The Frighteners
Director's Cut
Includes Over 4 Hours of Special Features!
From Academy Award-winning director Peter Jackson (King Kong, The Lord of the Rings) comes this wicked comedy-thriller.
Michael J. Fox stars as Frank Bannister, a small-town "ghostbuster" in league with the very spirits he's supposed to be exorcising. The scam works well until a powerful spirit goes on a murderous rampage, forcing Frank to find a way to stop the diabolical ghoul in this special-effects-packed supernatural chiller that's so fiendishly entertaining, it's frightening!
Member Reviews
One Good Movie - Misshim
This movie was not what I had expected by looking at the cover art. It looks like it should be a very frightening, edge of your seat kind of horror movie. It is a very clever movie, exactly what you would expect from Micheal J. Fox. I really loved the special effects and the supporting cast played their parts excellently. There are a couple of twists that are wonderful but I found the ending weak.
*Spoiler* I found the presence of his wife at the end rather unnecessary. The dialogue should have been different, or she shouldn't have been shown at all.
If you are a Micheal J. Fox fan this was another triumph for him.Magic Jackson....Peter that is! - TheJake
Considering this film was produced prior to 1996, the special effects are pretty good. Peter Jackson manages to create a story that is both funny and thrilling to watch. This is a good indication of the type of work he is capable of doing given a bigger budget to play with.
Michael J puts in a stellar performance as do supporting cast members Dee Walace and Jeffrey Combs, both truly believable psychopath's who you would not want as your next door neighbor.
As a lover of the paranormal, this is a comedy thriller you will not want to miss. A must see for Peter Jackson fans on his early work.A very fun comedic "thriller", still holds up... - Zoodles
The Frighteners is one of the last leading roles Michael J. Fox did before his career slowed down as he dealt with his health issues. If you happen to like Michael J. Fox in any of his other movies I can pretty much guarantee that this is well worth a rental to you.
The beginning part of the movie is actually pretty scary and then some comic relief comes and we see what Michael J. Fox's character is all about. Essentially he is a medium of sorts and can see and communicate with the dead. He is a little on the shifty side though as he has roped in some ghosts to "haunt" different homes and then he goes in and of course the problem goes away because he tells his ghosts to leave.
This is the funny aspect to the film and the ghosts who are in Bannister's life (Fox's character) are unique characters from different time periods. As the cover will show though not all ghosts are friendly and there is a sinister presence in town and it is out for blood! Bannister actually has to use his skills for something useful and this is where the film goes from being scary and a thriller to a comedy of sorts and then to a scary thriller again.
I won't give away anymore of the plot but there is some considerable depth to Fox's character and why he is living the way he is.
The effects were amazing for their time; but have dated themselves somewhat as we have been spoiled with jaw dropping CGI in recent years. Frankly the slightly dated effects actually add to the film as it gives a campy "B" film element which in some ways adds to the whole experience.
The only thing holding this movie back is that like some thrillers it won't hold up to repeated viewings once you know what is going to happen. So, well worth a rental for anyone who is a fan of: Michael J. Fox, thrillers, or doesn't mind a few chills thrown in with a few laughs. This movie is an interesting combination of genres. Well worth a viewing!
Member Reviews
Read All...
One Good Movie - Misshim
This movie was not what I had expected by looking at the cover art. It looks like it should be a very frightening, edge of your seat kind of horror movie. It is a very clever movie, exactly what you would expect from Micheal J. Fox. I really loved the special ...Magic Jackson....Peter that is! - TheJake
Considering this film was produced prior to 1996, the special effects are pretty good. Peter Jackson manages to create a story that is both funny and thrilling to watch. This is a good indication of the type of work he is capable of doing given a bigger budget ...A very fun comedic "thriller", still holds up... - Zoodles
The Frighteners is one of the last leading roles Michael J. Fox did before his career slowed down as he dealt with his health issues. If you happen to like Michael J. Fox in any of his other movies I can pretty much guarantee that this is well worth a rental ...