Thirteen Ghosts (2001) Movie Review, Trailer and Poster

USA, Canada 2001
Director: Steve Beck
Cast: Tony Shalhoub, Shannon Elizabeth, F. Murray Abraham, Alec Roberts, Rah Digga
Rating: R
Release Date: 23 October 2001
Running Time: 1 hour 31 minutes

The Movie Review

Thir13en Ghosts, released in October 23rd 2001, just a few days before Halloween, on the whole is nothing but a supernatural freakshow. There are 12 unique types of ghosts that closely resemble the ones from Spawn Toy Figures, the freaking creepy statuettes. This movie is a remake of the 1960s movie of William Castle under the title 13 Ghosts.

Thir13en Ghosts depends almost entirely on boo scares. Boo boo here and boo boo there, everywhere boo boo, ol' mcCyrus has a house. Talking about the setting inside a mechanical glass house, that house doesn't even look scary, it's highly artistic and genius! If only Lara Croft Tomb Raider movie had used this house as her house.


THIR13EN GHOSTS
Storyline:
Cast:
Ending:
Overall:

The story is about a widower Arthur (Tony Shalhoub) who lost his wife due to a terrible fire accident that also burnt down their house. He lives now in a very small apartment with his two kids Bobby (Alec Roberts) and Kathy (Shannon Elizabeth). One day the lawyer of Arthur's late Uncle Cyrus Kriticos drops in and inform them that they are now have the possession of Cyrus' house. Arthur and his family decide to take a look at the house right away and bring along Bobby's nanny Maggie (Rah Digga). They are amazed by the house which has glass wall with latin script written artistically on it, and full of unique items from different parts of the world.

It turns out it's not only the house that awaits them, there are more than enough shocks prepared to be unleashed and Cyrus Kriticos (F. Murray Abraham) may have another evil plan for his nephew Arthur.

From all the cast, it's only Tony Shalhoub who acts seriously, all the others are just seem to be downright silly, they are acting like they were in some kind of a playground. The unnecessary and unfunny quips uttered by Rah Digga are just adding up to flaws.

I like the premise of this movie, I really do, it's creative, but it's weakened by the cast itself. All we see is that wretched glass house, its interior and its inhabitants. The strength of this film depends almost entirely on the cast, we see them all the time, if they're good it'll leave good impression, but if they're not, then the premise is wasted.

For the guys, you have a bonus, a porn-star-looking ghost with scars all over her body, but don't you worry she seems smitten, concerning that she doesn't even know how to give frightening expression. So she's just standing there naked (well bloodily naked actually) and holding a knife which is nowhere near titillating and not an inch near frightening.

I'm just wondering what has been said by the Maggie the babysitter "I'm stuck in here in a glass house with a bunch of crazy white people". Well, I said "I'm stuck in here inside the theater with a bunch of puzzled-looking people". This movie is just too sophisticated to be scary, and the ghosts are freakin' cool...Period.

© iwan pranowo of Movielogy.com