THE FRIGHTENERS
A film review by cgireaper@aol.com
Copyright 1996 cgireaper@aol.com
Acclaimed director Peter Jackson (HEAVENLY CREATURES, DEAD ALIVE) and executive producer Robert Zemeckis (director of FORREST GUMP) have teamed up to bring this breathtaking visual masterpiece to the big screen. And in a dazzling mixture of black comedy and pure horror it delivers like no other film!
The film is about Frank Bannister (Michael J. Fox), a con man who can communicate with the spirits of the dearly departed due to a car accident that altered his perception five years before. His best friends are spirits in fact; the worm hole riddled Judge from the 1800's (and his ghost dog Rustler), an African American "brother" from the 70's called Cyrus, and a nerdy guy named Stuart. Frank's buddies haunt houses, the owners call Frank in to get rid of them, and then Frank collects the cash; the PERFECT con. But the little town of Fairwater has a rapidly rising death count and the victims have all had a tremendous amount of pressure on their hearts. Only Frank and his pals can see what is doing the killing. It is the Soul Collector. Frank is determined to stop it, but how can you destroy Death?
This film is the best! The plot, which may seem like overkill city when the film is first viewed, is actually VERY interesting and fun with plenty of twists. Michael J. Fox and Trini Alvarado give great lead performances, and the other cast members are good too; all of the ghosts, FBI agent Dammers, Patricia, and Johnny Bartlett are all extremely memorable supporting characters. The delightfully evil score is composed by the master, Danny Elfman. The make-up by Academy Award winner Rick Baker (ED WOOD, AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON) is top-notch. The real standout is the visual effects. With a record breaking 570 CGI effects shots this film required the longest predetermined shoot in Universal's history. The result: EVERY effect is a jaw dropper! In fact, the only bad thing about this film is that when a new effect shows up...you still haven't gotten over the last amazing visual. Add to this list the "in your face, 90mph" direction of Peter Jackson AND you know this film is a winner! A thrill-packed, visually stunning, and frequently funny roller coaster ride...this film is the greatest!
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