The Frighteners

Starring: Michael J. Fox, Trini Alvarado, Peter Dobson, John Astin, Dee Wallace Stone, Jeffrey Combs, Jake Busey, Chi McBride
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Rating: R
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Box Office: $16,759,216
1996

Times Seen:
Tim: 4

Summary:Frank Bannister (Michael J. Fox) has the perfect scheme: he rids homes of ghosts/poltergeists, but in reality, he is in cahoots with the very ghosts he claims to be able to rid. However, an evil force has taken hold of the city of Fairwater. People have been dropping like flies from heart-attack-like symptoms. Bannister is the only one who can see the evil, and it is up to him to stop it, before it claims more lives.

Review:
Tim: I have always loved this movie. This film mixes Michael J. Fox, friendly and hilarious ghosts, and a truly frightening evil that shows no mercy. This horror/comedy has its chilling moments.

Michael J. Fox is very good in this film. I have always had a great respect for his work, and I think he does a terrific job here. He doesn't have a great deal of acting to do, pretty much doing the same thing throughout the film. However, he does have a good deal of charisma, and makes the role very believable. He is an unlikely but likeable hero to combat the forces of evil.

The Frighteners boasts a great deal of comedy. Fox does have some very funny lines, but his ghost friends- especially Chi McBride, are just hilarious. Half of the time you will be laughing, but more importantly, the other half of the time, you'll either be biting your nails or twitching your feet nervously. The film actually does have a number of quite frightening scenes. The grim reaper-like character is very scary, and if you can get into the film, you will find yourself gasping at various points.

I should mention that this film is not for everyone. For those of you who can get into the film, great, I am with you, its an awesome film. However, there will be many people who think the film is silly and just can't find themselves enjoying it. I'm sorry for those people, because they are missing out on enjoying a very fun film. The Frighteners also has some pretty amazing special effects. The ghosts and the murdering spirit come vividly to life, giving the viewer much to be nervous about. The scenes are enjoyable to watch, and you'll find yourself getting sucked in to the special effects.

All in all, The Frighteners will pretty much be a toss up. I personally really like the film, but I doubt if everyone with agree with me. If you haven't seen it, it's not a bad film to pick up and give it a chance. Just keep an open mind, and I know at the very least, you will find it interesting.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8
___________
Final Rating: -


If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
Thirteen Ghosts, House on Haunted Hill, Casper, The Others,