sol- Frequently compared to 'Deliverance', this Canadian horror film likewise involves a group of adult friends who decide to spend the weekend camping in the wilderness with grisly results. The approach of 'Rituals' is noticeably different though in that the group find themselves teased by a sadistic stalker whose identity remains a mystery until the end. The men here are also doctors and less-than-honorable ones at that; their early conversations all revolve around malpractice and charging exorbitant fees, and when they realise that someone is out to get them, their first thought is that is must be a patient out for revenge. This guilty conscious theme is very interesting with the film almost existing as a manifestation of their deepest fears and paranoia. A further intriguing aspect is all the in-fighting that goes on between them, including how to carry one of their wounded friends on a makeshift stretcher; they almost seem done in by their inability to cooperate. Solid as the film might sound though, it builds up to a rather underwhelming final twenty minutes with the killer never really menacing or fascinating when revealed. By all accounts, the original script did not reveal the killer and it is easy to imagine that approach being more effective. The project could have also benefited from a more downbeat ending given all the guilt and paranoia motifs, but for the most part this is solid stuff.

AaronCapenBanner Hal Holbrook stars as one of five friends(all doctors) who are taking their usual outdoor vacation, only this year they fly into a secluded wilderness, where their rest is disrupted by a sinister and unseen figure who first steal their boots, then escalates things with terror then murder...Well directed by Peter Carter in real Canadian locations, this film creates an effective atmosphere of suspense and fear, aided by a capable cast that really involve you in their plight, leading to a harrowing climax.Best to see this on the restored DVD, which has the best picture quality possible, since the original negative was damaged, which makes the ending quite(literally) too dark. Otherwise, this is much more than just a "Deliverance" rip-off, which isn't a fair description.Haunting final scene is memorable.

sunznc We found a DVD copy from Synergy and it is poor quality in most spots. However, there is no denying the tension in this film. The premise has been done better in Deliverance and a few others but this film does have a very bleak and hopeless atmosphere. It's a familiar theme-five doctors go into the wilderness to camp and hike and are being hunted by someone. HIs first attack is subtle but very effective; he steals all of the men's boots. After that things quickly go downhill as the men are injured or worse. The acting is good but the dialog isn't always great. The editing is poor and this almost seems as though it was transferred from a copy made specifically for television. At times the picture is too dark to see anything. Still, the film is tense and effective.

TOMASBBloodhound I'd heard about this one for years, and it just happens to be on youtube as of this writing. And like many things that are built up by others in your mind over time, this one fell a little short of my expectations. The basic plot premise had been used before, and many times since. In Rituals, we have five doctors who take a camping/hiking/fishing trip deep in the wilderness. They've barely put up their campsite, when a mysterious killer starts making their lives miserable. First by taking their boots, making the task of walking to find help virtually impossible what with the rugged terrain. Later by setting various traps and whatnot that make a journey for help only more difficult. Lives are lost along the way, and clues are left indicating that the killer is not just doing this for fun. He has an ax to grind, and it seems as if doctors are high on his list of those he hates.The acting is quite good in this film. I could watch Hal Holbrook read the morning paper and comment on the stories. He always brings such a dignity to his roles. Here, he plays the only member of this group who seems interested in ethics of their profession. This leads him to have to make some gut-wrenching choices as the action unfolds, and more members of the group become injured or incapacitated. It looks like this was a painful and difficult shoot for all involved. First having to work with lush and dense forest, and then a rocky and fire-scarred landscape resembling a battle field. Holbrook looks absolutely spent by the movie's climax, and I don't think he was "acting".My biggest gripe with this film is the villain. The guy, who is apparently a disfigured war veteran, seems to be everywhere at every time. He just happens to be close enough to listen to these doctors talk about their profession on their first night in camp. He can travel for miles in all directions setting up traps, spying on them, and leaving clues when his presence should have been easily detectable. Also some of the banter between the doctors seems redundant, as they continue to hurl accusations and bring up a past which really has no bearing on their current predicament. The conclusion is far-fetched as Holbrook is forced to use that age-old means of stopping the bleeding where gunpowder is set ablaze to instantly cauterize a wound. Well, maybe all the other movies I've seen that in copied it from here. 6 of 10 stars. If you can find it, watch Hunter's Blood instead. Much more action and definitely more colorful bad guys!!! The Hound.