The Frighteners

"Ghosts" don't belong among my very favorite movies, I think it's one of those movies that I'm glad I've seen, but once is enough. However, it doesn't change the fact that I had a great time, that Michal J. Fox has enchanted me once again, and that it's still a movie with great horror elements that work, even in contrast with the relatively humorously conceived story, which fits perfectly with Peter's early horror classics. (04/07/2014)

The premise is great, the actors are brilliant, the execution is funny and creative, and yet there’s something missing. Or maybe there is so much that we gradually get lost in all the references, boogeymen killing boogeymen and boogeymen talking to strange people, and get so deep into Jackson's head that the very superficial, unoriginal and unexpectedly overwrought final act doesn't touch us and we are left with the familiar feeling of "this should have been different (and better)". I had fun the first time, the second time I would have to skip a lot between scenes, so a golden and harmless average – 60% (01/05/2014)

A pleasant ghost story with the traditionally excellent Michael J. Fox and perverted tricks. Jackson illustrates that the imaginative grand circles between comedy and horror don't give him any problems, although unfortunately this film has a certain touch of directorial routine. The character of the half-hearted spirit of the veteran is really great :o). Unpretentious, cool, but The Frighteners does not stand out in Jackson's filmography... (28/01/2004)

A cross between Ghostbusters and Natural Born Killers. If it was made by another director, I'd buy it, but I didn't expect such a mediocre film from Jackson. There are some brilliant moments (e.g. the scene from the Egyptology museum), but the mixed feelings prevail. (30/07/2002)

One of those films in which everything is just right. Peter Jackson brims with both fierce directorial and screenwriting ideas. The Frighteners is constantly entertaining, and black humor lovers are sure to really enjoy it. Michael J. Fox starring and music from Danny Elfman and the fantastic special effects of the Weta Studio make all those fiery dead and flying spirits a joy to behold. (20/02/2021)