The Frighteners

Rating:
Summary: quirky film lover? try this!
Review: The biggest complaint about this film is 'its not scary'. Well, o.k its not. But don't dismiss it just because of that! This film is a great blend of special effects, dark comedy, romance, suspense and mystery. Few films can juggle all those genres and suceed, and this is one of them.

If you're into dark comedy and/or subtle humor, rent this movie. Its not roll on the floor laughter, but if you're a fan of ironic humor, try this film.

Rating:
Summary: weird but fun
Review: Man oh man, was this an odd film. Not as weird as a lot of others I have seen before, but it explored all aspects of the dead and the deadly. It's got slasher stuff, black comedy, dark spirits, crazy murderers....it's a tough one. But it goes so fast that you can't help but follow every second of it. It captivates you right from the start. Michael J. Fox, though? I never would have thought he'd do this type of film. Still, his positive presence helps the movie along tremendously. The part I liked best about it was fighting and stopping the grim reaper, who was actually the dead murderer Bartlett who had somehow escaped from Hell. This is a very frightening film. I'm not sure why it died once it reached the theaters. Just because it's not conventional doesn't mean it's not good. In fact, it's frighteningly impressive. You might want to get it off TV, though, because I shudder to think of what the deaths would be like if not for (in this case) some merciful television editing.

Rating:
Summary: Good attempt, but bad script
Review: Fox likely made this movie to break away from his perpetual billing as the guy next door, but it is difficult to picture him as the shifty Frank Banister, and some of the dialog sounds really canned.

The sequence of the film itself takes me back to my childhood when i was on some very strong anti-epileptic medication, that although legally prescribed and adminstered, produced some very bizzare and trippy visual effects. Thus, it was not particularly enjoyable to watch and the plot did not make any sense.

The movie would have been good as a comedy or drama, but Fox cannot pull off horror movies as the perpetrator. Through out the movie, the usually great actor looks like he is out of his element and rethinking the decision to star in this vehicle.

I like weird stuff as much as the next freak, and would normally enjoy this movie, but I can't when the lead actor himself does not look like he is having a good time during the filming.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, but not for everyone
Review: Robert Zemeckis Presents: The Frighteners (Peter Jackson, 1996)

Since Jackson will be releasing the biggest films of the next three years in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, I figured it was time to go back and get re-acquainted with the old stuff. The Frighteners is looked upon many as a hideous mistake for both Jackson and Zemeckis, but I think they were probably expecting something different (and opposite, depending on to whose name the fan was responding).

This film has a much more serious/dark cast to it than most of Jackson's earlier work, but it should be obvious from the get-go that this isn't a straight horror film; when Michael J. Fox is your lead character, and Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator), who's never played anything serious in his life, are two of your main characters, you're going for laughs, or at least heavy sarcasm. Jackson delivers the latter with a trowel here. There are a few really laugh-out-loud scenes a la Dead Alive, but for the most part, the humor herein is more of the uncomfortable smile variety. It's certainly not for everyone.

The acting is delicious, from beginning to end. Fox, in his last big screen male lead performance, plays the frustrated psychic to the hilt. His foils are Chi McBride, John Astin, and Jim Fyfe as a trio of ghosts with whom he's struck a deal to drum up some business to finish building his dream house. The four of them are surrounded by a minor cast of characters, both corporeal and incorporeal (note, especially, R. Lee Ermey as a drill sergeant-- what a stretch!), all of whom are just great. Factor in child star Trini Alvarado all grown up as Fox's love interest and Dee Wallace Stone as a henpecked and housebound parolee after her boyfriend (Jake Busey, looking just like his dad) went on a long-ago killing spree, and you can be assured that this movie is worth it for the acting power alone. If, that is, you can glom onto Jackson's exceptionally black humor. *** 1/2

Rating:
Summary: From a time when entertainment was just that
Review: The Frighteners harks back to those wonderfully entertaining films of the 1980's where a highly polished plot, loveable (non-stereotyped) characters, dazzling special effects and a tongue held firmly in the cheek combined to provide movies that the whole family could watch and enjoy. But then, what did you expect from Robert Zemeckis, or Michael J. Fox for that matter, for whom this film is the high point of a tragically up-down career due to Parkinson's Disease. Obviously The Frighteners is for a slightly older audience, but it retains the childlike appeal of those 80's films without being childish. It even manages to poke fun at Twin Peaks, the X Files, Ghost, Full Metal Jacket and Psycho, whilst passing comment on the fashion-sense of the 1970's and humorously exposing the eccentricities of small town life, and being an engrossingly semi-scary movie at the same time. In short, it's got a bit of everything for everyone.

