I've read others state that this film stayed with them long after watching, and I'm no different. I got this movie as part of a 10 movie horror pack from Wal-mart of all places, several years ago, and it remains one of my favorite horror flicks. Yes, it can be cheesy at points, but the cinematography is very pretty and the movie itself is very eerie. The gore amount is decent without being too over the top. There is ample amounts of nudity, and the rape scene involving the young girl is kind of unsettling. David Hess is amazing at playing a cold-hearted sleazeball. I recommend this film for any fan of 80's horror/sleaze/exploitation.

I finally got round to watching this one today. It's a shame it took me so long to see it, but I'm so glad I finally did. It was fantastic. The film opens up with Alex, played by David Hess, who rapes a poor woman in her car before the opening credits even begin. Yep, it's THAT kinda movie. Later, Alex and his friend attend a party where rich snobs try to scam them out of their money. Alex catches on pretty quick and things turn ugly when they start terrorising the part guests. The reason why this movie is so awesome is because of David Hess' performance. Even though he plays a sleazy rapist, he is still more likable then the party guests! One particular guest, the dude with the long blonde hair, had this annoying, smug smirk on his face for the majority of the movie. I was secretly happy when Krug, pardon me I mean Alex, beat the crap out of him. Hess' enthusiasm and commitment to the role was outstanding! He made this movie. My favourite shot, was the epic (and I mean EPIC) slow mo shot of him yelling at the end. Utter brilliance! This movie just oozes with sleaze. Never mind romantic music during rape scenes, or lingering shots of boobs, or female characters beginning to consent to invasions of their body. Director Ruggero Deodato gets away with all of that, probably because the characters are that unlikable (with the exception of Cindy, I really liked her and felt very disturbed when she was being sliced up). It seems Deodato doesn't mind who he offends, but since this movie is pretty damn entertaining, he pulls it off nicely. I'm glad I finally got round to seeing this one. Hess was so brilliant in it. A shame he has passed away, he was such a cult icon for the video nasty genre. For those interested in these exploitation flicks, I highly recommend this one. It was loads of fun. 8/10

Some might call this a sleaze-fest, some might call this a video nasty, some might call this beyond exploitation, and all might be correct. There are few redeeming qualities exhibited by " House on the Edge of the Park". David Hess clearly is in full sociopath mode, winning women through intimidation. Lurid and sadistic, with Hess carrying the film pretty much alone, as the uninvited guest to a swingers party. Rape and razor slashing ensues as Hess and his accomplice get down to business. None of the victims elicit any sympathy, so the audience really is apathetic as to the outcome, which includes a twist ending. Acceptable entertainment for the slasher crowd, others beware. - MERK

Perhaps one of the most infamous violence-exploitation films ever made, and for good reason!Slick rapist and his simple-minded buddy get invited to a snobbish get-together, where they quickly take over the house.Disturbingly dark, oddly erotic, and subtly directed, Deodato's House on the Edge of the Park is an unforgettable tale of lust and violence. While the violence of this film is extreme, Deodato is careful not to let any of the characters become uninteresting. Even as the story is a somewhat convoluted, the occurrences on screen between the villains and their victims keep the audience well on edge. Also of note is the haunting music of Riz Ortolani, the song 'Do It To Me Once More' being especially appropriate for the film.The cast is fairly good, the best is undoubtedly David Hess. Hess is no stranger to playing sleazy B villains, as he brings such fierceness to every character.If you're seeking a sleazy exploitation film, or just a strong guilty pleasure, House on the Edge of the Park may just work! Definitely not for all (or even most) tastes. ** 1/2 out of ****