40
Metascore
6 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 67Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam ArnoldSeattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam ArnoldIt's a parade of insanity, murder, suicide, arson and crimes of passion; delivered in a style as sardonic and tongue-in-cheek as a Vincent Price monologue; complemented by deadpan narration that keeps injecting inappropriate bits of civic boosterism.
- 63Chicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonChicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonThe film is not exactly a documentary, and not quite a period horror movie either. But it has elements of both. At its best, it's hypnotic and provocative.
- 60Chicago ReaderLisa AlspectorChicago ReaderLisa AlspectorChillingly beautiful cinematography makes the state's landscapes appear timeless as it sets the stage for a grim history told with archival portraits.
- 42Portland OregonianShawn LevyPortland OregonianShawn LevyTakes a fabulous idea and overplays it, making an average picture out of some truly extraordinary material.
- 30New Times (L.A.)Bill GalloNew Times (L.A.)Bill GalloMarsh's flat-footed recitation of Believe It or Not crimes grows tedious, and his condescension to present-day citizens of the town (implying they're as grotesque and doomed as ever) rings false.
- 20L.A. WeeklyHazel-Dawn DumpertL.A. WeeklyHazel-Dawn DumpertWhat could have been a fascinating exploration of geographical mayhem becomes instead an exercise in tedium.