film: 13 Ghosts works better on video
Annique-Elise Goode, Peak Staff

In keeping with the Halloween spirit, a considerable number of thrillers were released this October - among which is 13 Ghosts. Starring an extraordinary glass-and-steel house created by Uncle Cyrus (F. Murray Abraham), and its unearthly inhabitants. Upon Cyrus' untimely demise, his will stipulates the house go to his nephew Arthur (Tony Shalhoub) who has recently lost his wife. Unaware of its dark secrets, Arthur moves in with his young son Bobby (Alec Roberts), his vivacious daughter Kathy (Shannon Elizabeth), and Maggie the nanny (Rah Digga). Naturally, the move-in occurs in the dark hours of night. Along for the nightmare ride are the slightly deranged clairvoyant Rafkin (Matthew Lillard) and paranormal investigator Kalina (Embeth Davis).

In this visually and audibly loud movie, we discover early on that the runic scripts covering the glass walls are actually containment spells that keep the malevolent spirits in check. Unfortunately, greed triggers the removal of these spells. One by one the ghosts are released, all thirsting for some blood and gore. What's more, the house itself constantly shifts walls and doors, preventing the living from escaping. The intrepid crew appear to be destined to become hors-d'oeuvres.

13 Ghosts is high on production and visual effects, with an absolutely superb set for the glass house and great musical effects to pump up the suspense. Where it drops the ball is in the dialogue, which sounds contrived and at times downright cheesy, as well somewhat repetitive. The plotline is relatively thin, relying on the quantity of ghosts and potential gruesome deaths to keep the story going until its climatic end. What it lacks in sheer scariness and thrills, though, it balances with suspense and cinematographic quality, not to mention some of the most creatively gory deaths suffered for the sake of Hollywood.

This is what I would call a good B-movie - something fun to watch on a dark rainy day and for those not faint of heart or weak of stomach. Myself, I wouldn't pay 12 bucks to see it in the theatres, but I might rent it if I was in the mood for such fare.

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