 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Sarah Landon and the Paranormal Hour
- Review Date: October 21, 2007
- PG
- Genre: Horror
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Clumsy, tween-focused thriller wastes potential.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that though this tween-targeted, PG-rated "horror" movie is pretty tame -- there's no serious swearing, just a little kissing, and no real gore -- some parts may still be too scary for little kids. The ghostly special effects aren't sophisticated, but sensitive young viewers may be convinced enough to be frightened. Talk of evil spirits and supernatural rituals may also disturb, as may a scene in which an old woman parades around with a shotgun.
What's the story?
In SARAH LANDON AND THE PARANORMAL HOUR, the titular teen becomes embroiled in ghostly doings in small-town Pine Valley. Lacking the artificial gloss of tabloid regulars, she comes across as the perfect girl next door who gets pulled into a mystery not of her own doing. Upon arriving in Pine Valley, Sarah quickly unearths the town's worst-kept secret: that 20-year-old David Baker (Brian Comrie) is convinced he's being hunted down by the malevolent spirit of Ben Woods (Rusty Hanes). Ben is the father of David's old friend, Johnny, who died when a car being driven by David's mother (Nicole des Coteaux) was in an accident. Is it possible for the dead to haunt the living? And does this mean David will die on his 21st birthday?
Is it any good?
Here's what good about Sarah Landon and the Paranormal Hour: Rissa Walters. Though the young actress is rough around the edges, she brings a sweetness to Sarah. Writer-director Lisa Comrie displays a rudimentary understanding of suspense-building. Though she often overplays her hand, some scenes manage to goose viewers effectively -- despite the restlessness that's likely to beset them the rest of the time. Because although Comrie has the best intentions, Sarah Landon is beyond amateurish.
The premise is interesting enough, but any promise is quickly overwhelmed by Lisa Comrie's clear inexperience. Camera set-ups are awkward, transitions are ragged, and the plot is full of holes. Casting her brothers (and other family members) in lead roles also proves to be a bad idea, as evidenced by their ham-handed approach. (Dan Comrie is smoother as David's younger brother, Matt). The big "confrontation scene" is almost laughable for its superficiality; you have to wonder what would have happened had Comrie had the ability to dig deeper to find a resolution.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the supernatural. Do you believe in haunted houses, spirits, or paranormal events? If so, why? If not, why? Why is Hollywood so interested in ghost stories? What makes them so compelling? Is it fun to get scared at the movies? Why or why not? Why do you think some people like horror movies and others don't?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Good Suspense Movies for Tweens ( 10-14 )
I'm 18 years old and i have been working with kids since Iwas 14 years old. I also have a lot of younger cousin who i babysit often. i found this movie when i was planing a movie day for some kids i work with from the ages of 10-12. i thought this movie was great because tons of suspense but no really scary things. All of the kids loved it and some of the parents wanted to buy the movie. The only issuses I really have with the movie is that the first part of the movie is a little slow and they say the word Crap a lot. I really like this movie because I feel its kind of a starter scary movie. On top of this movie went straight to DVD so its like seeing a brand new movie. If you have or work with tweens from the ages of 10-14 years old and you dont mind the word crap this is a great movie for them.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
It was a great movie nothing realy scary the only thing is that an old lady turns into a bad guy and trys to kill the main characters but everything works out so it a pretty good movie
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Too scary for 11 year old
I don't think this movie is for most 11-12 years old. It has a lot of tense, scary moments with scary music tracks. Way too much suggestion and details on paranormal activity. It even made me jump a couple times. I'm thinking our son will have nightmares tonight, he watched most of it peeking thru his hands. I made him watch it to the end, because I thought it would be a light-hearted ending (it's SUPPOSE to be a family movie, right?), however that's not really how it went so I'm sorry I didn't just turn it off. There is some language that I wouldn't want him to hearing either. I think it would be a great movie for 14 yrs and up.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Nice little movie
This was a nice movie, maybe a little too scary for my 7 and 10 year-olds early on, but they enjoyed it after the first 15 minutes.
It won't win any Oscars, but the characters were mostly believable and all of the adults weren't portrayed as clueless, which seems to be the recurring theme in most kid-oriented movies.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
June 21, 2010
AGE
whnat hoorrror movies
0 stars
yes, i hate horror movies. Violence? Yes, like Horror on the Category (see this). S? Maybe. Language? Yes, "what the f*ckin ass holes are you talk'n bout, fuk you!". COnsumerism? no. Drugs? I don't know. Messages and Role Models? Yes.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
March 30, 2010
AGE
Good, but may scare younger kids.
It was pretty Scary, but also pretty good. younger kids might get freaked out, but its probably OK for 8. there is also language, about 5 words that are innapropriate, plus a violent scene at the end where ben fires a shotgun at two kids, then she tries to kill another person.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Really good
this movie very clean, and actually pretty scary! congratulations to whoever made this for making a good, family friendly thriller
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | adventures, monsters, ghosts, and vampires |
| Director: | Lisa Comrie |
| Cast: | Brian Comrie, Dan Comrie, Rissa Walters |
| Genre: | Horror |
| Run time: | 81 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 19, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | September 8, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic elements, mild peril and language. |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