The star of this film is its ability to combine elements. There's an ancient mass murder, a lunatic asylum, a haunted house, a murderous ghost, an overbearing mother, a guilty daughter, a psychic investigator who can see ghosts, a recently widowed doctor, a woman-fearing FBI Agent, and a multitude of ghosts from all eras of history, yet it never bites off more than it can chew. An even better combination is in the actors; Michael J. Fox as the untypical hero is perfect beside the gorgeous Trini Alvarado as untypical heroine (she actually has personality); the regular Hollywood actors are brilliantly offset by cult oddball Jeffrey Combs in a decidedly non-mainstream turn of acting; Jake Busey once again proves he is a more than adequate replacement for the love-to-hate figure of Gary. Amidst high-spills, otherworldly encounters, psychic flashbacks and psychotic personalities, the humour and human element weave seamlessly in and out of one another, at once horrifying and hysterical. And for the more discerning viewer, the switch from closed to open form camerawork, especially in the confrontational scene between Combs and Fox in the Sheriff's Department, is a definite filmmaking plus to look out for.

What more is there to say? The Frighteners engrosses you, scares you, makes you laugh, has you gasping and cheering in all the right places, and is filled with so many interesting minor details (such as one ghost's electrocution scars) that you can watch it time and time again. Zemeckis has been quoted as saying: "Good directing is good writing and good casting, that's all!" The Frighteners is the only evidence you need to prove that.

Rating:
Summary: Peter Jackson's Thrill-A-Minute Ghost Ride!!!!
Review: I was shocked myself when I learned that 'The Frighteners' had reached the prestigious "Amazon.com Essential Video" list. Of course, you're probably pretty familiar with the story now, and since the Amazon.com review will pretty much give you as much information that you need to know before you see the movie, just giving a plot summary would be useless. So... why the five stars?

Simply put, this film is probably unlike anything you're likely to see. Director Peter Jackson creates a masterful film that blurs many different genres - horror, comedy, action, thriller, and even a little romance. This film has all of that and more. The plot is densely layered and there is always more than a few things going on at a time. In fact, repeated viewings will make you discover just how much attention to detail the filmmakers payed attention to. The acting is well above average with Michael J. Fox and Trini Alvarado as the very likeable leads. However, Jeffrey Combs gives a magnificent performance as the paranoid FBI agent, Milton Dammers. In the best role this side of Herbert West ('Re-Animator'), Jeffrey Combs deserves some kind of an award for his gifted acting (Acadamy Awards... are you listening?). Also, check out a hilarious cameo by R. Lee Ermey, reprising his role from 'Full Metal Jacket'! Another great feature of this film is how marvelous it utilizes it's special effects. The entire production has such a high gloss and great image that you'll duck when those ghosts fly at the screen. At times, the story takes some rather dark turns, but the overal emphasis is on comedy... in that respect, it delivers the goods. Peter Jackson gives the film a great feel with his excellent direction. At times, he pulls the camera around walls and through windows. Overall... 'The Frighteners' is a great film experience. An original, funny, astonishing, and refreshing movie that gets more uplifting and satisfying every single time you see it. Highly Recommended! (So maybe what should have shocked me was that I didn't predict 'The Frighteners' would be an essential video! Buy it immediately!)

P.S. Me myself being a big Peter Jackson fan, I picked up on some small details after a few viewings... First, look for actor Stuart Devenie as the Museum Curator. Peter Jackson fans will remember him as the kung-fu priest in 'Dead Alive'. This second one I'm a little reluctant on but here it goes anyway. Look closely during the scene where Trini Alvarado's character watches the video on serial killers in her bedroom. It might just be me, but look at the tape on the right side of the television. It looks like a VHS Miramax tape of 'Heavenly Creatures'. (Will someone please verify this for me. E-Mail me at [e-mail] - Thanks.)

Rating:
Summary: The frighteners_not so scary but funny
Review: Micheal J. Fox has a weird life. He sees spirits because a near death accident. Well this is very rare so he thought why dont make a living out it? Well 2 friendly ghosts scare a lot of people and leave the number of frank bannister(micheal j. fox) behind. If you have trouble with ghosts call me(something like that). Everything is fine untill he suddently sees carved numbers in peoples foreheads. This is the work of the grim reaper. A few years ago a psychally ill guy wanted to break the record of people killed by a psycopath so he kills more. They fried him but he now returned as a grim reaper figure and kills again... The dvd looks great no problems what so ever.

