Review: An American Haunting (2005)

An American Haunting is a classic example of, "right message, wrong plot." The underlying subplot seems to carry a monumental moral about the need for a young girl to have a strong mother. This is yet another classic example of a needless feministic plot gone horribly awry.

The movie is marvelous until the end and perhaps that is what creates such a massive disappointment. The acting is good, the dialogue and events are great, and the plot is intriguing. However, the cut-and-dried ending is far too little to justify the movie. It's also a little too "Lifetime movie," to suit what could've been a great horror film.

"An American Haunting" takes the viewer to infamous Bell Witch territory in Tennessee. The Bell Witch is a historic legend that most residents of our regions are familiar with. Tennessee is perhaps the only state to have a death formally connected to a paranormal entity.

The Bell Witch attacked John Bell and his family. Even President Andrew Jackson attempted to confront the spirit when he was venturing through the territory.

John Bell was mercilessly persecuted for seemingly no reason. He rapidly aged and grew ill. His family reported disturbances of several kinds. Neighbors couldn't help and stories of the legend ran across the surrounding states quickly.

Some people believed it was an old spurned lover named "Kate" that was torturing the family. Others believe it was over a land deal gone sour. Regardless of the reason, the history deserved far more than what the story gave.

Ghoulish Details:

Audiences should watch at their own risk. It is a great movie throughout, but the ending puts a bad spin on the entire viewing experience.

John Bell is portrayed as the stereotypical "bad" white man. The movie puts a bit of a "feminist" twist where there really shouldn't be one.

The filming was done mostly in Romania, a popular trend, yet also a senseless and pathetic waste of money that could've gone to creating a better story. The rural locations throughout the Southeastern United States would have suited the filming needs perfectly.

Trivia:

* Sissy Spacek has also been in "Ring 2," among others, but is most known for her part in the film version of Stephen King's, Carrie.

* Donald Sutherland has been in, "Salem's Lot," the 2004 series, "Frankenstein," "Fallen," "Virus," and "Outbreak" among others.

Ghoulish Rating: 3 (out of 6)