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The early part of this film, perhaps the first 15 minutes or so, constitutes some of the most painful moments of my entire movie-viewing life. The filmmakers repeatedly chose to blast the film with absolutely obnoxious, offensive, crude and un-listenable rap music that plays too long and WAY too loud. If I hadn't just spent $5.99 to rent the movie, I absolutely would have turned it off. I'm glad I didn't turn it off, though, because once we got past the rap-fest, it settled into a pretty good movie. Paul Dano is excellent as the earnest, well-meaning day trader who sparks a worldwide rift in the stock market. It's a classic case of the little guy who stands up to the powers at the top. There's still some rap that I could live without throughout the movie, but those first few minutes appear to betray some sort of mental breakdown on the part of the director, music supervisor, and editor. Watch with caution.

No, this movie isn't for everyone, but if you're like me and enjoy that quirky, low-budget scary movie that comes along every once in a while, then "The Haunting of Marsten Manor" is a real treat. No, it doesn't look like a Hollywood movie. It has that home-made feel that makes it all the more creepy and scary. The effects are great, and the Civil War ghosts (including C. Thomas Howell) are a unique element. Approach this film with the right mindset, and you just may find yourself "spooked!"

I just watched the first 40 minutes of this movie, and I had to shut it off. The acting is good. In fact, I especially like all of the leads - always have. But the story is stupid and obnoxious. And there are issues. Serious issues. For one, it's extremely crass. There's almost enough porn to qualify as a porn movie. But that's not what bothered me. What I HATED about this movie was its complete detachment from reality when it comes to New Jersey, where the film is set. Joseph-Gordon Levitt's character Johnny is a self-obsessed guido jackass, and his friends are all the same. Everyone in the movie uses the same fake Brooklyn accent that ignorant Hollywood types think is the way New Jerseyans sound. Maybe they should listen to Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson, Ray Liotta, Peter Dinklage, Kevin Spacey, Jason Biggs or Zach Braff. These are all well-known people who live in Hollywood and speak with an ACTUAL New Jersey accent. I don't think anyone involved with this movie has ever been to New Jersey. It seems as though the entire research effort for this film involved watching a few episodes of "Jersey Shore." For those who think reality shows are real, please note that Snookie and her friends are NOT from New Jersey, and that show is by far the least popular program at the real Jersey Shore. And one more thing, Mr Levitt: if you're going to do the Catholic confession scene in a movie (especially if you're going to do it over and over again) it might be a good idea to find out how it really works and looks. Among other things, you missed the fact that Catholics do not call it "The Lord's Prayer." For your penance, please say 20 "Our Father's" and stay the hell out of New Jersey! P.S. It wasn't funny, either - not even a little.