Reviewed by Melissa Garza
“Sometimes you have to believe, to see.” – Lou (Nia Long)
Remember the television show “Sightings?” It ran from 1992-1997, and was among the many series that followed claims of actual paranormal activities including UFO sightings, abductions, and ghosts. During the run, one of the most famous cases was one of a haunted house in Kansas. This film depicts those events and how it affected not only the residents but the cast of the show.
New parents, Jeff (Gabriel Olds) and Pam (Thea Gill) start experiencing some strange activities within their new home. First, in their baby’s room the light goes on by itself, and stuffed animal bears are placed in a circle. Objects float in the air and even fly across the room and injure their friends. Without telling her husband, Pam writes to the show “Sightings” and offers both tapes and pictures of the events as they transpired. Jeff is none to pleased about the idea of having the crew come over but reluctantly relents.
Meanwhile, the head of the show, Derek (Beau Bridges) along with his assistant Lou (Nia Long) begin examining the evidence that was sent to them. At first, Derek believes it is a hoax, like so many other cases he has studied, though there are several elements that puzzle him. A blue gel material that sits behind Jeff as he holds his child is something that he can’t explain. Also, a crayon seems to stand on its own without any attachments which baffles him. When they listen to the tape of Pam explaining the situation, there is a strange noise in the background. They have it analyzed but it remains undetermined.
Along with the Sightings staff, Allen (Miguel Ferrer) a psychic, comes along. He is the first to see a young ghost girl named “Sallie”. Jeff, at first, is skeptical, but when Allen describes the ghost as wearing clothes from the 1800’s, which matches dreams that he has been having, Jeff is made into a believer. Derek, on the other hand, is not as easily convinced. Throughout much of the film he dismisses everything as a hoax or a coincidence. Eventually, there is too much to ignore and to disregard. They research the history and learn that the original occupants were racist confederate sympathizers.
This is a decent ghost story with an interesting plot. Though it isn’t entirely scary the implication that it is based on true events does help heighten the anxiety while watching. The mystery behind the house keeps the pace going when the paranormal activity is non-existent. Stephen King’s recent thriller “1408″ could have taken a few pointers. The story is a much stronger one than King’s and the scenes are better done. Considering this was a movie made for television and “1408″ was for the big screen, how poor the latter one is becomes very evident. “Sightings: Heartland Ghost” is entertaining, fun and is very reminiscent of “Poltergeist” and “The Amityville Horror” in some ways. The special effects and green swirl lights that indicate a ghostly presence are below par and reveal the low budget of the production. Still, the characters and experiences they endure more than make up for it.
The acting is well delivered, especially with Miguel Ferrer. His matter-of-fact approach to being a psychic worked well against Beau Bridges’ character. Whereas Derek was the unwavering skeptic who saw a fraud or nut in anyone who claimed ghostly activity, Allen brought the level of realism and believability to Jeff and Pam.
There’s a lot of detail online and in books surrounding the “real” Sallie and the Heartland Ghost. What makes this stand out as a more interesting tale than many other ghost stories, is that the cameras were on. Whether that adds more credibility to the story, I don’t know; but if nothing else, it’s cooler and the audience gets to witness more.
If Crazy Carl hasn’t seen this yet, he should. Anyone who enjoys shows like “Unsolved Mysteries,” or “Haunting,” would find this a must-see film.
Scared Stiff Rating: 7/10 –
