With such a modest entrance in the middle of an up-scale outdoor mall one might not think much of this haunt. Little do
they know that just beyond the small entryway lies a 50,000 scare foot maze.

     Standing out front of this maze is quite fun. While the unsuspecting public goes about their business a couple monsters
move in for the kill. The skill they possess is evident as the screaming echoes around the mall. My personal favorite moments
were when people were looking at the mall map completely unaware that a monster was right behind them. Or the brave little
girl who held the monsters at bay with her light-up sword.

     Into the maze we head. The victims are let in in small groups of 6 at a time. I am a big fan of this style because it makes the
maze more personal and makes one feel a bit more vulnerable. Also the dreaded “conga lines” that tend to happen when
haunts let a continuous stream of people in are not an issues here. In the first room you find yourself locked in an incinerator. I
will not go in to detail here, you’ll have to experience this yourself.
     
     After a startling start you proceed with trepidation in to a vast expanse. This open space full of fog plays tricks with the
mind as shadows make your heart race. In the fog shrouded cemetery a silhouette comes to life running at you with a circular
saw. When sparks start to fly the terror begins to mount. One particularly cool effect is a combination of fog and lights that
causes anything under the fog line to completely disappear. Almost as if you are walking waste deep in water. You can’t see
them coming until it’s to late. As the long open expanse ends, you find your self in a small corridor of an old house. This maze
works by using the two extremes of open and close space to make your senses uncomfortable.

     The house is wonderfully themed with nice attention to detail. Some of the details include: moldering walls, a broken piano,
and dismembered teddy bears. A very creepy doll like girl haunts this area. The half open zipper on her face is a great effect.
The halls open again into the open space where many monsters roam. Soon you find yourself in the tight corridors again. These
ones are full of dismembered bodies. It’s here that the building tension comes to ahead. The monsters are all around you and
you wonder, will you get out alive?

     There is not a lot of theming in The Empty Grave. Which gives your mind a place to create the fear of what is hiding in
those negative space. When there is theming the detail is outstanding! The scenery and props are all top notice. But what
makes this haunt great is it’s talent. Every monster knows his job well. The passion for scaring and the effort they put into it is
amazing. These are truly some of the best monsters I have seen. They take the risks and go for the throat.
     
     One band of monsters, and I don’t use the term “band” loosely. Really goes above and beyond. The Decayed Brigade!
Yet another aspect that sets this haunt above the rest. When out in front of the maze a large door opens and out comes 3
monsters pushing a coffin. When they stop and open the coffin up the music begins. That’s right music. This undead drum line
knows how to knock a crowd dead!

     The Empty Grave is an experience that is not to be missed this Halloween season. Great street monsters, a drum line, and
a fantastic maze make for one killer night. The passion that each and every person involved with this maze has is plainly
evident. Even the non-monster staff was energetic and friendly. Mike, the mastermind, has a great creative vision and I have a
feeling he has many more scares planed to keep us up at night. I hope this haunt will be around for many years to come.

Reviewed by: Darkest Jack
The Empty Grave Haunted Attraction
Location: The Gardenwalk,  Anaheim, Ca
Hours of Operation: 6:30pm-Midnight on
Fridays and Saturdays,and from
6:30pm-10pm on weeknights
Tickets: General $13 Front of line pass $20
Creator: Mike Talarico
Website: www.theMTgrave.com