Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

Kidskycom It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

Humbersi The first must-see film of the year.

Lela The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

merklekranz Richard Lynch often plays the villain, but seeing hero types Peter Fonda, and John Philip Law as Lynch's comrades in crime is what really makes "Recon Game" a winner. It appears the three leads had a long leash as far as improvisation goes, and their constant bantering probably strays somewhat from what might have been scripted. The film is not perfect, and there are at least a bunch of tedious moments, especially inside the hunting lodge, including a truly boring sequence involving a Monopoly game. Once the "prey" are turned loose and the hunt begins, this raw revenge flick kicks into gear. "Recon Game" compares favorably with another rarely seen hunted in the woods film, "Hunter's Blood". If you can find it, see it, and along with "Recon Game" they would make a terrific double feature. - MERK

Coventry Obscure but reasonably solid exploitation effort from the early 70's with a plot and character drawings that actually qualify as disturbing. Undeniably influenced by a number of gritty contemporary survivalist- thrillers, such as for example "Deliverance" and "Straw Dogs", the film narrates the compelling plot about three seemingly ideal and loving family men and their rather unusual annual tradition. Once a year Ken, Greg and Art – three college football buddies and Vietnam veterans – go on a "camping trip"; basically only to do all the nasty stuff their wives and fellow community members would never see them capable of doing. We're talking rape, kidnapping, humiliation, vandalism, extortion and a virulent game of hunting-humans. In the opening sequences already, some college accused the trio of gang-rape, but the school principal made it clear to the girl's mother that the reputation of the trio is stainless and undisputed. During this year's trip, they abducted an adulterous couple and got rid of their car. The unsuspecting victims are subsequently taken to an island in the middle of giant lake, toyed with for some more time, and then 'released' for the hunt. Although influenced by the aforementioned backwoods-survivalist thrillers, "Open Season" is primarily another re-working of the classic and legendary film "The Most Dangerous Game". It's a tense and disturbing film, for sure, but I'm under the impression that it could have been even better. The middle section is slow and even somewhat dull, only because director Peter Collinson insists on emphasizing the anxiety and troublesome position of the hostages. There's also quite a lot of pointless footage of the three anti-heroes boozing and hunting, apparently just to state clear once more that they're mean and ruthless guys. Okay, we get it now! Luckily enough, the wholesome is saved by the virulent climax (hooray for William Holden, as he shows up as one of the previous victims' father out for revenge) and the outstanding acting performances from the entire cast. Peter Fonda, John Phillip Law, Richard Lynch, Alberto de Mendoza and William Holden together in one and the same film makes it absolute priority viewing for every self-respecting cult cinema fanatic.

Karl Ericsson Again I have to put things right. This film is really 'just' an 'eight' but, in order to raise the medium, I give it a 'ten'. Yes, it's something like 'The Most Dangerous Game' but with a twist. Here, it's pretty obvious that it is about some spoiled, upper-class brats doing what they most like to do. You know, evil just stops short to opportunity and there's really not much difference in using factory-workers as slaves and hunting them down as prey. So far the upper-class-twits. Then there is the prey which, in this case, let themselves get fooled, at least the woman. Why does William Holden not intervene earlier? Does he know? Nevertheless, it's not your brainless Hollywood-entertainment and Fonda is excellent! It would have been even better if it was more clear that these boys get away with anything because they are rich and that only a private vigilante therefor can put things right. But I guess You can't have everything.

Tia-4 This film was different, but very good. The beginning was interesting, and Peter Fonda played really well, he made this film worth watching. Although he was a "bad guy", he had a certain hidden charm. I wish this film would come out on DVD, so I could buy it.