Rob Zombie’s Great American Nightmare
Villa Park, IL
Reviewed on: Saturday, October 18, 2014
A brand new attraction for 2014 taking up residence at the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park, IL, is one of the most talked about attractions this year in the Chicagoland area. From the American musician, film director, screenwriter and film producer, Rob Zombie, comes his famed, “The Great American Nightmare.” This is actually the 2nd location for the horror-movie icon, as his first relocated from the LA area (Pamona) to Scottsdale, AZ. Bringing to life three of his most-popular films, guests are presented with three unique experiences.
The first is “The Lords of Salem”, which is based off of Rob’s newest movie. The attraction loosely follows the movie, embracing several of its main characters, locations, and even music. The tour twists though scenes of witchcraft and then tosses you into the complete darkness, leaving you to lose your mind.
As you find your way out, you find yourself spit out into the neon dimension based on Rob Zombie’s animated feature, “The Haunted World of El Superbeasto 3D.” The movie is a horror/comedy that mixes sex, violence, and complete obsurdity. (Which is exactly what makes it so fun.) Well, this house brings it all to life. Guests get to encounter Suzi-X and Superbeasto through a series of real-life 3D adventures, mixed with startling thrills and raunchy humor that will leave you grinning from ear-to-ear.
The last attraction is, “Haunt of 1000 Corpses”, which is based off of one of the most iconic movies that Rob Zombie created. It takes the concept of a traditional haunted house and outfits it with all your favorite characters and locations from the movie. Featured prominately is Captain Spaulding’s famed, “Murder Ride,” complete with all the serial killers to match. (You may have heard something about some Gacy-room news somewhere.)
The Bottom Line: If you are a Rob Zombie fan and enjoy his movies or music, then this is absolutely a must! While other haunted attractions may attempt a recreation, this comes from the mind of the master himself. YES, it is an adult-themed haunted attraction that may step over the line. But, all his movies are too. Shouldn’t we expect the same?
2014 Scores:
Entertainment: 15 out of 20
Scare Factor & Fright: 6 out of 10
Acting: 7 out of 10
Sets & Room Detail: 9.5 out of 10
Costumes: 5 out of 5
Make Up: 4 out of 5
Sound: 5 out of 5
Lights: 5 out of 5
Props & Special Effects: 7 out of 10
Originality & Story Concept: 10 out of 10
Management & Owner Presentation: 5 out of 5
Website: 5 out of 5
Total: 83 points out of 100 points possible
– Official Haunted House Chicago Review Team Review
