Class Action Park

Last updated

Class Action Park
Class Action Park Digital Poster.png
Digital poster
Directed by
Produced by
  • Michael Garber
  • Chris M. Johnston
  • Chris Lyon
  • Seth Porges
Narrated by John Hodgman
Cinematography
  • Rob Senska
  • Chris M. Johnston
Edited by
  • Chris Lyon
  • Chris M. Johnston
Music byThe Holladay Brothers
Production
companies
  • Pinball Party Productions
  • Strategery Films
  • Warner Max
Distributed by HBO Max
Release dates
Running time
90 minutes
LanguageEnglish

Class Action Park is a 2020 documentary film about the American amusement park Action Park, which was located in Vernon Township, New Jersey and was known for the popularity it had among locals, and is infamous for the poor safety record of the attractions located on its grounds. [2] [3] [4] The title is based on one of the popular nicknames by parkgoers, alongside "Traction Park" and "Accident Park".

Contents

The film premiered virtually at the 2020 Florida Film Festival and was released a week later on HBO Max. It premiered on TNT on December 27, 2021. [5]

Plot

Class Action Park begins by chronicling the life of penny stockbroker Eugene Mulvihill, who is described as having become rich from pump-and-dump schemes. It outlines his path to opening Vernon Township's Action Park in 1978. He envisioned it as a park with "no rules". [6]

The first two-thirds of the film features former Action Park guests and employees reflecting on the park's more dangerous rides, such as the Cannonball Loop, the SuperSpeed Waterfalls, the Alpine Slides and the Tarzan Swings, and reflects on the park itself and its general atmosphere and culture. The life of Eugene Mulvihill is also chronicled, including a discussion of his legal issues, which often involved Action Park. For example, a land dispute with the U.S. state of New Jersey is said to have been resolved after the state got tired of dealing with him. [7] [8]

The last third of the film focuses on the dangers of Action Park by chronicling the deaths that occurred there, as well as documenting the story of George Larsson Jr.'s death while riding the Alpine Slides in 1980, which was the first death at Action Park. It was covered up by the park in order to avoid reporting his death to New Jersey authorities. It was claimed that they didn't need to, as he was not a member of the general public. Action Park claimed that Larsson died as an employee of the park riding the slide at night during a rain shower, but in fact, all three claims were untrue. [9] [3] The suggestion that Mulvihill corrupted Vernon Township officials during Action Park's existence is also mentioned, as are the downfall of the park and Mulvihill's death. The film ends with the interviewees reflecting on Action Park as a whole, with one stating that its vision continues to live on in schemes such as Fyre Festival and Theranos. Another calls it an '80s movie in real life that will never happen again. Footage of George Larsson Jr.'s mother and younger brother visiting his grave is shown.

The film also mentions that Donald Trump considered investing in the park at one point, but backed out after finding Mulvihill's vision for the park to be too risky.

Cast

Reception

Class Action Park was the number one film on HBO Max for the week following its premiere date of August 27, 2020. [12] It has been praised by many critics for pointing out the dark side of the park and talking about the people who died at the park; it does not glorify nor delve into nostalgia about the park. [13] [14] [3] As of October 2021, 96% of the 52 reviews compiled on Rotten Tomatoes are positive, with an average rating of 7.5/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "Disturbing and thrilling in equal measure, Class Action Park is a raucous chronicle of the infamous water park that was as beloved as it was dangerous." [15]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cranford, New Jersey</span> Township in Union County, New Jersey, US

Cranford is a township in Union County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, located 18 miles (29 km) southwest of Manhattan. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 23,847, an increase of 1,222 (+5.4%) from the 2010 census count of 22,625, which in turn reflected an increase of 47 (+0.2%) from the 22,578 counted in the 2000 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Princeton, New Jersey</span> Borough in New Jersey, United States

Princeton is a municipality with a borough form of government in Mercer County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It was established on January 1, 2013, through the consolidation of the Borough of Princeton and Princeton Township, both of which are now defunct. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 30,681, an increase of 2,109 (+7.4%) from the 2010 census combined count of 28,572. In the 2000 census, the two communities had a total population of 30,230, with 14,203 residents in the borough and 16,027 in the township.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vernon Township, New Jersey</span> Township in Sussex County, New Jersey, US

