Product: The Haunting [VHS] (1999)
Rating: 3.0
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Catherine Zeta-Jones is the saving grace for this underachieving film that shows promise, but instead flickers in and out of consciousness throughout, never really achieving any sort of rhythm . . . A little like a flashlight running low on juice on a midnight walk from the campground to the nearest rest room! Fortunately, it never quite fizzles thanks in large part to Jones who performs several energizing bits in conjunction with her typical razzle dazzle! Jones displays flashes of brilliance with intriguing facial expressions and an upbeat tempo, but the script makes it hard for even her to be truly convincing most of the time. Other cast members are even less convincing, especially the leading actress. This version of "The Haunting" is worthy of praise for its spooky atmospheric conditions and genuinely frightening moments! But these positive attributes should not be confused with a "good movie" nor does the film particularly fit the description of being "well made" or "intelligent". Some of the special effects are excellent but others are less than believable, and actually downright amusing!