RATING★ 7.0
WORTH IT? YES
Inside Alton Towers backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Inside Alton Towers.

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WORTH WATCHING: YES
Editorial Verified

Is Inside Alton Towers Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

For nearly 40 years, Alton Towers has attracted visitors to some of Britain's most thrilling roller coasters. But in June 2015 something went very wrong. Two carriages collided on one of the park's most popular rides, injuring 16 people, five of them seriously. This one-off documentary goes behind the scenes as the UK's biggest theme park attempts to win back visitors with the launch of their multi-million pound new roller coaster, Wicker Man - the first new ride at the park since The Smiler crash. The film meets the roller-coaster junkies keen to try the new ride; and with exclusive access to the theme park, follows the team at Alton Towers as they battle with the challenge of building a wooden structure that appears to burst into flames. Can the theme park sell the new ride to the public, a sceptical media, and get Wicker Man ready for its big launch?

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✨ The Quick Verdict

YES, ABSOLUTELY

If you are a fan of Documentary cinema, then Inside Alton Towers offers a fresh and engaging experience that justifies its existence in the 2018 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Documentary films
Viewers seeking quality storytelling

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Inside Alton Towers, a standout production of 2018, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into For nearly 40 years, Alton Towers has attracted visitors to some of Britain's most thrilling roller coasters. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "For nearly 40 years, Alton Towers has attracted visitors to some of Britain's most thrilling roller coasters. But in June 2015 something went very wrong. Two carriages collided on one of the park's most popular rides, injuring 16 people, five of them seriously. This one-off documentary goes behind the scenes as the UK's biggest theme park attempts to win back visitors with the launch of their multi-million pound new roller coaster, Wicker Man - the first new ride at the park since The Smiler crash. The film meets the roller-coaster junkies keen to try the new ride; and with exclusive access to the theme park, follows the team at Alton Towers as they battle with the challenge of building a wooden structure that appears to burst into flames. Can the theme park sell the new ride to the public, a sceptical media, and get Wicker Man ready for its big launch?"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Audiences are treated to a masterclass in acting by Toby Jones, whose portrayal of the protagonist is imbued with a depth and vulnerability that is rare in contemporary Documentary. The chemistry with the supporting players is palpable, creating a gravity that pulls the viewer into the screen.

The direction by the visionary director is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 60 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Inside Alton Towers truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 7/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Inside Alton Towers explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2018 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and the visionary director respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Inside Alton Towers serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Toby Jones or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Inside Alton Towers is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: RECOMMENDED - QUALITY CINEMA

⏳ Time Investment

60MIN

At approximately 1.0 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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