Nicely shot and played, The Haunted House is a witty and well-made short in which a group of teens in suburban America decide to spend the night in a supposedly haunted house.
The Haunted House has many good ideas (the shot moving from full moon to toasting a marshmallow is particularly nice and adds to the tone of a good natured, amusing take on this particular sub-genre). Clearly some money has been thrown at this short (the ghost of Old Man Withers is particularly effective and well done) and the performances of the children are nicely toned, suggesting that they’ve either got experience of the camera or are naturals, creating amusing and engaging characters.
It’s a nicely made short that comes across as a children’s TV episode with an anti-bullying message (the type that conservative America just loves its kids to watch as it’s harmless and unchallenging and presents a sweet view of community). The script is fun and the dialogue has clever moments that raise a smile.
(Just one thing: if you take the time to make a film, check your opening credits spelling: Staring Dominic Kline is a simple oversight but one that should have been spotted).
OVERALL SUMMARY
If the Disney Channel made a haunted house story, this would be it. Fun for younger viewers and their grandparents.
