Draw the shades, turn down the lights and open your computer. Actually, wait, don’t do that. It’s bad for your eyes. Do, however, open your computer and read this week’s installment of Forgotten Favorites.
Since it is now October, one of the greatest months in the whole year, I thought I would spend some time dusting off a few horror movies that may have slipped your mind. This week I am bringing back the classic horror/comedy The Frighteners.
Now, this is one of my favorite forgotten favorites. This is not just because it was directed by Peter Jackson, or because it was produced by Robert Zemeckis, and not even because it was Michael J. Fox’s last leading role. All of those things are huge check marks, but the reason I love it so much is because the story is so out there and well written. If you don’t have a clue what “Frighteners” are or why you should find this movie and watch it, let me elaborate.
The Frighteners is about Frank Bannister (Michael J. Fox) and his ghost catching con business. Now what makes this interesting is that Frank can actually see ghosts. Six years prior to the events of the movie, Frank and his wife were in a terrible car accident, which left his wife dead and him with the ability to see ghosts. After a while of doing nothing with his life, he decides to use his ability to extort money from the unsuspecting.
He befriends three ghosts, Cyrus, a 1970s gangster (Chi McBride), Stuart, a 1950s nerd (Jim Fyfe) and the Judge (John Astin), a gunslinger from the Old West, and uses them to put, what the ghostly R. Lee Ermey calls, “the frighteners” on people. When the houses start having “hauntings,” Frank’s card conveniently appears at the victim’s house prompting them to request his ghost removal service.
Now if that isn’t reason enough to see it, then this should spark your interest. After a mysterious strain of sudden heart attacks, Frank starts to notice numbers that only he can see on people’s foreheads. Shortly after a cloaked figure with a scythe appears and takes their souls, is it Death or just a vindictive spirit?
Because Frank seems to be around when a lot of these heart attacks happen, the local police start to suspect him and call in the help of the eccentric F.B.I. Special Agent Milton Dammers (Jeffrey Combs) who was a former undercover cult leader, which left him on the brink of insanity, it also doesn’t help that he has a personal vendetta against Frank.
Now, with Frank being chased by police and F.B.I., can he figure out who the mysterious hooded figure is before it’s too late? I could tell you, but I won’t, that’s for you to find out.
The Frighteners is a very clever, funny and scary movie that will have you shivering and watching it over and over again. And now is the best time for such a movie!
Well, there you have it, the Forgotten Favorite of the week. Be sure to come by again next week for some Pumpkin Spiced Tea, cookies and another round of Forgotten Favorites!*
*Tea and cookies will not actually be available.
