Garth Marenghi's Darkplace

The funniest thing is that some of the really bad old horror movies look almost as silly and amateurish as this great parody. It’s really hilarious at times, but it also has a few weak moments (and episodes – I didn’t like very much the last one with the broccoli). (31.01.2012)

In this movie you will not find the answer to the eternal question that divides horror fans into two irreconcilable camps since the mid-seventies, i.e. whether Stephen King or Garth Marenghi (almost untranslated in this country, with one exception contained in an anthology of horror tales compiled by apostle of horror, Tomáš Korbař) is the better writer. But the strength of Darkplace lies in the fact that it is so high quality that it can enthrall even staunch King fans and show them that even Marenghi can write too... Something that, the other way round, none of King’s works cannot achieve. (26.02.2011)

Darkplace did not become for the horror genre what Red Dwarf is for fans of the sci-fi genre. The creators lacked greater moderation in setting the level of exaggeration, and a sense of defining the boundary when the joke needs to be cut off because intelligent viewers only need a hint, and there's no need to overdo it. Darkplace is too literal and attacks at the first signal, although it certainly cannot be criticized for a lack of ideas and wit. It functions as a funny parody of B-movie horror series and can accurately capture their numerous weaknesses, but on the other hand, this trashy production represents an all too easy target for ridicule. It does not create a functional micro-world and does not bring forth compelling characters that you would want to follow long-term and look forward to more sequels. It's too nonsensical and it exhausts itself after a few episodes. A six-part series was more than enough for me, whereas with Red Dwarf, as a little boy, I was excited about more seasons. The creators don't only go after the horror genre, as it can also be seen as a parody of series set in a hospital environment. Last but not least, the series also points out phenomena such as the transformation of the roles of female protagonists because in the 80s, macho heroes were still ruling and Ripley was just an exceptional phenomenon. For me, the funniest parts were the speeches of the creators, which exuded immense ego and an effort to defend a production that has minimal credit. Overall impression: 70%. (05.07.2016)