Rating:
Summary: An unique thriller with a dose of black humour.
Review: The Plot:In the small town of Fairwater, USA. There a evil awakened from the dead, an evil so powerful could destory a soul without being expecting. For Frank Bannister(Micheal J. Fox in his last lead role) thinks death is a great way to make a living. Since he can seen dead spirits after an horrible expierence, now he friends with some of the dead spirits. Frank is a con artist with the help spirits, making him some money with late night calls scaring the hell of people, living thier house. Until frank finds himself at the center of a dark and terrible mystery. A diabolical spirit is on a murderous rampage. Now frank crosses the ultimate battle between him and spirited serial killer. Before spirited evil destory more living innocence soul of Fairwater, USA. This film features excellent CGI effects. With an boasting score by Danny Elfman. An fuuny tribute to Stanley Kubrick`s Full Metal Jacket with R. Lee Ermey reprise his role.An scene stealing scenary-chewing role performance by Jeffery Combs. Executive Producer by Robert Zecemkis(Forrest Gump, What Lies Beneath). Entertainingly directed by Peter Jackson, who also co-written the film with Fran Walsh. Director Jackson is known for directing Heavenly Creatures and Gory black comedy:Dead Alive. All of his film are not for all tastes. Jackson now directing:The Lord of the Rings Trilogy for New Line Cinema. There a director`s cut on the special editon laserdisc version with an running commentary track by the director. The new version, now runs 122 mins than the theatrical version was at 110 mins. With an 4½ Hours documentary on the making of the film! with More Deleted Scenes/Outtakes, Traliers or More. Fanatics of the film(Like me) hope Universal will put this on DVD Soon or Anchor Bay Entertainment will be fun, if there do this special edition on DVD. Still the theatrical version is an strong entertaining film. Grade:A-. Super 35.

Rating:
Summary: Scary, Thrilling Fun!
Review: "The Frighteners" is one of those movies that has you exasperated at the finish, but smiling from ear to ear! This movie has it all! Great story...incredible action...awesome special effects...great characters! Zemeckis crafts a brilliant screenplay with wonderful actors in out-in-leftfield roles. I don't want to give away the movie's plot because getting through it is so much fun. You'll jump, laugh, and gasp! I've shown this movie to many people and every one has liked it. Zemeckis must have really liked this movie because the digital effects are astounding along with Zemeckis' trademark jaw-dropping shots. Also, the ending sequences are absolutely incredible. Filmed in unbelievable fashion, they leave every moviegoer asking how he did that. Once again, can't tell you why (it would ruin the end). There are so many richly-drawn supporting characters, it is impossible to name them here. All of them add their own magic to the ensemble.

For those inquiring about the quality of the disc, let your fears subside. The picture is very clear and natural looking. The colors wonderful and natural. The Dolby Digital soundtrack is thunderous and very impressive! Every sound is rendered cleanly with monsterous LFE channel support. It is truly an impressive reproduction of this movie. The disc does contain a few cast/crew bios and some production notes, but they are not the grade of some of New Line's extras. Still, the disc stands out for it's impressive presentation of its feature.

I hope everyone discovers this little gem. It makes for great movie fun and will be great addition to any DVD library! Get a hold of this DVD! You will be entertained!

Rating:
Summary: Underrated classic
Review: The Frighteners is an underrated classic. Savaged by many critics, [Director] Peter Jackson does a very good job at balancing dark humor with straight up horror. Michael J. Fox plays a fraudulent ghost-cleanser named Frank Bannister. Bannister is a hearse-chaser in a small New England town called Fairweather, who shows up at funerals handing out cards to the newly bereaved; his partners are real ghosts, who put on paranormal displays to scare prospective clients. But when the town's residents start displaying fiery numbers on their foreheads and dropping from exploded hearts, Bannister, the only person who can see the cause of their deaths, is accused of drumming up business.

As the architect-turned-con-man, Bannister is Byronically self-destructive; his wife died in a car crash when he was driving, and his own near-death experience left him with double-world vision. He also "dies" again to do battle with the real bad guy, played by the sincerely scary Jake Busey. When Bannister and the rest play out the final action in a long-abandoned hospital, the movie piles on shock after shock, with a speed and intensity that is positively breathtaking, using a variety of special effects with a complete and alarming lack of restraint.

Danny Elfman's score recalls his work with director Tim Burton, and "The Frighteners" is likely to inspire other comparisons with Burton's films. But Jackson, who has to be one of the most imaginative and versatile directors working today, lacks some aspect of Burton's underlying vision and maturity. Should such a time come when he is willing to use that imagination and facility to take his films a notch or two further into theme rather than effect (Lord Of The Rings?) he may find himself joining ranks with the very best filmmakers of our time.

Either way, The Frighteners is totally worth checking out.