For scary movies, location has evolved into one of the most important parts of the genre. It’s hard to scare an audience who knows that help is just a cell phone call away. No one gets lost with GPS units everywhere.

If for no other reason, “Chernobyl Diaries” does get points for an original location. An abandoned town and the added danger of possible radioactive contamination … what could go wrong?

The director does a good job keeping the pace going strong and the despite the over-reliance on chase scenes –they run for half an hour -- the movie does provide sufficient menace and tension to provide a thrill or two for those looking for a good scare.

Unfortunately, there’s also not much else new in the movie. While not dis-likeable, there’s nothing that really makes you care for the main characters. And to be frank, it’s hard to have much sympathy for those going “extreme tourism,” which sounds like code for “how’s your health insurance?”

It certainly doesn’t hit upon any new ground outside the typical “teens run and hide” type film. The movie hurries along to the prerequisite surprise ending, which isn’t particularly surprising.

- John Geddie has been feeling a little radioactive himself.

Opening; “Snow White and the Huntsman”

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