Haunter

Interesting chiller mystery starts off strong but gradually becomes more and more predictable. Ghost story movies can be a tad repetitive. However, this movie starts out cleverly with a sort of ghost version of Groundhog Day, where Abigail Breslin's family relives the same day over & over, with her the only one who seems to know that they are dead. This plays out for awhile and is pretty intriguing stuff, with decent jumps and spooky moments. Then Stephen McHattie's character enters the story and from there the momentum begins to wane and the mystery becomes a lot less intriguing. If you've seen any of the dozens of ghost stories about a (usually female) ghost trapped because of what some evil man did to them, you will feel a sense of familiarity begin to come over you as you watch. Still, it's got enough interesting things going for it to recommend you check it out. Breslin is a talented young actress and she holds the movie on her shoulders quite well. McHattie is sufficiently creepy in a rather transparent role. Give it a shot if you like supernatural thrillers.

This is a movie that has to be watched in the right kind of mood I guess. It's really well made and it has a really good haunting story to tell. But if you're either not into that or want it to be scarier or even more like other recent horror movies, you might find yourself really disappointed by it.

I had no idea what the actual story would be, so I was guessing at times, where this was going (especially at the beginning). Maybe if you know too much, it will take away some of the fun you can have while watching this. It does have some intriguing twists and it is genuinely scary, because the cinematography but also the sound design are fantastic. The whole concept works and it has a great Stephen McHattie in it, who can elevate any movie. The twists are great and the movie flows by in a nice pace! Can be watched more than once for those exact points.

The best description I can give of Haunter that it feels like a very well done episode of The Twilight Zone. Haunter has much more going on but there are some elements that detract from the viewing experience. The mystery that is presented to us is solid. You do wonder what it's going on however for fans of the genre it is pretty obvious from early on. Even then Haunter manages to creep you out to the maximum with minimal means. There are quite a few moments where you feel your heart pumping with excitement. Only at one point when it becomes clear what is going on it begins to drag. And really annoyingly. Here is where The Twilight Zone analogy comes in. The story is creepy and compelling enough for a duration of 50 minutes then every event after is just there to prolong those 50 minutes. Basically this movie would be excellent as an episode of an anthology series as The Twilight Zone but as a full film it can become quite tedious. Still overall I think this film shows how horror does not need blood or gore to manage to scare or freak you out. And I wished more contemporary films would follow this example. Definitely worth the watch, but be aware that after the first hour it can become tasking to remain watching. Although when you do you will get a satisfying ending.

A new point of view for a simple ghost story that keeps you guessing. 15 minutes into the movie, I thought I had it all figured out and then suddenly, a new twist! A ghost story with a freshness to it. I wouldn't classify it as a horror movie but more of a mystery thriller. Watching the movie creates a bit of 80's nostalgia. It actually made me miss my Atari 2600. The movie is not scary yet it captivates the viewer and okay for kids to watch. I watched it with my teenage sons and 8 year-old daughter and all of us enjoyed it quite a bit. A quick mention for the main character, Abigail Breslin (Lisa)who is a very convincing actress. Reminded me a bit of The Sixth Sense and The Others. Although I didn't love it, I did like it A LOT. Definitely worth the watch!

So after many, many months of 4, 5 and tops 6, finally I get a movie that deserves more. I'll tell you folks, I really enjoyed this one. Yes, it may be cheesy at times, a tad bit confusing, could use more frights, but does NOT disappoint.

It starts as a horror, ends the same, delivers with quite an impressive story, good acting, good characters, nice mood and a terrific performance by Stephen McHattie. Of course, some might say it's more supernatural, has some plot holes, should have improved the scares, and so many other aspects that might have used some changes, but I for one loved it. I'll take it as it is and pass it to you guys! It's a great movie to watch it with your girlfriend, or with friends, cracking your head trying to figure what's going one, see who manages to break the ice.

Anyway, words are useless this time, it's up to you to get your hands on Haunter and press play. You won't be disappointed. Cheers!