House on Haunted Hill (1999) Review by BlackTequilaKiss

Written by: BlackTequilaKiss

Based on the original movie by William Castle and starring: Geoffrey Rush and Famke Janssen. This is a good movie, not the best, but still an entertaining ride that will please horror fans.

The movie is interesting, many of the characters are enjoyable and the look inside the house itself is very debonair.

Yes, this is an enjoyable horror. Ok it is not fantastic but isn't the purpose of horror to derive enjoyment? Good! Then job done =)

It begins when eccentric millionaire, Stephen H. Price, offers some random people the chance to win $1,000,000 if they will spend the night in a so say, 'Haunted house', everyone sees it as a easy way to make some money and then leave, not taking the haunted part seriously. However once inside the famed house they realise the mistake they made when strange; mysterious things happen. And when the house closes them in, the real horror begins...

If there was one thing that director, William Malone did that gained my respect was that in the original, the main man was Vincent Price as Frederick Loren and the main man in this is so reminiscent of him it is a little creepy. That was Geoffrey Rush as Stephen H. Price, he has the same characteristics as Vincent and that deep dark voice that draws you in.

He played the part of Stephen H. Price well and brought a eerie but elegant performance to that of the character. A great actor.

Famke Janssen as Evelyn Price. Gorgeous? Oh hell yes, but a good actress? When she applies herself. In some movies she takes style over substance and looks over talent but in the right role she does shine and in this she was decidedly good. Some moments she was a little hammy, but most of the time she was decent. Sassy and sharp I enjoyed her character even the occasional over-acting.

Re: The score was nicely composed. Tingly frustration of the piano, managed to bring goose bumps to the nape of my neck. High pitch of the keys against the decadent of the violin caused some truly intensified moments within the movie, simple and brilliant!

Oh there is no denying that some of the camerawork/ cinematography was beautiful. Whereas the original movie took place in a rather subdued (but as equally beautiful) building, this one is over place a hill and a tall, menacing structure that with the lights on looked very creepy. Strangely the outside of the building looked rather clinical and cold, no warmth or heart but once inside it looks nothing like the outside and while very royal in tone of colours it looks fashioned and stylish. To put a complete contrast between the outside and inside of the building was refreshing. Everything else was nice too, the downstairs basement and strange, odd pieces really added a freaky tone.

Blood pours like water throughout much of this film. The first few deaths remain implied, not seen, what we see instead is blood trailing across the ground. A little nod of what is to come. The dirty white floor peddled with blood was a nice little clue within though and looked frickin' cool! However when the deaths do became more prevalent and noticeably it is really just as good and looks realistic to boot.

Some favourites included:

The Vat of Blood- Fine it's just a vat of blood but nicely done and looked original. The stuff used to turn it into a colour representing that of blood and with the consistency was very well done. It looked very beautiful and in the darkened underground of the house, it added an extra layer to the movie.

The Chamber- Goggles attached, lights down low and pictures spinning around to induce psychopathic tendencies. It did well enough that I found myself getting dizzy just by watching it!

...and there were others I loved but the above two were among my absolute favourites.

I will not kid you nor I that this is a perfect film. Same as the original in story but different in approach and conviction, they really are not the same.

Of course this one is also more highly glossed as well. To watch this try to not see it as a remake but as it's own movie. Some of the characters are very forgettable but all in all it is a good movie to take away dull time and keep you amused.

Great as a party piece or to watch on it's own.

JLRaven. With Bloody Hugs.

This is a community member review and not a staff member review. We appreciate and respect the opinions of our readers and are gratefull that they took the time to contribute it.

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