One of the better unintentional comedies I've seen

Rating: 1/10 (7 April 2011)

Well - to say this movie contains every ghost story, horror movie cliché ever used would be an understatement. But - for me that is exactly what made it entertaining to watch. I still can't decide whether the creators were using every trick in the book on purpose as a joke or if they really thought they were making something new and shocking? I would put my money on this whole thing being a big joke because I know these guys can make scary movies if they want to. I am rather surprised at how many reviewers say this is the scariest movie they have ever seen! I suppose if you have never seen a single horror movie in your life this might make sense - but for those of us who have seen "Poltergeist" or "The Shining" you absolutely know exactly what is coming around each corner of this film, right down to the piano strikes and violin shrills when something jumps out at you. As other reviewers have said - this movie starts off pretty strong and seems to really try and build an eerie atmosphere - but by the film's midpoint it sinks into just plain silliness and becomes almost slapstick comedy by the end. What other reviewers are not saying is that not only does the movie quickly sink into a world of silly clichés - but it also seems to lose all of it's budget. To me it seemed like the production quality suddenly drops off and starts looking like a cheesy straight to video horror movie from the 1980's. Ghosts are clearly just stage hands in white face makeup surrounded by smoke from a fog machine. The final 10 minutes when all hell breaks loose has one of the most non shocking endings ever. If you don't see it coming a million miles away then you are one of those people who has never seen a horror movie before this one. In conclusion - This movie should absolutely be marketed as a horror/comedy (if not a straight up comedy). Every moment that was supposed to make you jump with fear instead made me convulse with laughter. So if you are looking for a good scare - don't watch this movie - but if you just want to be entertained and have a good laugh then by all means check it out.