USA 2006, 96 minutes
Dir. Gil Kenan
English
Rating: [PG]
Genres: Family, Horror / Animation
Topics: Halloween-friendly.
Feat. Steve Buscemi, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jason Lee
Aroview: Rollercoaster haunted-house ride for kids expertly CGI-animated around the story of three suburban teens who decide to challenge a neighbourhood crank, Nebbercracker (voiced by Buscemi), whose delapidated house seems to have spooky abilities to suck things off the lawn and snatch people through its front-door orifice.
Animated using the motion-capture techniques applied to POLAR EXPRESS, this is considerably more hyperactive, with a raft of jump-cutting, roof-rattling sound f/x and other scare tactics applied by debuting dir. Kenan. Worldly audiences will find the increasingly manic tone off-putting next to the delicately-artful chills of CORPSE BRIDE, but youngsters will appreciate the videogame rampantness of the treatment.
Average rating
(Very Good). Showing 1-2 of 2 member reviews.
3 stars (Good Enough) Although no adults will believe them, three children realise a cranky old neighbour's house is really a monster. An exciting thrill-ride, which perfectly balances creepiness with humour so as not to spook younger viewers too much. ~GenXGirl
4 stars (Very Good) Skillful film making and enjoyable to watch. ~Tubbs
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