I'll preface this criticism with an admission that I've developed a double-standard for likeminded horror films made in the 70's and early 80's based almost entirely on nostalgia and aesthetic preference, but even judging 'Wrong Turn' on its own merit, I run into problems.
Considering the subject matter, 'Wrong Turn' relegates itself to being a trite and stubbornly unambitious effort from all involved. I've only seen it once and that was when it was first released, but I was bored out of my skull watching the thing and even my love of Sisto couldn't assuage me - aside from the desire to dive into a "Backwoods Horror" picture, Jeremy Sisto was the only other reason I wanted to see the film.
Certain things that immediately come to mind range from minor quibbles like Eliza Dushku's disingenuous, rugged tough-girl posturing and a cringe-worthy performance from Emmanuelle Chriqui in the role of "Generic Hysterical Victim" (aside from Sisto playing a mildly amusing neurotic, I can't recall much of anything about the male cast members), to major problems like antagonists that have all of the wily menace of 'Fraggle Rock' puppets and a largely perfunctory and/or pedestrian directorial style.
Maybe I'll dole out the petty cash to watch this again after four years of trying to forget it so I can hopefully understand the appeal and maybe hate it less, but I'm an expert procrastinator, so it may take 3-5 years to do so and post my reply.
