Product: The Haunting [VHS] (1999)
Rating: 5.0
A Masterpiece
I don't know about the rest of you, but I thought that this movie was scary. You know why? Because it is so different from the bloody horror pictures we see today. It is so intriguingly odd that it sends a chill down your back. The acting, scenery and directing are superb. It has some very strange moments that will make you think twice before going to sleep at night. Let's start with the house. The mere fact that someone would build a house that huge and so scary-looking on purpose is strange. It had hundreds of rooms for children, that ended up dead, and even a carosel to entertain them. It reminds you of a haunted fun house. The acting, directing and ornate scenery were superb. All hail to Lili Taylor for her fantastic performance of Nell, the MAIN character. Jan deBont once again fascinates with his creative, odd and frighteningly entertaining revival of this Shirley Jackson classic novel. The story is somewhat different, odd, and freaky. That fact that it is just so strange is what makes it scary. And the scenery is the icing on the cake. While some may think that the magnificent house was overdone, I found it beautiful, haunting, and a lot of fun to search through. So, for those of you who want a good mystery to watch with your kids, buy THE HAUNTING. It is suitable for childrens eyes because of it's Fun House qualities. But it can freak you out. It haunts you as you watch it, but it really is a fun movie. The noises scare you as the ghosts of the children have a little bit of fun with you. You'll love it!