[La Chat Noire]

I have to disagree with you about Hostel, at least with the second one. (I actually didn't mind the first one so much). The fact that message of 'ugly Americans' was so lost on people means that the scenes weren't constructed effectively enough to portray that message. I think that message needed to be drawn out more through dialogue and character so it didn't come across as such a torture/gore fest. But I can understand where you're coming from and why you interpreted the film differently. I know there's plenty of people who completely agree with you.

I will agree about Captivity. The poor acting and writing were definitely the major flaws of the film, more so than any of the torture scenes could have been.

I haven't seen The Girl Next Door but I plan on watching soon because I've read nothing but good reviews that say although it's torture is disturbing and graphic, it has something meaningful to say.