Vernon Township is a township in Sussex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It is located about a one hour drive from New York City and is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 22,358, a decrease of 1,585 (−6.6%) from the 2010 census count of 23,943, which in turn reflected a decline of 743 (−3.0%) from the 24,686 counted in the 2000 census. It is both the most populous municipality and the largest in area in the county.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Water slide</span> Type of slide designed for recreational use in water parks

A water slide is a type of slide designed for warm-weather or indoor recreational use at water parks. Water slides differ in their riding method and therefore size. Some slides require riders to sit directly on the slide, or on a raft or tube designed to be used with the slide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mountain Creek</span> Ski area in New Jersey, United States

Mountain Creek is a ski resort in Vernon Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, United States. It is located on New Jersey Route 94 in the New York Metropolitan Area, 47 miles (76 km) from the George Washington Bridge.

The Legends Resort & Country Club, often called simply Legends, was a hotel located on County Route 517 in Vernon Township in Sussex County, New Jersey, United States. In the 1970s, Hugh Hefner built the facility as The Great Gorge Playboy Club Hotel, and it officially opened in 1972. The Playboy Club was sold in 1982 to the Americana Hotel franchise. The hotel was sold again to the Seasons Investment Corp. and reopened in 1991 as the Seasons Resort and Conference Center. The property was sold yet again to parent-company Metairie Corp, which reopened the hotel as the Legends Resort & Country Club. The hotel declined severely after 2000 and has been nearly derelict with the amenities all damaged and shut down. The hotel did stay open but mostly housed recipients since about 2005. After evicting long term tenants, the hotel finally closed to public operations in April 2018 with various plans to restore it for commercial use of some sort.

Action Park was an amusement and water park located in Vernon Township, New Jersey, United States, on the grounds of the Vernon Valley/Great Gorge ski resort. The park consisted primarily of water-based attractions and originally opened to the public in 1978, under the ownership of Great American Recreation (GAR).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mountain Creek Waterpark</span> Water park in Vernon, New Jersey

Mountain Creek Waterpark is a water park located in Vernon, New Jersey, United States, on the grounds of the Mountain Creek ski resort. The park consists primarily of water-based attractions and opened in 1998. Its initial life as Action Park, one of the first modern American water parks, was open from 1978 until 1996 and became infamous for its poor safety record. At least six people are known to have died as a result of mishaps on rides at the original park. Despite this, the park was very popular and attracted thrill-seekers from across the New York metropolitan area.

The following article is a summary of notable incidents at the amusement parks and water parks that are operated by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. In some cases, these incidents occurred while the park was under different management or ownership.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Gandolfini</span> American actor (1961–2013)

James John Gandolfini Jr. was an American actor. He was best known for his portrayal of Tony Soprano, the Italian-American Mafia crime boss in HBO's television series The Sopranos (1999–2007). For this role, he won three Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and one Golden Globe Award. His role as Tony Soprano has been described as one of the greatest and most influential performances in television history.

Jeff Lenosky is an American world class professional Freeride and Trials Mountain Bicycle Rider.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toms River, New Jersey</span> Township in Ocean County, New Jersey, US

Toms River is a township located on the Jersey Shore in Ocean County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Its mainland portion is also a census-designated place of the same name, which serves as the county seat of Ocean County. Formerly known as the Township of Dover, voters in a 2006 referendum approved a change of the official name to the Township of Toms River, adopting the name of the largest unincorporated community within the township. The township is a bedroom suburb of New York City in the New York metropolitan area, and a regional commercial hub in central New Jersey.

Seth Porges is an American director, producer, journalist, and television commentator. He produced, wrote, and co-directed the feature documentary Class Action Park, which premiered as the number one movie on HBO Max in August 2020. In 2014, he additionally wrote and produced a documentary short about Action Park. He also appears on numerous television shows on the History, National Geographic, Discovery, and Travel channels; including more than 40 episodes of Mysteries at the Museum.

The production of beer in New Jersey has been in a state of recovery since Prohibition (1919-1933) and the Great Depression (1929-1945). Currently, the state has 123 licensed breweries: a large production brewery owned by an international beverage company, Anheuser-Busch InBev, and 122 independent microbreweries and 19 brewpubs. The growth of the microbreweries and brewpubs since the 1990s has been aided by the loosening of the state's licensing restrictions and strict alcohol control laws, many of which were a legacy of Prohibition.

