Watch The Frighteners

The Frighteners is a 1996 horror-comedy film directed by Peter Jackson, starring Michael J. Fox, Trini Alvarado, and Peter Dobson. The movie tells the story of Frank Bannister, an ex-architect who has become a ghost hunter. Fox’s character seems to be struggling with his gift, as he can communicate with the dead, but only a select few can see them. He uses his powers to trick people into believing they are being haunted and then charges them a fee to exorcise the ghosts.

The town of Fairwater is struck with a sudden wave of mysterious deaths. The police are baffled by the murders and start to pursue Frank as the prime suspect. While trying to clear his name, Frank discovers that the murders are not the work of a human being but rather a malevolent, otherworldly force. With the help of Dr. Lucy Lynskey, a physician with a keen interest in paranormal activity, Frank sets out to stop the ghostly murderer and put an end to the haunting in Fairwater.

The film combines elements of horror, comedy, and drama to create a unique blend of genres. The comedic moments bring levity to the intense and often scary situations that occur throughout the film. The horror elements add tension and suspense, especially towards the end when the story takes a darker turn. And the drama adds depth to the characters, making the audience care about their well-being.

Michael J. Fox’s performance as Frank Bannister is one of the highlights of the movie. He brings his trademark everyman charm to the role, making it easy for the audience to root for him throughout the film. His chemistry with Trini Alvarado’s Dr. Lucy Lynskey is also noteworthy, as their budding romance adds a romantic subplot that serves as a nice counterbalance to the film’s more sinister aspects.

The special effects and makeup are also impressive, particularly when it comes to the ghosts themselves. The practical effects and makeup that were used back in the 90s still hold up surprisingly well today, and it’s clear that a lot of effort went into bringing the otherworldly entities to life.

Overall, The Frighteners is a fun and thrilling ride that combines multiple genres to create something truly unique. The film’s humor, scares, and heart make for a satisfying viewing experience that’s enjoyable for horror fans and casual movie-goers alike. Despite not being a commercial success when it was released, it has since gained a cult following, and it’s not hard to see why. Peter Jackson’s direction, Michael J. Fox’s performance, and the movie’s blend of genres all come together to create something truly special.

The Frighteners is a 1997 horror movie. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 52.