An American Haunting

[evan]

If you like a good ghost story this is it , and the sorround effects were great,I have not seen a good ghost story like this since the Changeling with George C. Scott some 25 years ago

 

[skizzerflake]

There actually is some "truth" to this film. The Bell Witch Haunting is a classic in the history of weird events. You can read all about it at http://www.prairieghosts.com/b-cave.html and even visit the cave.

True or not, I thought this movie was pretty good. Donald Sutherland and Cissy Spacek are actors with much more believability than the hacks in a lot of horror movies. They really made this movie work. Unfortunately, in mainstream movie reviewing, there is a tradition that you always subtract at least one star if its in the horror genre. If you are short on good ghost movies, try The Others, with Nicole Kidman.

 

[j_garcia]

I have to disagree. As horror/suspense goes, this movie was quite weak. The overall story was good, but the script was terrible and basically wasted all the great talent that was present. Besides the great sound, I wouldn't recommend this movie. IMO, The Others was better than this, but was also a little thin.

 

[Jack Hammer]

I just picked this up at Block Buster for $6.50. Sorry guys, I thought the movie was awful. It was almost painful to watch. The only positive I really recall was the surround sound was very good with weirdness moving all about the room. I thought the script was poorly done and the acting seemed real weak to me.

I blame the director, because I know the main characters are very talented actors. Everything was cheesy - from the cliche use of sounds and music to the way it was put together. I hope the director went back to making afterschool specials for 6 year olds.

Better than Starship Troopers 2, but not much.

Jack

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

The problem with The Others is that once you know the twist (which is pretty obvious) the movies loses all rewatchablility. Unlike, say, The Pretidge, which most people will watch 2 or 3 times in a row.

 

[skizzerflake]

The problem with The Others is that once you know the twist (which is pretty obvious) the movies loses all rewatchablility. Unlike, say, The Pretidge, which most people will watch 2 or 3 times in a row.

I really liked The Others. I saw it in the movies and again on DVD. It definitely loses suspense when you know what happens, but the second time I appreciated how skillfully the movie was made and how dense I was that I didn't know what was going on from minute 1. The Prestige, was terrific, both as a puzzle and because I am a big fan of Tesla and liked the way the handled the character. They were very careful to duplicate Tesla's Colorado Springs lab and, for some reason I can't discern, the director was convinces he HAD to have David Bowie to play the role. While they were at it, I wish they had done something with Tesla's mythic "death ray".

 

[darien87]

Sucks, cuz I love horror and ghost movies, but just like J Garcia and Jack Hammer say, I've heard almost universally bad reviews of this movie. I don' want to waste a rental on it, but now that I'm doing the Blockbuster internet renting, maybe I'll give it a shot.

 

[j_garcia]

IMO, it is worth a rent for the sound alone, but don't expect a solid movie. Popcorn flick at best.

 

[darien87]

IMO, it is worth a rent for the sound alone, but don't expect a solid movie. Popcorn flick at best.

Really? The sound is THAT good?

 

[Jack Hammer]

Overall, the sound is not very impressive. What is good is the use of surround sound to have eerie voices moving about all around you when the ghost is in the room. Timewise, it is not a large part of the movie. It's also not a special effects movie. It's a lot like watching a play.

I'd save my money.

If anyone wants it, pm me, I have no intention of ever watching it again or keeping it.

Jack

 

[j_garcia]

Yes, the surround is that good IMO (I rewatched just to hear it), but as Jack mentions, only in a limited number of scenes. It has at least one scene that shook the house, and a few very nicely done surround scenes, but besides that nothing too memorable.

 

[robmlisanti]

How about trying the DVD "The Haunting" with Liam Neeson, Lili Taylor...the movies is kinda crappy, but the surround effects are awesome, especially the subwoofer WOW! I thought all my pictures were gonna fall of the walls!
The lows are probably around 25Hz or less!

 

[j_garcia]

Yes, everyone knows about The Haunting. The first DTS-ES movie track made, and it does have some intense bass. The DTS version is easily better than the DD, but I believe it is out of print (fortunately I have it )

 

[matty76]

nothing in @ the video store so I thought after browsing here I'd rent "An American Haunting"...first movie I've seen in a long time that actually made me sit up and take notice of my system. Movie is quite good, classic however somewhat predictable, but the soundtrack was definitely top notch, separations and panning are spectacular.

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

I have to disagree. As horror/suspense goes, this movie was quite weak. The overall story was good, but the script was terrible and basically wasted all the great talent that was present. Besides the great sound, I wouldn't recommend this movie. IMO, The Others was better than this

I liked American Haunting, but I agree with you that The Others was better. I was pleasantly surprised by The Others because it was definitely better than I expected.

A word of caution about American Haunting..... it isn't exactly what I would call "KID" friendly. It was rated PG-13 for "intense terror sequences and thematic material" but there is one glaring omission from that description.

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

The Prestige, was terrific, both as a puzzle and because I am a big fan of Tesla and liked the way the handled the character.

I think the extensive hype of The Prestige got the better of me, because I was disappointed in this movie. Yes, it was OK, but I felt let down by it, and my wife didnt like it at all.

On the other hand, it's twin, The Illusionist(starring ed norton & jessica biel)....... my wife and I both really liked that one.