Rating of
3.5/4
A hidden gem.
WestIsBest - wrote on 11/17/07
I feel that this is a hugely under-rated film. Prior to Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson just wanted to have fun and that's what The Frighteners is...fun. The Director's Cut is definitely the version to watch taking it a little over two hours. There are occasional slow moments but, for the most part, it keeps a great pace.
Everyone turns in a great performance, it's nice to see Michael J. Fox in a slightly different role as he doesn't play it directly as a comedy but is still funny and likeable. Trini Alvarado is a good female lead and works well with Fox. Frank's ghostly chums are all played fairly over the top but are entertaining and don't wear out their welcome and Dee Wallace Stone is fantastic in a very different role than usual. It is Jeffrey Combs, however, playing the crazed FBI agent Milton Dammers, that steals the entire movie. His screen time is fairly limited but what he gets, he absolutely makes the most of. Every line, every mannerism is hysterical while still remaining unnerving. It's such a multi-layered performance and is an absolute joy to watch.
Danny Elfman provides a wonderfully haunting score and Peter Jacksn's directing is as appropriate as ever. Often manic and busy, you can definitely see the makings of an Oscar winner. The CGI effects are impressive for the time although they may seem a little dated now. The one gripe I have about this movie is that the beginning doesn't make a whole lot of sense once you've seen the entire movie.
Overall, this is a movie that never fails to cheer me up. It makes me laugh and it works well as a 'horror' movie too in a mad-capped kinda way. As for the DVD, I recommend the 4 disc set that comes with a documentary over 2 discs that goes into extreme detail. Jackson's commentary is also well-worth a listen. A must for fans of the quirky, Michael J. Fox and especially Jeffrey Combs.
