Product: The Haunting [VHS] (1999)
Rating: 5.0
A Very Grand Film
I'm not really going to compare this to the older version-doing that just makes comparisons, and that makes for a less enjoyable viewing experience if you have pre-envisioned ideas. See this on its own merits. You'll be happier, trust me.The story is about Dr. Marrow (Liam Neeson), a scientist who wishes to conduct a psychological experiment about fear, so he lures three subjects to an old house with the pretense of staging a sleeping-disorder experiment. This is a fairly hollow excuse to have the house be haunted, but it is an excuse, and it does work, so who cares?As far as acting goes, Neeson is in the 'good' range. He's not great, but he does pull off his role fairly well. He has to be fairly sympathetic and genial, which he pulls off very well. He also needs to be sinister enough to confuse the audience. This is where Neeson stumbles a little bit. Now, the three 'subjects' are played by Lilli Taylor, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Owen Wilson. Taylor does a respectable and competent job fleshing out her sensitive, put-upon character Eleanor. At times she seems silly, but usually manages to pull off her character's melodrama. Zeta-Jones is equally capable as the openly bi-sexual, extroverted Theo. She manages to pull her character off slightly better than Taylor at points. The real stand-out is Owen Wilson, as the cynical joker Luke. His role is a supporting one, but he does a great job.The special effects are very good: they are a bit overblown later on, but the subtle effects are very amazing as we see the many manifestations of the villainous ghost of the owner of Hill House. The sets are a show-stopper. They are very beautiful and exquisite: a high point.The Haunting is an awesome movie. Rent or buy it tonight!