting. More well trained actors need to be used in order for the skits to have a bigger impact. But either way you look at it, this is one of the most unique haunted trails in Ohio. Reviewed by www.ohioshaunted.com on Saturday October 13, 2007 Pataskala Haunted Forest-"Meet The Murdocks" Out in the middle of Pataskala Ohio is The Pataskala Haunted Forest. While we weren't expecting it to be as good as it was, we were pleasantly surprised at how unique and different it was from other haunted trails out there. Length-9: Your journey through the Murdock Woods will take 30-40 minutes depending on how quick the group behind you walks. This is a guided tour and scenes won't begin until all groups are together. Design-8: Pataskala Haunted Forest relies more on acting then it does design. The majority of this lengthy haunt takes place in small wooden shacks that are reminiscent of the old Haunted Hoochie, but less intense. The first scene has you stopping in front of a small wooden shack where you are told of the Murdock Family haunted woods by an old decrepit man. From there you'll enter into various haunts with skits that coincide with the Murdock Family storyline. Scenes include the Skinner's Moonshine Bar, Slaughter House, Murdock Family Circus and much much more. Props/Animatronics-7: You won't find any jaw dropping props at the Pataskala Haunted Forest, but the props used go perfectly with the scenes. Skinner's Moonshine Bar is full of moonshine bottles and a confederate flag while you'll be dodging body bags inside one of the dark huts. An animatronic or two could help some of the scenes. Acting-9: The acting troupe "Feature Creatures" appears nightly at this outdoor haunt. Their dedication to perfecting their characters is impressive to say the least. Characters include demented clowns, a twisted rabbit, moonshine makers and a wide variety of creative creatures. I was quite surprised at how raunchy some of the scenes were since I was expecting a more family oriented haunt. But scenes such as the Murdock Family Circus will have you cracking up while some scenes such as the Slaughter House are plain unnecessary. While the acting is great, a few of the actors come out of character when waiting for slow groups. Scare Effect-7: This can be a quite intense haunt for younger kids. The group behind us was freaking out the entire time. The characters are convincing and some of the scenes are pretty creative. But overall there aren't enough scenes that will have you shaking in your boots. Some rooms rely too much on the use of chainsaws and after you've seen 5 chainsaws in a haunt, it starts loosing its effect. Fright Value: $10 is a pretty good deal for a haunt that can last up to 40 minutes. You'll get a lot of bang for your buck when it's all said and done. Final Stab-8.2: I was pleasantly surprised by Pataskala Haunted Forest. There are many haunts out there that rely too much on horror movie scenes, but Pataskala Haunted Forest sticks to good story telling. Make sure to come out and visit the Pataskala Haunted Forest this season for a unique take on the haunted woods concept. |
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