"The Frighteners" (1994)

Rating: R (terror/violence.)

Genre: Comedy, Horror, Kids & Family

Directed By: Peter Jackson

Written By: Frances Walsh, Peter Jackson

In Theatres: Jul 19, 1996

Runtime: 110 minutes

Studio: Universal

Summary: 

Once an architect, Frank Bannister (Michael J. Fox) now passes himself off as an exorcist of evil spirits. To bolster his facade, he claims his "special" gift is the result of a car accident that killed his wife. But what he does not count on is more people dying in the small town where he lives. As he tries to piece together the supernatural mystery of these killings, he falls in love with the wife (Trini Alvarado) of one of the victims and deals with a crazy FBI agent (Jeffrey Combs).

Review: 

This movie is fine. It starts off very light-hearted, fun and even though it was directed by Peter Jackson, it reminded me a bit of a Tim Burton film. Maybe it was the lively energy of the fantasy/horror elements. This was Peter Jackson’s first major film. I wouldn’t be his biggest fan, but as a first major film, it’s not too bad. The plot got a bit jumbled and unorderly later on, which I didn’t love about it…But the idea is pretty cool. 

The CG effects were used by the bucket load and done quite well. They would have been very impressive for the time it was made. It is well done. Fair dues to the actors and directors, they would have needed a strong imagination when filming I imagine! 

This was Michael J Fox’s last hurrah shall we say before he semi-retired from acting due to his parkinsons disease. The man never disappoints. The story might be a bit all over the shop at times, but he still gives a great performance and holds his own. It had a bit of everything, comedy, drama, fantasy, horror – Not too bad a film to end with at all.

I don’t really have a lot to say about it…I enjoyed it. Not the most brilliant film I’ve ever seen but it’s not too bad either.

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