House on Haunted Hill is a remake of the 1959 classic, updated with late 90s flair but maintaining its original core concept of a haunted house horror. Directed by William Malone and produced by Joel Silver and Robert Zemeckis, the film takes a campy, yet stylish, approach to its scares, balancing horror, humor, and grotesque visuals.
The plot revolves around an eccentric millionaire, Steven Price (played by Geoffrey Rush), who invites a group of strangers to spend the night in an abandoned, supposedly haunted asylum. Whoever survives the night will win a cash prize of one million dollars. Taye Diggs, Famke Janssen, and Ali Larter round out the cast, each bringing their own sense of tension to the unfolding chaos.
Geoffrey Rush's performance as the twisted, Vincent Price-inspired host adds a deliciously over-the-top flair to the film. His character is a fun homage to classic horror, blending a sinister charm with dark humor. Famke Janssen is also captivating as Price's scheming wife, Evelyn, creating a dynamic of mistrust and manipulation that heightens the tension.
Visually, the film relies on eerie special effects and the unsettling atmosphere of the abandoned asylum. The haunted house is filled with disturbing images, twisted ghosts, and grotesque moments that are a blend of practical and early CGI effects. While some of the CGI may feel dated by today’s standards, it still provides enough jarring moments to make the film entertaining.
One of the film’s strengths is its self-awareness. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, which allows viewers to enjoy the exaggerated horror and campy dialogue without demanding too much in terms of a coherent plot. The film embraces its B-movie roots, combining modern shock horror with nods to the genre’s history.
However, House on Haunted Hill does struggle with pacing issues and occasional predictability. The narrative lacks depth, focusing more on visual spectacle than story development, and it often relies on horror clichés. But for fans of 90s horror and supernatural thrillers, it still offers a fun and thrilling ride with enough chills to keep you engaged.
In summary, House on Haunted Hill (1999) is a campy, over-the-top horror film that delivers a mix of jump scares, dark humor, and eerie visuals. While it might not be the most groundbreaking horror movie, its entertaining performances and gothic atmosphere make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.
House on Haunted Hill (1999) - info
- Release date: October 27, 1999 (USA)
- Genre: Horror, Mystery
- Director: William Malone
- Writer: Robb White, Dick Beebe
- Stars: Geoffrey Rush, Famke Janssen, Taye Diggs