The film tried to achieve a creepy mood, tongue in cheek style, and ambient atmosphere similar to the original. The film opens with the camera panning over strange and ghostly pictures accompanied by eerie sounds and an iconic theme song playing in the background. Right from the start there is a beginning of the horror, setting us up for what is to come. I personally was very excited during the opening and had high hopes for the film.
Both members of this, not so humble, marriage try to make a separate guest list but the house itself has different ideas. The house invites some choice people of its own design. Soon the group of them come to face the towering mammoth of a building that is built on the edge of the ocean with the prospect of winning a million dollars each for staying the night.
Rather quickly and unexpectedly the ghosts begin their killing spree, and so does the party guests. Just like in the original House on Haunted Hill the host and party guests are planning the demise of one or more of the others. Unfortunately in all the mess, no one begins to believe that these things are actually happening. They think its all part of the show until things get dark and serious with the death of the beautiful Evelyn.
At the end of it all I thought the movie was an enjoyable and complete experience. I thought the house itself as a character was very intriguing. It had a definite sinister personality that made it an enjoyable and real adversary. The fact that it was so mysterious and unknown made it more frightening as well. The acting from most of the characters was very tongue in cheek and fun. Geffory Rush in particular was a delight as Steven Price.
The movie did have a few parts that seem to drag unnecessarily. Mostly some of the chase scenes or scenes of talking. Also, as much as I enjoyed the house and its ghostly presence, I wish we had been left with more of a question at the end of whether there were really ghosts or not. I can also see, with modern audiences, how being blatant about the ghosts was a wise choice as for promotion and selling points.
Summing it Up
Deaths: 4
Language: 4
Gore Factor: 4
Sex Factor: 3
Scare Factor: 3
Fun Factor: 4
Overall Rating: 4
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