Rating: 
Summary: Slept like a baby...
Review: I watched this flick at 1 a.m. Afterwards, I had no trouble falling asleep. When is Hollywood going to realize that showing too much emphasis on visuals makes bad theater? Overdone, bombastic,predictable,CGI effects. The house looked too much like a gaudy museum with ridiculous fixtures. On the positive side,though, the sound effects were great. The bass notes were very well done, subtle shades of ghostly children whispering and eerie creaky sounds throughout the house were the real jewel in this film.
Rating: 
Summary: Effective as a funhouse of effects!
Review: "The Haunting" is one of the lamest attempts at creating a horror story I've ever seen, but in terms of funhouse style and visual effects, Jan de Bont has created a haunted house with style, elegance, and even some terror. The sequence of events never really takes hold as it should, and like de Bont's previous film, "Twister," it's merely an outlet for the visual effects. But that doesn't mean one can't have fun with the film. The central story centers around a psychiatrist, Dr. David Marrow (Liam Neeson), inviting three unsuspecting strangers to a haunted house under the guise that they are participating in an experiment on insomnia. There's Luke (Owen Wilson), a typical guy who starts running after the charms of Theo (Catherine Zeta-Jones), the bisexual jetsetter who has a unique zest for life. And then there's timid little Eleanor (Lili Taylor), whose fragile feelings will become the centrifuge for the many bizarre occurrences during their stay. Once in the house, things begin to go bump in the night. Their first night in the house provides a very chilling atmosphere, as strange and inexplicable poundings on walls and bedroom doors begin waking Nell and Theo from sleep. This is quite an experience for any audience who enjoys a good theater jolt: the very presence of the entity on the other side of that door can be felt through the extreme poundings and echoes throughout the house when things quiet down. De Bont is able to create an atmosphere that is enveloping and frightening in one. But at this point, the story takes a nosedive, tying shy Nell's past to the house itself, resulting in a forthcoming conclusion that is more laughable than it is touching. The final showdown isn't very effective, and there's little to talk about once the movie is over in terms of its storyline progression (ask anyone, and they'll describe the second half as a lot of running around, in and out of the house, only to find themselves running again. And that running is exactly what the movie seems to be doing the entire time. It seems to be so confused about its own sequences of events that, when there comes a time for the movie to conclude, it decides to throw something else in for the sake of it being there, whether it works with the story or not. So, in order to enjoy "The Haunting," one must put any sense of logic aside, and just sit back and enjoy the ride. And what a ride it is, containing some of the most dazzling and effective special effects money can buy and putting them to good use. De Bont literally brings us into Hill House, making us believe in the entities that thrive there even if their purposes are just as unbelievable. One scene involving a staircase with a mind of its own is particularly effective. Dr. Marrow hangs on for dear life as the iron stairs begin falling out from under his feet, in a slow process that is never tedious or without suspense. Another scene that jumps to mind takes place in Nell's bedroom, as the entire room begins to breathe itself to life, collapsing on her, taking on ghostly characteristics. This is one visually striking antagonist. The house itself, without the ghostly appearances, is magnificent, making the Xanadu of "Citizen Kane" look like a third-world trailer park. Taking on some very tasteful and elaborate colors and designs, the house is beautiful and breathtaking while also possessing a menacing demeanor. Everything is large, obtrusive, looming, reducing our characters to meager inhabitants amidst a vast ocean of doors and hallways. The characters themselves are animated by some very nice talent. Dr. Marrow is played by Liam Neeson, who comes across as serious in scenes with dialogue that would induce laughter from most actors. Catherine Zeta-Jones may not be a believable switch-hitter, but her charm and exuberance fill the role with zest and sex appeal, something to be admired. Owen Wilson has some very subtle moments of comedy as Luke, while Lili Taylor steals the show as Eleanor, filling her character with fear and strength in one. "The Haunting" is nothing like the novel on which it is based, nor is it anything like the superior 1963 original film. But at the same time, it's increasingly atmospheric and ominous, two things a haunted house film needs! De Bont's sense of style and effect come in handy in this funhouse of a film, which is worse than you had hoped, and better than you had feared.
