Rebecca Coleman, Desperado City

The teens know this is the last time they will work at the Catskills theme park DESPERADO CITY as they have just graduated from high school. Though shook up, none seem particularly interested in the death of a younger teenager in the "Haunted Hotel".

Danielle prefers snowboarding and gossip with her BFF Sophie's who is stringing males who want her against one another. Sophie's brother, Nick may be a born again religious fanatic, but also is a lady's man as he interprets the bible literally when it comes to females. On the other hand nerdy Adam wants Sophie, but she uses him as jealousy bait to hook the fireman Joey. The owner's son Toby fears he will inherit DESPERADO CITY.

Somewhat a whodunit that is resolved early, DESPERADO CITY is more a teen character study with so much self-torment and tsuris that the amount of runaway hormones on the loose is over the top of the Catskills. The cast is strong as individuals, but as an ensemble can be overwhelming; sort of like having too much sugar. Still this is an interesting look at teenage brooding and anxiety amplified by a homicide.

Harriet Klausner