By Melissa Antoinette Garza
There are some shared common decencies that most human beings hold dear, simply because they have a conscience. That internal voice that speaks up when something is wrong or immoral is a significant aspect that makes the world a more peaceful and unified place. At times, it seems that voice has gone silent and THE GOOD NEIGHBOR (2016) examines that premise.
Two millennials hooked on the fact of having viral videos and seeking fame decide to harass their elderly neighbor by making him think his house is haunted. Ethan (Logan Miller) is a pompous, popular teenager who gets away with everything because his mother turns a blind eye. He drinks alcohol openly and all she asks is that he hide it. His friend Sean (Keir Gilchrist) is a new kid in town with money. Ethan befriends Sean because he has the cash to get the equipment needed for Ethan’s little experiment.
Harold (James Caan) is an old man who lives alone. On the surface, he seems grouchy and unapproachable. At one time, he had a wife, who seemingly just disappeared. When a large dog off a leash goes near Harold, he tells the owner to keep him off the lawn or he’ll kill it.
Unbeknownst to Sean, Ethan has a bone to pick with Harold and chooses him as their study for that reason. They wait for the old man to leave and set up cameras in the house to watch his every move. They also put devices that can open doors, move objects and give the overall appearance that the home is haunted so that they can watch the reactions and post the video.
When things don’t go as well as Ethan wants, he decides to up the ante and break in. He wants to go into the locked basement and see what’s down there. Sean wants out and even threatens to call the cops. Ethan is unfazed and states if he goes down, he’ll take Sean with him.
Throughout the film, scenes of a court case are intertwined. For most of the movie, the audience is unaware of who is on trial or why, and I won’t reveal it here.
In a lot of ways THE GOOD NEIGHBOR reminds me of FUNNY GAMES with one small exception. Sean does have a conscience. Self-preservation prevails and he opts not to listen to it, but it is there. Ethan on the other hand is cold as ice. His motivation is to be famous and exact revenge on someone without a rational reason.
The performances are fantastic, the storyline is compelling and the depth of the characters make the movie hit all the harder. I am generally tired of anything that is remotely close to found footage and though much of this film is shot in that manner, it truly benefits the production.
I highly suggest this flick. I saw it with a group of people over the holidays and everyone there was impressed with it. Watch it free on Netflix or rent it on Amazon. As a huge James Caan fan, I suggest you make it a Caanathon and watch KISS ME GOODBYE, ELF and MISERY afterward.
Scared Stiff Rating: 8/10 Like a Good Neighbor, James Caan is there.
