So, I was shopping at Walmart and I found a cool little deal, Haunting of Winchester House. My mom is absolutely enthralled with the Winchester House, and I am obsessed with Hauntings… so this would be an absolutely awesome combo, right? So, of course I got it.
Wow. The acting was by far the worst part. All of the actors are pretty stony, and there was pretty much no emotional display. All three of the mains have no emotions. That t-shirt of Chuck Norris’ emotions? Pretty much describes the characters.
And although I’m not familiar with the horror genre, I can already tell you it’s pretty cliche.
1. Background story where the previous caretaker dies
2. New family moves in
3. Someone shows up to warn them, family dismisses him
4. Family is subject to ghosts attacking
5. Guy from #3 is called and runs to their aid.
6. Everything is solved within ~20 minutes of ^ happening.
So, you must be wondering what it’s about, eh? Well, I just described the major plotline… but here’s a bit more for you. The main family, the Greniers, are going to become the caretakers of the Winchester Mansion. On the way, some hick almost runs them off the road.
They end up making it, and a psychic dude sees their car, and ends up introducing himself, saying that he can help them out with whatever they need.
Oh – quick thing – the script is horrible too. It feels really forced and awkward at times, but…
Anyways, they turn him away, and almost as soon as he leaves, the girl SCREAMS. She had followed a random other girl (uh, hello?) into the cellar. And while she is down there, she gets locked in! Daddy saves her, and the family is happy.
They settle in, and blah blah blah. Few shadowy figures, weird sounds, etc. There is a really creepy scene where the mom wakes up and hears a baby crying, and sees this figure on the ground. And it all rolls together, lots of ghostly fights, etc. Girl gets taken, mom and dad demand that Sarah Winchester (yes, her) give her back… but Sarah wants HER baby, Annie!
Now, I am going to say that the very ending is the best part of the movie. It is SUPER creepy and wraps up a LOT. I really really really liked it. My “but…” with the complaint on the script above? Some of the awkwardness is explained here. ♥
All together, 6/10. The acting and script really brought it down, but the ending saved it from a 3 or 4. :)