Rating:
Summary: A Repetative Scare
Review: In The Haunting a group of people are told they would be paid if they stay in Haunting Hill for one night so a skeptic can prove his point that there is nothing to fear. It isn't long before there are attacks. Such as when the stairs one person is on collapses when he is over a story up, and when a mysterious oversized hand reaches and tries to grab one of the occupants. This movie starts out well because it's scary like it's supposed to be and is very unique, but you quickly notice it's also very repetative.
Rating: 
Summary: The Haunting- one of the worst remakes of all time
Review: This is one of the worst movies I've ever seen, but not even bad in a funny way, so it wouldn't even qualify as "camp" entertainment. Do yourself a favor, go rent the original - no, buy the original, with Julie Harris and Claire Bloom. THAT film is one of my very favorite ghost movies of all time, is in my personal video collection, and a movie I would highly recommend to anyone who loves ghost/horror, especially the older films where subtlety, a great soundtrack, and the viewer's own imagination and fears are employed to great effect.
Rating: 
Summary: The acting was great...
Review: The acting was really great, but some aspects of the storyline were a bit choppy. The scenery was magnificent, but some of the special effects were not the best. It was an interesting combination of elements, actually. Some of it was pretty scary, and the superb acting made it altogether pretty palatable, despite some awkwardness in the plot. I never did fully understand HOW the character in trouble here got to be in this situation.. it seemed as though some vital scenes must have been cut out of the movie. Zeta-Jones was really great, and I'm glad I saw the movie if only for her character. She was just so darned likeable and funny! If you really like ghost stories, then you'll probably like this one. It reminded me of the older "scary" movies that I grew up with ... more tense moments and ghostly happenings than gore.
Rating:
Summary: entertaining movie
Review: I don't know why everyone is so hard on this movie. I didn't find it terribly scary either, but it does have an intriguing story and great special effects. I haven't read the book and to be quite honest I don't care if the movie follows the book or not.
Rating: 
Summary: I like it.
Review: I haven't read Shirley Jackson's novel, but I've seen the old movie and this one. Compared to the 1963-movie, this one is quite different, at least the story. But I like it. I like the characters, they're quite similar to those in the original movie. The insecure, nervous Nell (Lili Taylor), self confident Luke (Owen Wilson) and Theo (Catherine Zeta-Jones). The actors are good (I forgot to mention Liam Neeson as Dr Marrow), also the supporting actors, for example Marian Seldes as the creepy Mrs. Dudley. The special effects are impressing and the music is also very good. One thing that feels unnecessary is that the filmmakers seem to have tried to give the movie a creepy, 'haunting', feeling too early, even in the end of the first scene, in Nell's bedroom. I like this movie and I think it's quite underrated. It has a number of good scenes. The scene with the photo album with the pictures of Hugh and Carolyn Crain is a favorite... It's nice to see a good new haunted house movie.
Rating:
Summary: I'm haunted by the memory of seeing this sorry movie
Review: This movie, despite having a truly excellent sound design, is just another hokey Hollywood special effects show. Shirley Jackson's novel, quite possibly the finest haunted house story ever written, is tossed aside in favor of easy to communicate cliches and stock shocks (I guessed the BIG SURPRISE TWIST ENDING about three minutes into it and was waiting for all the other stupid characters to catch on). The worst movie of 1999 belongs in the same company as Golden Turkey winners Orca, the Killer Whale, The Swarm, and Exorcist 2: The Heretic.
Rating:
Summary: Extremely interesting and exciting! A real QUEST!
Review: Perhaps, this video is the best film (or gift) for those who like playing computer games and, particularly, computer quests. Visual effects and decor are so real that you can forget you are at home in your favourite armchair. Acting is perfect (and casting is well thought-out); music is very nice - the whole video demonstrates it is an organic whole. A very good job of professionals in every field. And I don't agree with those who think it is too slow - otherwise, you wouldn't be ready to understand and feel the idea and course of action. It is not an ordinary scary movie or thriller - definitely, it is more... Try it and I think you won't be disappointed at all.
Rating:
Summary: This was a VERY SCARY MOVIE
Review: Public warning: this is not some teen slasher flick. A thoughtful scary movie? What a concept! This movie is not gory nor does it have peppy, popular teen stars. It is creepy and really makes you think. It has a good plot and a very weird ending. It is definetly a good remake...like the 60s version but with better special effects. Much more tastleful than "Scream" and with better FX than "Urban Legends", this is a must-see movie.
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