Reviewed by Melissa Antionette Garza
When I was a child, this was one of my favorite movies. Come Halloween, MR. BOOGEDY (1986), BRIDE OF BOOGEDY (1987)and THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (1985) were staples in my living room. So, I definitely have a sentimental and nostalgic bias to this film.
The movie follows the Davis family as they move into a new house. The patriarch Carleton (Richard Masur) is an annoying jerk who loves stupid gags like fake chattering teeth and hand buzzards. His equally annoying wife Eloise (Mimi Kennedy) who is always upbeat doesn’t seem surprised or frightened by any paranormal events that occur until Mr. Boogedy (Howard Witt) reveals himself.
The Davis’s have three children. Jennifer (Kristy Swanson), Aurie (Benji Gregory) and Corwin (David Faustino). All three are happy go lucky and completely into the silly stupid tricks their father pulls.
There really isn’t any family conflict until Jennifer is visited by the ghost. When she calls her family in they think she had a nightmare despite there begin green slimy footprints on the wall.
Later, the kids go to Neil Witherspoon (John Astin) a wacky weirdo who warned them about their new home prior to moving in. Neil shows the kids a pop-up book about Mr. Boogedy who was hated by the townspeople and had fallen in love with a widow who had a small child. The storyline is very close to BABES IN TOYLAND with the tale of Barnaby, but instead of being rescued in life, she needs to be rescued in the afterlife as Mr. Boogedy has trapped her and kept her away from her soon for not welcoming his advances.
The Davis family work to destroy Mr. Boogedy and reunite the ghost widow with her boy.
Now, this movie isn’t as good as I remember but I do think that kids would still find it enjoyable. The cast is definitely well known.
All the major players are well known. You’ll most likely recognize Masur from STEPHEN KING’S IT (1990), Kennedy from DHARMA AND GREG (1997), John Astin from the immortal THE ADDAMS FAMILY (1964), Kristy Swanson from the movie version of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER (1992), Benji Gregory from ALF (1986) or David Faustino from the iconic sitcom MARRIED WITH CHILDREN (1987).
Even with a talent cast, this film lacks pace, payoff, a solid plot and likable characters. Still, there’s enough visuals that I think kids would enjoy it. Honestly, I think the TV show R.L. Stine’s GOOSEBUMPS (1995) has more to offer than this film. Even still, there’s a part of me that really wants to like this movie. I loved it as a child. I quoted it. I found it funny. I thought Mr. Boogedy looked awesome. Sadly, as you grow older your perspective and expectations change, thus I fully admit I didn’t enjoy the film.
Scared Stiff Rating: 4/10 – Kids May Still Enjoy It
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