<i>Titans</i> (2018 TV series) 2018 American superhero television series

Titans is an American superhero television series created by Akiva Goldsman, Geoff Johns, and Greg Berlanti. Based on the DC Comics superhero team Teen Titans, the series depicts a group of young heroes who join forces in their fight against evil. Featured as members of the eponymous Titans are Dick Grayson, Kory Anders, Rachel Roth, Gar Logan, Jason Todd, Donna Troy, Hank Hall, Dawn Granger, Rose Wilson, Conner Kent, and Tim Drake.

<i>Raised by Wolves</i> (American TV series) 2020 American science fiction series

Raised by Wolves was an American science fiction drama television series created by Aaron Guzikowski that premiered on HBO Max on September 3, 2020. The first two episodes were directed by Ridley Scott, who also serves as an executive producer for the show. The series was renewed for a second season shortly after its debut, which premiered on February 3, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dany Garcia</span> American film producer (born 1967)

Dany Garcia Rienzi is an American film producer and businesswoman. She is the founder of GSTQ and the CEO and chair of The Garcia Companies overseeing a portfolio of brands in business, entertainment, and food, including Teremana Tequila, Athleticon, and the Project Rock Collection at Under Armour, VOSS, Atom Tickets, Salt & Straw, ZOA Energy, Acorns, and the UFL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DreamWorks Water Park</span> Indoor water park in New Jersey, US

DreamWorks Water Park is an indoor water park within the American Dream shopping and entertainment complex, at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States. Opened on October 1, 2020, the water park includes 15 water slides and 15 attractions, and covers 8.5 acres (3.4 ha).

<i>Charm City Kings</i> 2020 film directed by Angel Manuel Soto

Charm City Kings is a 2020 American drama film directed by Ángel Manuel Soto from a screenplay by Sherman Payne and a story by Chris Boyd, Kirk Sullivan, and Barry Jenkins. It is based on the 2013 documentary 12 O'Clock Boys by Lotfy Nathan. It stars Jahi Di'Allo Winston, Meek Mill, Will Catlett, and Teyonah Parris.

References

  1. ↑ "Class Action Park preceded by Patty, Are You Bringing Weed In From Jamaica?". Florida Film Festival. August 20, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  2. ↑ "'Class Action Park' Remembers The Perils Of A Really Good Time". NPR.org. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Bailey, Jason (September 1, 2020). "'Class Action Park' Review: Thanks for the Injuries". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  4. ↑ Jackson, Dan. "All the Wildest Stories From HBO Max's Dangerous Theme Park Doc 'Class Action Park'". Thrillist. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  5. ↑ "TBS and TNT Launch Front Row a Limited Commercial Interruption Programming Destination".
  6. ↑ Syme, Rachel. "The Thrills and Horrors of HBO's "Class Action Park"". The New Yorker. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
  7. 1 2 Greenblatt, Leah (August 25, 2020). "HBO Max theme-park documentary 'Class Action Park' is a wild ride: Review". EW.com. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  8. ↑ Phillips, Michael (August 31, 2020). "You must be this high to ride…". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  9. ↑ Rosen, Christopher (August 27, 2020). "A Theme Park So Dangerous Even Donald Trump Thought It Was Nuts". Vanity Fair. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  10. ↑ Hughes, Josiah (August 31, 2020). "Fantasia Review: 'Class Action Park' Is Funny but Lacking in Empathy Directed by Seth Porges and Chris Charles Scott III". exclaim.ca. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  11. 1 2 3 Phillips, Michael (August 28, 2020). "'Class Action Park' review: Welcome back to the world's most dangerous waterpark". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  12. ↑ NJ.com, Amy Kuperinsky | NJ Advance Media for (September 4, 2020). "'Class Action Park' documentary wins big, becoming No. 1 film on HBO Max". nj. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  13. ↑ "'Class Action Park' Remembers The Perils Of A Really Good Time". NPR.org. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  14. ↑ "Notorious Action Park in New Jersey is topic of new HBO documentary". TODAY.com. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  15. ↑ "Class Action Park (2020)". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango . Retrieved October 10, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.