#theamusementparkmovie

[fearsmagazine]

George A. Romero's THE AMUSEMENT PARK - Review

DISTRIBUTOR: Shudder

SYNOPSIS: In George A. Romero’s THE AMUSEMENT PARK an elderly man finds himself disoriented and increasingly isolated as the pains, tragedies and humiliations of aging in America are manifested through roller coasters and chaotic crowds.

REVIEW: 46 years after it was made George A. Romero’s THE AMUSEMENT PARK was recently discovered and restored. The film was originally commissioned by the Lutheran Society and is an allegory about the nightmarish realities of growing older, especially at the time the film was made. The film is a damning statement of American ageism.

Actor Lincoln Maazel, who stars in the film as the main character, provides a prologue to viewers as to what they are about to experience, as well as commentary on the state of affairs when it comes to aging. As we watch Maazel go from a commentator to a character in the film it provides a profound appreciation for his skills as an actor. He delivers a powerful performance as we see the character transition from a state of wonder and hope to that of utter despair. The owners of the amusement park allowed them to shoot during operating so the people in the background are regular park goers, there for the rides and attractions.

As a film journalist, critic, and a fan of Romero’s work, THE AMUSEMENT PARK solidified for me how the filmmaker used fantasy and horror to sugarcoat the larger issue of social and political issues that are a part of the time his films were made in. I had the pleasure to interview him on several occasions. There were times when we spoke about his films that I sensed this frustration in regards to the business aspects of his being a filmmaker and that audiences were missing out on the core social and political themes of his film. Only years after its release did film scholars and historians begin to discuss his film “Night of the Living Dead” in those contexts. In contrast, the prologue and epilogue to THE AMUSEMENT PARK clearly establish the context and message of the film without any ambiguity.

THE AMUSEMENT PARK was Romero’s fifth film and given the allegorical nature of the film I think it captures his passion for the 1961 film ‘The Tales Hoffman.” While I have never seen Romero’s earlier films “There's Always Vanilla” or “Season of the Witch,” the overall narrative of THE AMUSEMENT PARK does have a lot in common with “The Tales Hoffman” in terms of the central figures' journey and its resolution.

The film’s release is made possible in part due to the support of the George A. Romero Foundation. Founded in 2018, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting Romero's legacy; and preserving and documenting the history of the genre in all forms and contributing to its future by encouraging new generations of filmmakers, artists, and creators.

THE AMUSEMENT PARK is clearly a dated film by it’s costumes, the people in the background, the cinematic style, and the performances of the period. Regardless, there's something fascinating, captivating, about the fill that compels the viewer to take the journey. There is something about it that feels like Romero created cinematic alchemy and instilled a bit of his soul into the film. Even if you only are a fan of his zombie films, I don’t think you could come away from watching this film without a newfound respect for his talents as a filmmaker and a storyteller.

CAST: Lincoln Maazel; Harry Albacker; Phyllis Casterwiler; Pete Chovan; Marion Cook; and Michael Gornick. CREW: Director/Editor - George A. Romero; Screenplay - Wally Cook; Producer - Richard P. Rubinstein; Cinematographer - S. William Hinzman. OFFICIAL: georgearomerofoundation.org/restore-the-amusement-park FACEBOOK: N.A. TWITTER: N.A. TRAILER: https://youtu.be/4hyoiua8s1M RELEASE DATE: On SHUDDER June 8th, 2021

**Until we can all head back into the theaters our “COVID Reel Value” will be similar to how you rate a film on digital platforms - 👍 (Like), 👌 (It’s just okay),  or 👎 (Dislike) Reviewed by Joseph B Mauceri