Just seeing things

THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT, starring Virginia Madsen and Kyle Gallner puts you on a thriller/horror roller coaster ride.  Grounded in reality, this film was exciting, taking me through many twists and turns throughout the 92 minutes of playing time. With any PG-13 horror, I instantly put up a red flag, because how am I going to wet myself without all the blood and guts . . . and what about the nudity and swearing?  Well, THE HAUNTING succeeded in my book – pissed the ol’ knickers within minutes.  Peter Cornwell directed an outstanding picture.  Hats off to editor, Tom Elkins for his work as well.  The slam-cuts threw me back into the seat and gave me the experience I was looking for—well done guys!

The storyline

Our story revolves around humble teenager, Matt Campbell who is fighting cancer.  The family is forced to move closer to a treatment program for Matt.  That’s when our financially stricken family rents what was once a funeral home—mistake number one, but we LOVE conflict especially when we’re watching it slowly unfold.  And within minutes of the family moving in, we see they’re not alone. 

Great job with the music by, Robert Kral which gave me flashbacks of Jaws when I was a kid.  Now, the second mistake and something we can all learn from:  if you think your new home is a bit odd – like haunted – get the hell outta there – AND NOW!  …But without poor decisions, we wouldn’t have a movie now, would we?  Our fearless family stayed their course, which brought many great frights for us to endure. 

The cast

Virginia Madsen gave us everything:  unconditional love to a child with cancer, support to an alcoholic husband, extended support to a nephew and niece (why they were in the story, God only knows which I will come back to) and hope.  Bravo, Virginia!  Kyle Gallner did an outstanding job too.  Accurately portraying a physically weak character must have been tough because unless you have or had cancer treatment, how do you let the audience feel your pain and suffering?  You showed me, Kyle—great acting.  The children were played by Sophi Knight (Kyle’s younger sister) Ty Wood and Amanda Crew did a great job.  However, Amanda’s character wasn’t really necessary, but Crew did a decent job of bringing more importance to this otherwise overlooked character.   I was shocked to see what rolls this young actress has been a part of, she is one to watch!

The good, bad and indifferent

I liked the overall film; however, I wasn’t sure if writers Adam Simon and Tim Metcalfe had intended to better explain why the extended family was living with the core Campbell family – that was a mystery to me as I watched the movie.  Also, the husband, played by Martin Donovan, was not strong enough for me.  I didn’t like the character and I didn’t like the choice of the actor either.  I felt like yelling, “get the hell off the screen and let me watch the movie, you slug.”  Not, sure if it was the script or the acting or both.  Loved the storytelling and special effects which really made me believe I was there a few times – taking me away from my current reality.  Now, there were several “Hollywood-isms” put in that took away from the authenticity of the “true” story, and when you watch the film they’ll stand out like sore thumbs.  They didn’t hinder the overall premise, mind you,  I am just a tough grader.  Also, the ending could have been “lighter” in essence giving us an “everything is okay or meant-to-be” feeling.  I walked out feeling good, but if the “Hollywood-isms” were used to amp up the terror, I have to wonder why they couldn’t balance that and apply the “strong ending” device.

Bottom line:  If you are into thrillers/light horror flicks, you won’t be disappointed.  Great premise grounded in reality.  Great acting.  Great movie-going experience.  Enjoy.        

This entry was posted on Friday, March 27th, 2009 at 6:52 pm and is filed under 3.5, ck, Film Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.