HAUNT (2014)

 



                      WOW!    :)







I was rather shocked that HAUNT (currently on Netflix streaming at the time of this posting) was actually really, really good. I've taken to tossing these really bad movies on while working - having them play on the lap-dog to the side while I work on my "real" computer for actual work. Most of the time, the film goes on and I don't think much of it until something spooky starts, then I glance over, watch the scare, then go back to work. Helps me get through the day.

Well, it turns out that HAUNT was one of the films I put on that I actually had to stop and watch at a later time when I can actually watch what's going on because it's too good to side-watch. hehehe

Writer Andrew Barrer took a simple concept and added just enough to make it move along at an interesting pace with characters that you actually care about and a plot that holds your attention. The script was well executed by Director Mac Carter in his feature film debut.  When topped with some good acting and fun effects work, the film turns what could have been another yawning bore into something I really enjoyed.

I don't want to say too much - there is an element of mystery involved here. It's basically a new family moves into a haunted home and the young boy of the family meets the cute girl next door. They start digging into who is haunting the home and - you guessed it - things don't go well. At all.


This was a fun and fresh horror film I really enjoyed. Jump to it - I think you'll enjoy it!

Ghost Walk by Brian Keene

We have a lot going on in our family with a 4 year old and a 2 year old, work, freelance and more family business. It's hard to pick up a book at the end of the night instead of crashing on the couch with the television telling me stupid stories. :) Well, I was FINALLY able to finish GHOST WALK by Brian Keene and man...I hope someone options it for a film! hehehehe    I'd love to see it done well by someone. There are so many cool elements to the story it just seems ripe for someone taking it on.

The general plot (spoiler free) is simple. There is an ancient evil that is making it's way into our world from the beyond a la Lovecraft and a small group of people need to stop it before it does. It just so happens that the field area where the locals are setting up the Halloween Ghost Walk is entry to our world.

Now, this may seem rather basic in premise, but Keene's execution is fun and highly entertaining.


The characters are believable and interesting. The pace is grand - flowing from one scene to the other and building into a frenzy at the end. And, it read well, if that makes sense. It never stumbled over itself trying to be something grand or overly deep, but in that simplicity it became something kinda grand in a way. Something that had me nodding my head and smiling about from time to time as I thought, "Right on - that's really cool."

Short, sweet and to the point - I really enjoyed this book! Well worth a read through. Pick it up!