My Review of The Haunting (1999)

 

Written by David Self

Directed by Jan de Bont

Nell: "Purgatory is over, you go to Hell!"

Several months ago, I watched The Haunting Of Hill House and last month, I watched the 1963 movie based on Shirley Jackson's classic book. It was only right that I watched the 1999 movie to complete my viewing.

Essentially this movie's not too dissimilar from the 1963 movie with a rather stellar casting for the main characters. You've got the likes of Liam Neeson, Owen Wilson, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Lili Taylor and they're cast in the very roles you'd expect them to be for this take.

Neeson took on the role of Dr David Marrow and it's him who assembled the likes of Eleanor Vance (Taylor), Theo (Zeta-Jones) and Luke Sanderson (Wilson) into the infamous house that used to be owned by Hugh Crain (Charles Gunning). Of course it's a decision that would have major consequences for all involved.

In particular with Eleanor aka Nell, who found herself the most affected and in tune with the house. Nell's determination to prove that the house was haunted led to her learning about Crain's mistreatment of children and like every adaptation of their book, Nell found herself permanently attached to the house. 

Then there's Theo, who at this point might be my favourite character in every adaptation. Catherine Zeta-Jones genuinely gave a delightful performance throughout the movie. Often the more sensible and fun member of the group, Theo certainly didn't disappoint here.

As for David Marrow and Luke Sanderson, I think both Liam Neeson and Owen Wilson were on good form but not quite as compelling as the others. Saying that, I did think Luke got a rather gruesome ending in one of the more gory moments in the movie. Crain also made for a decent third act antagonist.

- This movie was more explicit about Theo being bisexual compared to the 1963 version. She's even a bit flirty with Nell.

- Originally both Stephen King and Steven Spielberg has worked on the movie before it was taken over by David Self and Jan de Bont.

- Though there are similarities to the 1963 version, this isn't a remake of that version. They didn't have the remake rights for that.

- Chronology: 1999 in Massachusetts for the infamous house, though Nell had been in Boston beforehand.

Although it's weaker compared to other adaptations and generally disliked among horror fans, I have a soft spot for this version of The Haunting. The performances are good, especially from Lili Taylor and Catherine Zeta-Jones and there's some decent enough scares.

Rating: 6 out of 10 

My Review of The Parenting (2025)

 

Written by Kent Sublette

Directed by Craig Johnson

Josh: "The dick is fine, evil Frank."

Frank: "Well, I'm looking at the dad-dick right now, and if the son-dick is anything like the dad-dick, the dick is small."

Released last month on Max, there's a reason why some movies really should sit out theatres and just go straight to streaming. There's no way in hell anyone would've watched this one in theatres but on streaming, it might be caught out of curiosity or boredom.

Focusing on a middle class gay couple, Rohan (Nick Dodani) and Josh (Brandon Flynn), this horror comedy had the pair staying in a house that was owned by the clearly kooky Brenda (Parker Posey). They have it for a weekend and it's one that they won't be forgetting any time soon.

Mainly because both sets of parents are also staying him with him. There's Rohan's slightly uptight parents, Frank (Brian Cox) and Sharon (Edie Falcon) and Josh's less upright parents, Cliff (Dean Norris) and Liddy (Lisa Kudrow). Needless to say, there's chaos with both sets and Josh making a poor impression on Sharon.

Add into the mix, Rohan and Josh's best friend, Sara (Vivian Bang), a couple of dogs and a wi-fi password if say out loud, causes spooky antics in the old house and you've got the weekend from hell for everyone involved. No, seriously, that wi-fi password was a menace throughout.

As various characters fought with each other, made up with each other and learned more each other, there was possession afoot. Yup, Frank got possessed and spouted a lot of things he wouldn't (sans clothing) before it was revealed that Brenda had made some sort of supernatural deal with a demon to set it free.

I guess the fun part came in the two families (and Sara) banding in order to confuse the demon and save themselves. It's a funny enough scene and there's a rather nice but expected proposal to cap things off for good measure.

- There's a mid credit scene where a certain character's anatomy is mentioned for laughs.

- Josh had quite a good paying job to pursue a music career. Brandon Flynn has a decent singing voice.

- Standout music: Kim Wilde's You Keep Me Hangin' On.

- Chronology: Present day for the majority of the movie though some flashbacks for Brenda's backstory with the demon.

The Parenting was a fun but not a wholly original horror film,not did it try to do anything too subversive with the genre and setting. I did like it for it was but I don't see it being something I'd revisit in a hurry.

Rating: 6 out of 10 

CinenaCon Reveal: Sam Mendes Beatles Quadrilogy Cast Revealed

In the world's worst kept casting secret, CinemaCon kicked off in Las Vegas on Monday with a casting reveal that's been stroking fires all day today online.

Yes, it was revealed that Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Joseph Quinn and Harris Dickinson have been cast as the iconic group, The Beatles. I mean, we've known this for months but it's finally confirmed. A reminder of who's playing who.

Paul Mescal - Paul McCartney 

Harris Dickinson - John Lennon 

Joseph Quinn - George Harrison 

Barry Keoghan - Ringo Starr

I got to say, I love this casting and paired together on stage, I can see it as well. Now just wait until we get them in their first look as The Beatles.

Now my only trepidation is the format. Four movies, with each one focusing on a different member and all four movies being released the same month in theatres. I'll admit, that feels a bit too overambitious and it's really asking a lot for general audiences to commit to. I think it would be wiser to space these movies out over the course of the year and let them breathe. I also wouldn't be too shocked if that's something that's eventually considered as well.

Sam Mendes will direct all four of these movies but each one will have a different writer. Filming will commence soon, so expect a lot more casting news and first looks to trickle out over the next few months. 

Casting News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8eplyxp3wjo

All four movies will release in proximity of each other from April 2028. Are you pleased with the casting choices?