Scott LeBrun Admittedly, this low budget, regional (it was filmed entirely in New Mexico) variation on "The Most Dangerous Game" is rough going for its first 40 something minutes, as it takes too much time to play out and establish all of its details. The story sees a naive young woman, Diana (Danielle De Luca) arrive in NM from Texas; she's just gotten work as an exotic dancer. Meanwhile, a young man named Dwight (Arron Shiver) has recently become a deputy in town, and he's a guy who has his own (cliched) history. As one might expect from a film of this nature, the acting isn't particularly great (the film's one big name, Joe Mantegna, is basically phoning this one in), and the characters are pretty stereotypical. Things pick up after the dragging first act, when the story proper kicks into gear. Inspired by the real-life exploits of serial killer Robert Hansen, it shows how Diana is victimized after accepting a ride from seemingly genial local Colin (J.D. Garfield). Colin, you see, is a creep who likes to abduct women who supposedly "won't be missed" - prostitutes and the like - and set them loose in the wilderness after he's stripped them naked. After this the story becomes quite compelling as the unfortunate Diana struggles to survive and stay one step ahead of Colin. The appealing De Luca is a very brave young woman to tackle this role, as indeed she is obliged to run around in little more than her birthday suit and be at the mercy of not just the psycho but the environment. The nakedness, however, never comes off as exploitative but merely stresses this girl's vulnerability. The story is also developed in interesting and not entirely predictable ways, as Diana finds help - or so it seems at first - sooner than one would think. And when Colin decides to eliminate something in his way, one will applaud the filmmakers' brevity in going to that place. An offbeat credit for director Thom Eberhardt, best known for "Night of the Comet", this features some gorgeous scenery and a very good music score by Jeremy Scott Reinbolt, and is at its best when it's just Diana and Colin on their own in the country. It gets pretty visceral without ever getting very gory. It does lead to a resolution that is unexpected, ending this thing on a rather interesting final note. B movie lovers should find all of this to be agreeable enough. Seven out of 10.

Travis Smith Going into this film I thought two things: 1. Another new take on "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell(Which is one of my favorite short fictions) 2.It would be an attempt at successful "exploitation" films of the 60's, with all the titillation, terrible acting, and fake blood that were synonymous with those films...How wrong I was.I was unaware that this was actually based on the killings of serial killer Robert Hansen, which this was very accurately based, except he was in Alaska and the film takes place in New Mexico.As far as cast and acting goes, it was rather well done. Strong plot(which isn't hard being based on actual events). The title, cover art, and synopsis would lead one to believe that this IS an attempt at an exploitation film and yes it does have the nudity to concur, though as another reviewer had added, the plot and solid acting of the lead got to a point that I didn't care she was nude and was actually yelling at the character in an already made film to "MOVE NOW" or "look behind you"(come on most of us have done it). All in all, not Oscar worthy, but a very enthralling and well rounded film. A definite 7 out of 10.

imagesoft The plot was expected and until the actual center piece abduction takes place its normal horror movie fair. Then from the title(and cover)you would expect a naked or half naked cutie running around doing stupid stuff until she is finally caught an snuffed out, but despite the long interlude of nudity while running. you actually focus on the story and get behind the protagonist and want her to win. As a normal red blooded male, I really enjoy in a film that has the obvious eye candy of a pretty girl nude, when it makes sense, and doesn't stand in the way of the plot, and is not pornographic. I for one haven't seen that type of appeal sense the emerald forest. I thought the very end like the beginning was a bit contrived and hooky, but neither end stopped this from being a very watchable and enjoyable film. My Hat is off to the cast and crew of this very good budget sleeper.

merklekranz Although character development is pretty spotty, and Joe Mantegna is mostly wasted, "Naked Fear" is the type of DVD gold you can occasionally stumble upon in the sea of bad exploitation movies. Danielle De Luca does a good job as the hunted, and the story never loses momentum, once the outdoor pursuit commences. Though her choices are not always logical, the great scenery and a few tense moments overcome any story weaknesses. Make no mistake this is not your typical hunted in the woods plot, but rather an exploitation film that pushes into some new territory. Concerning the controversial ending, just think of "Naked Fear" as a rural version of "Ms.45". - MERK