2/5 family funtime at Sam's Lake . . .
  by trebe
Sam's Lake (2005) is a suspense adventure that after a long wait, only provides a few minor thrills. Sam (Fay Masterson) hosts some friends at her cabin at Sam's Lake, and along with local resident Jesse (William Gregory Lee), spooks the group with the tale of a man who escaped from an institution, returned home to butcher his family, and then escaped into the woods. Visiting the abandoned house where the murders occurred, the group finds the killer's hidden journal, which serves as a prelude to the mayhem to come, as soon members of the party are running for their lives in the woods.

After a buildup that takes 55 minutes, the payoff is rather disappointing, as most of the violence is off-screen, or not very graphic. The hapless city folk, apparently without a cell phone between them, and the sense to keep running, don't present much of a challenge for the thrill seeking killers. Fortunately for one victim (Sandrine Holt), the hunters get their priorities crossed, enabling her to continue on.

The chase begins at night, but there must be a very fierce full moon out, because the woods are pretty well lighted most of the time. Some might have trouble navigating in the woods without tripping, but it is remarkable how well these people are able to move freely without even a flashlight.

Having a spiritual connection to family, is a recurring theme. This is a little twisted, considering the dysfunctional family found here. The killers are in tune with nature, as they frequently lift their noses to the wind, and take a big sniff to get on the trail of their prey. Something does definitely smell here.

With other more exciting and satisfying wilderness thrillers around, it is hard to recommend Sam's Lake. The story is unconvincing, the characters are not particularly likeable, and it largely fails to deliver in the action and gore department.

2/5 Drive right by Sam's Lake..
  by Biz (Jersey)
Sam's Lake is a real snore fest. Not gore fest, snore fest. I can appreciate the director trying to build atmospheric tension. In fact, I enjoy a slow buildup and chilling foreboding atmosphere in my horror movies. However, he doesn't have the actors to pull it off. So what we are left with is a bunch of horrible actors smiling awkwardly at each other and lot of uncomfortable silence. Then finally, and mercifully the predictable and violent end occurs. And not a moment to soon.

5/5 Horror Freak
  by Jo Hegedus (Western North Carolina)
"Sam's Lake" is a new additon to my huge collection of horror flicks. When I read the reviews on Amazon I new I wanted it & could hardly wait for delivery. It will keep some guessing who the killer is. A short ways into the movie I had my suspicions & I was right. The characters are portrayed as a group of friends who have gone to Sam's Lake for a few days for rest & peace & quiet, away from the hustle & noise of the city life. Things start happening shortly into the movie & continue throughout the entire film until it ends. I think anyone who likes a suspenseful horror movie will appreciate it.

1/5 Sam's Lame
  by P. B Rubalcaba (Redlands, CA USA)
Just horrendous! The soundtrack is so annoying and the acting is pure pathetic. It is the slowest moving so-called horror flick I've ever seen...from scene to scene. This lower than low budget abomination has no redeeming value. If you're a horror fan - AVOID! If you're not a horror fan - AVOID! SO bad...gag...gag...gag.

1/5 DO NOT WATCH
  by MovieMonster (Waco, Tx)
this is one of the worst movies i've ever seen. it had the potential to be a good movie, but it just SUCKED. it was plain awful and i'm sad i wasted an hour and half of my life watching it.