Okay... I have replaced my entire original 2015 review. Honestly, I don't know WHAT the hell I was Smok'n when I originally reviewed this, but I sincerely have to admit I was DEAD wrong!
I can't imagine what it was that really bothered me so much that I gave this movie a '4'... I know there were a few times where the sound design was a tad overdone, but compared to some other films, it honestly was very minor. I kept seeing this on many 'Best Of' Horror lists, so remembering and re-reading my original rating and review, I felt I really needed to watch the movie again, and I am VERY glad I did! This was a great Old-School Retro style Haunted House/Ghost story. Not the low key, laid back Classic British kind, but with a strong, creepy, and somewhat violent American vibe. This time I really noticed and liked the way the director had these outside shots of the landscape and the house and the trees and such. It really gave it a nice, isolated feel that added quite a bit to the atmosphere of the film. This time, I really dug the whole thing. The acting was excellent all around, with the great Barbara Crampton giving a pitch perfect performance of a Mom who had lost her son. Not overdone or with stupid, superficial divisiveness or coldness between the husband and wife that you usually see portrayed in these circumstances. But, very refreshingly a good, believable, realistic depiction of both the parents and yes their sadness, but supportive and comforting to each other. What a nice break from the usual idiotic films like this where a child has been lost and you see all this animosity and anger between the parents. None of that, thankfully... But, a very honest portrayal of what NORMAL people would expect to see with parents in this situation.
And, yeah, good ol' Larry Fessenden was his usual great self! And all other characters, especially the older man from the town, were done really well. Man... Sorry to be such a 'Guy', but poor Susan Gibney... If you had a chance to catch the two Star Trek: TNG episodes where she portrayed the absolutely lovely Dr. Leah Brahms, WOW, I mean I totally fell in love with that character. But, I guess that was awhile ago. If you have a chance though, do a Google search and check out the Leah Brahms character in Star Trek: TNG and you will see what I mean... : )
The atmosphere was very good. The filmmakers did a great job in gradually building up the tension and creepiness as the story goes on. The Ghostly appearances were quite effective which many reviewers comment on. I liked the ending and thought it worked really well. Just all 'n' all a really well done, well executed, Old Fashioned Haunted House Horror film that is a lot of fun with some great effects. If you like this basic kind of Horror movie, then you should really like this one.
After re-watching it just now, I most DEFINITELY came back here and changed my rating from a puzzling '4' to a well deserved '7'...
