THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT (2009)

 

Guest Reviewer:  Rollie Rankin

 

I'm a fan of eerie, haunting, supernatural, ghost-type flicks.  Especially if there is that air of psychological thriller in them, and I thought this one would be. 

 

What I liked:  I liked the funeral home and medium aspects of the film and the fact that they took place decades before the Campbell family occupied the home.  I liked the aspect that a boy, near death from cancer, could feel, see, and, seemingly channel the spirits beyond (albeit very evil spirits).  I really liked Virgina Madsen's performance...she was completely believeable as the almost-unhealthily dedicated and spiritual mother to the afflicted Matt.  In my opinion, she carried the movie.

 

What I didn't like:  I didn't like the priest or the father in this film...not the acting per se, but I don't think either was strong enough or weak enough in the film.  The characters really didn't grow or go anywhere of substanance for my taste.  If you're going to show the struggle of alcoholic Dad and how it's affecting the family, then show it!  One scene does not convince me that it's a real issue.  So...elaborate on it...or don't show that angle at all!  Same with the priest.  He came and went many times...too quickly and not enough background.  Where did all his experience with the undead come from?  How did he know about the eyelids?  Who is he to be the one to lead Matt into the channeling of Jonah?  I just didn't buy it.  Again, not enough to convince me...too much to ignore the characters impact.  Make up your mind.  Finally, I thought the ending was absolutely cheezy...a little more creativity would've been appreciated.

 

So, it would seem that I didn't care for the film, right?  On the contrary, I liked it.  Won't be an all-time favorite.  In my opinion, not as good as An American Haunting (stronger acting & story) or The Exorcism of Emily Rose, but decent.