Review of The Frighteners (1996) by Eric H — 15 Jul 2008
Entertaining idea (scam artist works with ghosts in the town to drum up business as a paranormal investigator) with impressive special effects that hold up well even today, but it starts losing steam as the ending becomes cliche' driven and fairly predictable.
Peter Jackson makes a nice transition from the camp and gore of his previous movies ("Dead Alive", "Bad Taste") to a more polished look and storyline with "The Frighteners", while still taking chances with unique characters and story ideas.
Michael J. Fox is solid and a great cast choice for the lead. Trini Alvardo also does a fine job (I thought it was Andie MacDowell the whole time though). The rest of the cast is also fine, but some moments with the ghosts that only Alex P. Keaton , er, Marty McFly, er, um ... guy on Spin City? ... can see are perhaps a bit too goofy at times. Character actors Jeffrey Combs and Troy Evans (he might play small town sheriffs better than anyone working today) were enjoyable as well.
All in all, not bad. Has some good laughs and nice touches, but not something I'd own.
This review of The Frighteners (1996) was written by Eric H on 15 Jul 2008.
The Frighteners has generally received positive reviews.
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