Hangman's Curse

I loved this film. I don't know why anyone wouldn't. Okay so the end is a little bit of a let down, but that shouldn't discount the rest of the film. I loved it up until the part where everyone is outside at the picnic where I thought it was 'OK.'

I'm surprised that there wasn't a larger viewing audience; this seems like the kind of movie a lot of people would like to see, it has the jocks beating up the nerds and the goths, I mean isn't that the type of movie everyone likes to see (please note the sarcasm)? I personally loved this film, and it's probably because I like movies that are out of the norm. If you haven't seen the movie or you haven't seen it before without listening to someone's comments first you should watch it unbiased for once and make up your own opinion.

I was impressed by the cinematography of the film. Having seen a few family films lately that looked like they were filmed in someones backyard, the camera work in Hangmans Curse was surprisingly professional. I disagree with the comment made that the music in the final scenes was inappropriate.......the underlying message, hinted at but never voiced; possibly to avoid censure by antagonists, was hinted at more broadly by the choice of music in the end scenes. Very very nice work by the actors. Hopefully this company will finance more films of this caliber for those of us who are seeking something...better.

I didn't like this movie at all. For starters, the dialog was strained and unrealistic for teenagers. The main reason though, the whole thing is based on a novel by Frank Peretti, a christian propagandist author. This shows up repeatedly in the movie, from a football player asking the lead female "Do you believe in the hereafter?" to repeated prayer references. I am mostly writing this review so that people renting this film will be aware of the religious subtext without having to subjagate themselves to it.

The actual storyline was alright and the acting wasn't too bad, except for Mr. Peretti himself, he plays a scientist named algernon (an obvious reference to the brilliant science fiction novel Flowers for Algernon) and his presence is pretty annoying.

On par with many "After School Specials". The effects aren't very special. The plot is insipid. The acting is acceptable though not noteworthy. I can't in good conscience recommend this to anyone who enjoys either horror or dark fantasy,while utilizing tropes of both it doesn't use them to any real effect. It is a safe film for younger teens, older preteens, and precocious younger children. It is obviously geared towards the Christian ethical sympathies and will be watched by many a youth-group in all probability. Watch it or not as you choose. I would not watch this again. It is not destined for greatness. It is destined for the clearance rack.

HANGMAN'S CURSE is a mildly entertaining film, combining horror elements with social commentary. Set in a high school, it rounds out its cast with the usual Goth misfits and the jocks, two natural enemies. A "curse" that sends jocks who are also known bullies into comas brings a family of paranormal investigators to a local school.

Despite the elaborate poster, the film is not scary. I hesitate to call it a horror film. At most, it's a mystery, with the two young teens as the actual leads. The parents really do little except run around peering into microscopes. For those who have seen these type of movies before, all the answers should be obvious by the 50-minute mark, leaving 50 extra minutes for the characters to catch up.

It's not a bad film. I would even recommend it. But it's definitely not going to scare anybody.

P.S. HANGMAN'S CURSE will be memorable to me for one thing: ITS TEENS ARE ACTUALLY PLAYED BY TEENS!!! Yes, they still do exist.

6 out of 10

(go to www.nixflix.com for a more detailed review of this movie)