Product: The Haunting [VHS] (1999)
Rating: 4.0
NOT a fan of the original!
I must say I've always enjoyed this movie, but I've also heard how it in no way measures up to the original 1960's version; all I can say is I prefer this version!Since so many people seem to trash this movie in favor of the original, I decided to rent the original and was unimpressed. My mother left half way through the movie due to boredom and I ended up fast-forwarding through the second half for the same reason. When you start off with a totally unstable "Eleanor" (and the actress was way over the top from the get-go) there is nowhere for the performance to go. But Taylor's "Eleanor" in this update started off fragile and just gradually broke down.The effects are good throughout and I actually find this version creepier than the original. The set pieces are huge and gorgeous, and the little wooden cherubs throughout Eleanor's bedroom just kind of freak me out. I like the interaction between the actors. Wilson plays his normal cocky character and Zeta-Jones is a little over the top, but fun. The caretakers are a kick. The ending really makes no sense, and plot holes abound, but I just find this a fun movie.Is it a great movie...no. Is it fun every once in a while...yes.