The Ghosting

Spokane, Washington... Somewhere Northeast of Twin Peaks. As the story opens, we find out that 10 years ago, ax murderer Dan Marcum killed his wife and their two children in a church. In the present, Marcum escapes from jail and gets hit by a car, and promptly dies (or does he)? Meanwhile, the former pastor of the church wants a family of four to move into the now-abandoned church (am I the only one who thinks this is a bad idea)? The family consists of the father, Ralph, who is unemployed; the mother Amy who works as a waitress in a dive; their pretty daughter Jeannie (this is the screen debut of Jennifer Salmi, daughter of actor Albert Salmi); and young son Stevie. No sooner does the family move in, than strange things start to happen. The ax-wielding apparition of Marcus starts to show itself. Snakes appear in the jacuzzi-sized baptistery. When Jeannie goes to her room to find something nice to wear on a date, the word "slut" appears on her mirror, and chains materialize around her legs. It is a battle of wills. Who will win? The ghost who wants them out of there, or the family that is determined to stay? It brings up the question: "How do you kill a ghost?" Though the movie is hindered by a low budget and some cheesy special effects, it is nonetheless a good psychological thriller, and worth seeing.

The Ghosting is horrible. It's script is ridiculous. It is poorly made. It is not worth seeing. However! Few people know that The Ghosting stars critically acclaimed novelist Keith Lee Morris. Any film with Morris is truly a jewel. He gives an Oscar worthy performance in this one for sure. Keith Lee Morris plays a young hopeful man. His hobbies include jogging and going to the movies. Morris portrays the character beautifully, with a performance that puts Heath Ledger to shame. Morris proves that "A picture is worth a thousand words" by flawlessly acting in the 'stylistic soundless scenes' created by first time director, Walt Hefner (who sold his business to make this film.) Although Morris technically does not appear in the IMDb database, his best friend Chase Sanborn is credited as a grip. So you know it's legit. Add this to your VHS collection for good conversation. But never, ever watch.

For more by Morris see: The Dart League King on Amazon.com

Living in the Spokane area at the time and working in radio we actually promoted this steaming pile. There is nothing remotely interesting, or noteworthy contained within the frames of this regression of human intelligence and evolution. I weep at the individuals that for some unfathomable reason decided this insidious loaf of crap should actually be created, and even more unbelievable actually produced, filmed and distributed! The final astonishment is that there were theaters willing to allow the precious, valuable, projectors to waste energy and bulb life bringing this fetid, sickening excuse for art to a big screen, subjecting literally dozens of unsuspecting citizens to its miserable visage. THE END.

I should have known better. The box in the video store read "Hailed by critics as a masterpiece in its genre", yet there were no specific critical reviews. Well if its genre is awful low-budget senseless horror films produced in Spokane WA then bravo!

I really can't even begin to describe the plot holes and virtually incomprehensible actions by most every principal involved. However, if you are a fan of bad acting, then give it a shot. Be forewarned though, that the movie doesn't fall into the "so bad that its good" category since it is also a bit tasteless. Can anyone explain just what happened at the end?

Good luck. You'r going to need it!