Title: The Haunting (1999)

Studio: Dreamworks

Rating: ‘PG-13’

Running Time: 113 Minutes

Format(s): Widescreen

Extras: Trailer

Production Notes

Behind-the-scenes Footage

Directed By: Jan de Bont

Starring: Liam Neeson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Owen Wilson, Lili Taylor

Reviewed by:  Bully

Much like his other great special effects movie, Twister, Jan de Bont let the special effects take over The Haunting. The plot was thin and the acting was just OK. I've said it before and I'll say it again: special effects do not make a movie! Twister is a perfect example, as when there is action it's good, but in between action sequences the isn't much there to keep you attention. The Haunting isn't even that good. No wonder Neeson decided to go back to the stage, after the last two movies he was in.

Let's get to the story shall we? Dr. Morrow wants to do a study in group fear, so he lures a couple of guinea pigs to a haunted mansion, The Hill House, under the pretense that he is studying sleep depravation. After everyone has arrived they are locked in the mansion for the night and Dr. Morrow starts his "study".

Dr. Morrow makes up this story about the man who built this house and how it is haunted by his spirit, so of course they all start thinking about what he said and soon they all begin to experience the curse of the house. Rooms start to get cold, sounds come from down the hall, windows rattle; the usual beginnings of the haunted house experience. All through this, of course, Dr. Morrow is taking notes about their behavior and response to the haunted house story. Everyone is scared except for Dr. Morrow, because he "made up" the haunted house story… or did he?

Let's just say that the movie goes nowhere from there, proving the old adage, (mine at least) that special effects do not make the movie. I formed no attachment to the characters, so if they lived or died did not make a big difference to the outcome of the movie. It's a good rental if you want to see some stunning special effects but apart from that, forget about it.

The DVD part of the movie was good, the transfer was clean and the sound was good. There were minimal extras on the disc but there was a behind the scenes, host by Catherine Zeta Jones, and it is never bad watching her. I always enjoy a look at how a movie was made, the stunts, special effects etc. So for that the DVD does an ok job. I just would not buy the disc. This would make a good birthday present for somebody you don't like.