Common Sense Media Review
High-tech remake is dumb and overblown.
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The Haunting
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 10 kid reviews
Kids say that this 1986 horror movie has received mixed reactions, with many feeling disappointed by its lack of genuine scares and reliance on CGI effects, leading to views of it as cheesy and poorly acted. While some praise aspects like the storyline and acting, the general consensus leans towards it being a subpar remake compared to the original, with minimal real terror for older audiences.
- failed expectations
- weak scares
- excessive CGI
- mixed reviews
- subpar remake
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE HAUNTING, Liam Neeson plays a doctor who (contrary to any sense of scientific ethics) invites three people to a spooky mansion for what he tells them is insomnia therapy. In reality, it is a part of his study of fear. The three subjects are Luke, a surfer type (Owen Wilson), Theo, a bi-sexual artist who enjoys being provocative but is basically good-hearted (Catherine Zeta-Jones), and Nell (Lily Taylor), a quiet woman who has spent years taking care of an invalid mother. The house is indeed amazingly creepy, accurately described by Theo as the house from Citizen Kane crossed with the house from The Munsters, with gossamer curtain and gothic carvings.
Is It Any Good?
This high-tech remake of the creepy classic is dumb and overblown, but some teenagers will have a good time with it, especially if they watch it together. Its only possible merit is that it is too silly to be scary. There are some good special effects and a couple of "boo!"-style surprises. But the plot and dialogue so interfere with the mood the movie is trying to create that they become the best possible protection against anyone -- even a 12 year old -- taking it this movie seriously.
Kids who are genuinely interested in scary movies should watch the original version, directed by Robert Wise and starring Julie Harris and Claire Bloom, to see how subtle story-telling can be much more unsettling.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of the serious themes raised by the movie, including the ethics of scientific experimentation, the role of fear in evolution, child labor, and the paranormal, but perhaps of more interest and value is a discussion of why people like to be scared in a controlled environment like a movie, and what is and is not really scary.
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 27, 1999
- On DVD or streaming : November 23, 1999
- Cast : Catherine Zeta-Jones , Liam Neeson , Owen Wilson
- Director : Jan De Bont
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 113 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense horror sequences
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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