Thrills and Chaos: Action in the Amusement Park - Part 1
A Film Program - No. 03.01
Hey movie lovers, welcome back to A Film Program! It’s been a while, but I’m excited to kick off the first film program of 2025. This one’s called “Thrills and Chaos: Action in the Amusement Park.”
This program was inspired by a fun and quirky action sequence from The Punisher, which takes place in an amusement park. It reminded me of the scene from Birds of Prey where Harley Quinn and her crew fight it out in a carnival-like setting. That got me thinking:
how many other films have action sequences—or even entire plotlines—set in amusement parks, carnivals, or similarly weird and fun environments?
For those familiar with the Film Program—or if you’ve followed my discussions on Cinema Tunes—you know I love taking these kinds of ideas and running them through ChatGPT. It’s like having a collaborator and discovery engine all in one. I start with a concept, set some parameters, and let ChatGPT curate a 12-film program that captures the theme.
This approach reinforces self-learning. For people like me—or anyone reading this—who may not have ready access to a massive library of films or encyclopedic knowledge of cinema, this tool can break down barriers and introduce you to films you might never have discovered otherwise.
For instance, there are a few picks on this list that I’d never even heard of, and I’m excited to check them out. There are also films already in my collection that I’ll revisit, review, and share my thoughts on.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the program! Stay tuned for Part Two, which will be out in about an hour.
This program, co-created with ChatGPT, celebrates the creativity and high-stakes tension of action sequences set against the backdrop of amusement parks. From gritty shootouts to fantastical battles, these films use the vibrant, chaotic energy of these settings to amplify the drama and adrenaline.
1. The Punisher (1989, USA)
Starring Dolph Lundgren as the vigilante Frank Castle, this gritty action flick features a climactic shootout in an abandoned amusement park, perfectly blending noir grit with eerie thrills.
Key Scene: The haunting, dilapidated amusement park becomes the perfect setting for a final showdown.
2. Birds of Prey (2020, USA)
Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) and her team of antiheroes take on their enemies in Gotham’s booby-trapped Amusement Mile. The film combines vibrant visuals with thrilling action.
Key Scene: Harley’s acrobatics and colorful chaos are on full display during the explosive amusement park finale.
3. The Man with the Golden Gun (1974, UK)
James Bond (Roger Moore) faces Scaramanga (Christopher Lee) in a deadly duel that begins at a carnival-themed funhouse.
Key Scene: The funhouse’s surreal, mirror-filled maze creates a suspenseful and visually striking climax.
4. Zombieland (2009, USA)
In this horror-comedy, a group of survivors fights off a zombie horde in an amusement park, turning rides into weapons and survival tools.
Key Scene: The thrilling Ferris wheel shootout is a highlight, blending horror and humor with adrenaline-pumping action.
5. The Raid 2 (Serbuan Maut 2, 2014, Indonesia)
This Indonesian action masterpiece features a gritty, fast-paced fight in a carnival setting during its sprawling, action-packed narrative.
Key Scene: The carnival sequence combines the franchise’s signature martial arts with the chaos of a bustling crowd.
6. Final Destination 3 (2006, USA)
A premonition about a deadly roller coaster accident sets off a chain of death-defying moments in this supernatural thriller.
Key Scene: The opening roller coaster sequence is unforgettable, turning the amusement park into a nightmare.All right folks, take your time with these, and don’t go anywhere—Part Two of this program will hit your inbox in about an hour!
In the meantime, let me know in the comments:
• Have you seen any of these films?
• Were there any surprises or new introductions for you?
• Do you think I’ve missed any titles that should be on this list?
Drop your thoughts below, and I’ll see you soon!
