Lucy Hale, Austin Stowell and Michael Pena star in a scene from the movie "Fantasy Island." The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. (CNS/Sony)

By Catholic News Service

Muddled horror flick transforms the TV drama series that aired in the late 1970s and early 1980s into a dark, incoherent mess.

Under the supervision of the manager (Michael Pena) of a luxurious resort, an ensemble of guests (most prominently Maggie Q and Lucy Hale) lives out a variety of dream scenarios, all of which take unexpected turns. While there are respectable messages underlying some of the storylines, director and co-writer Jeff Wadlow’s film makes for a dreary slog and exudes an air of desperation as it lurches toward its conclusion.

Some stylized violence, including gunplay, with minimal gore, a few gruesome images, drug use, mature references, including to homosexuality and promiscuity, fleeting partial nudity, a couple of mild oaths, at least one rough and several crude terms. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Click here for full reviews of this and other current movies by Catholic News Service.