Yeah, I know I’m doing a terrible job at watching nothing but horror movies during the month of October. I just broke protocol by watching the documentary on The Go’Go’s, so why not continue the trend by watching yet another documentary? However, this one almost fits the theme as there is some stuff in here that is downright horrific and would fit right at home in a horror movie.
Class Action Park tells the story of Action Park, a waterpark in Vernon, New Jersey that was notorious for its dangerous attractions and lax safety regulations. Throughout the ‘80s, it was the premier vacation destination for belligerent teenagers who didn’t want a little thing like safety precautions getting in the way of their water slides, speed boats, and go-karts. We hear from former employees and frequent visitors about the various attractions and the many injuries that occurred while the park was in operation.
On one hand, Class Action Park is a celebration of the recklessness (and sheer stupidity) of youth. It’s a reminder of the bygone ‘80s, and how that decade’s penchant for excess, combined with the predominance of perpetually bored and unsupervised latchkey kids formed the perfect storm to lay the groundwork for such a park to be an overwhelming success. The vintage advertisements, commercials, and home movie footage also help to perfectly capture the time and place.
In its last half-hour, things turn quite dark and depressing. It’s here where we follow a family who lost a son due to the park’s gross negligence. While other guests boldly brag about escaping the park with their life, their story is a grim reminder that all weren’t so lucky and puts a big spotlight on what a scumbag the owner of the park really was.
I never got to visit the park. Hearing the various anecdotes from guests and (especially) employees throughout the film is probably the next best thing though. (Some of the animated vignettes of various park mishaps are amusing.) It’s also, like, way safer.
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