 HANGMAN'S CURSE
MPAA Rating:
 for elements of violence/terror and for brief drug materialReviewed by: Ben Cornish
Starring: David Keith, Mel Harris, Leighton Meester, Douglas Smith and Frank Peretti | Directed by: Rafael Zielinski | Produced by: Jerry Rose, Ralph Winter, Joe Goodman, Rich Cown, Frank Peretti, Kelly Neutz and Steven Buhai | Screenplay by: by Kathy Mackel based on a book by Frank Peretti | Distributor: 20th Century Fox | Production company: Namesake Entertainment
A little bit of Spy Kids, a whole-lot-a CSI and a dash of Arachnophobia converge in Hangman's Curse, a film adaptation of author Frank Peretti's book The Veritas Project: Hangman's Curse. Something is wrong at Rogers High School. Several students are close to death and it is widely blamed on the curse of the 'hangman,' Able Fyre a former student who hung himself in school ten years ago. Able's ghost is now rumored to roam the halls and seek revenge for the years of torment he suffered as a student. As the curse continues to pick off members of the football team, the school calls in the Springfield family. The family is part of the Veritas Project, a specially trained investigative team, and they immediately immerse themselves into the school community to help solve the mystery. As the mystery continues to plague the school, and threatens one of their own, the family works to reveal the 'truth' behind the assumed spirited curse. 
Given that the source of this film is Christian author Peretti's book, this suspense-laden film avoids many characteristics of a typical PG-13 film. Foul language, sexual undertones, the common taking of God's name in vain and overt violence are instead replaced with solid story telling. The film avoids preaching as well, and allows the audience to piece together good and evil as the film progresses. There is a battle between three conflicting cliques (jocks, geeks, goth) and each finds themselves both victim and tormentor of common bullying. The film aptly displays the consequences of judging others by outward appearance and reminds the audience that appearances can be deceiving. The primary message is clear, and as one character puts it: "Fooling around with spirits is a dangerous thing." The impressionable students become so fixated on the curse of the hangman, that it consumes their thoughts and they are fooled by its artificial power. As Christians, the Springfield's display their faith through subtle actions, especially as the kids, going against the norm, show compassion to the unloved of the school. Late in the film one of the characters recites a Psalm for comfort in a time of need. With likeable characters and a cast that delivers honest performances (Peretti appears as an over the top professor who is called in to assist the family), Hangman's Curse is engaging and suspenseful enough to hold any audience. Parents should note that with two suicides, one attempted suicide, one attempted murder and a ritual scene in a "witches den" (complete with chanting, candles and black cloaked students) some material may be inappropriate for younger children. Violence: Mild | Profanity: None | Sex/Nudity: None This motion picture was released in theaters on September 12, 2003. It was released on DVD on March 23, 2004. Year of Release—2003 
Positive - “Hangman's Curse,” from the producer of the first “Left Behind” film, tells an eerie tale of the average teenager's battle against evil. The acting was believable enough (especially the always excellent David Keith), and the director did a great job of creating suspense and fear in all the right places. The only real qualm I have with this film is that, although some parts were frightening enough, it is difficult to convey true fear without shying away from Christianity - therefore, Hangman's Curse does not terrify. Positive - I have not watched “horror” shows since becoming a Christian. This show has all the thrill and edge-of-your-seat scare tactic as any scary movie. With the clean movie script, you were really able to get into the movie. I found the movie highly scary, thinking it was going to be a spiritual warfare showing satan, demons, etc. As I was reading some of the feedback, I realize what I thought was the “lack” of religion in the movie did not come off as such for others. Other than a couple of places I really felt Jesus could have been introduced to others in the movie I thought it very tasteful and VERY eye-opening. I was bullied most all of my school years and wish there would have been someone to take me under their wings. Comments from young people Positive - Great movie. I LOVED it. Having faced similar bullies that some of Elijah's new friends faced, I know that everyone needs to see this movie. This movie is a eye opener for some of my friends who go to other schools.
You see stuff like that every day but it never really means anything until you get hit with the effects of it. Anyway overall it was a great movie... Positive - This movie revived my interest in Christian movie making. Ever
since I saw Left Behind, I was kind of upset that they had not followed the book series in most respects. Hangman's Curse basically follows the book. It has no language; no suggestive themes, and mild violence. Hangman's Curse successfully tells a story of Christian teenagers and a Christian message. I would suggest that any one with a love for horror films, but not all the junk that usually goes with it, go and see “Hangman's Curse.” Positive — I already saw this movie in the sneak peak on the 11th of august in nashville and it was really good. They special effects and the acting is very well played out. One of the things that is great about this movie is they didn't throw Christianity at you yet had a christian understanding tied into it. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes horror movies (cause it will scare you at points) and people who like to see movies w/o sexual content and language. Positive — I saw this movie like two weeks before it came out with Frank (the director himself) and the movie ROCKS!! Its like pretty scary but nothing offensive about it at all. If you see one movie a year go see this one!!! Positive — I loved this movie and book it was good and very good looking Jake Richardson is in it which helps a bit. It was very good acting and the spiders were like real (I am aracniphobic) so really were they real? Oh, well any way it was good. Positive - I LOVED this movie! I saw it twice! There wasn't anything bad in it..it was just a lil scary and some people wouldn't like it! I cant wait to get it on DVD! Positive - I LOVED the book & the movie is even better!!!
It follows the book really well but, they had to cut out somethings of course.
This movie is the BEST I've seen this year! Positive - I loved it!! After all the poorly made christian movies out there, this one hits it right. It's somewhat scary and may not be for extremely your viewers, but it had no swearing! I find that quit amazing. I know that it is a christian production, but to have a PG-13 movie with no sex or swearing is really nice. ...pretty good acting with cool story. Positive - I love this movie! My mom surprised me with it for Easter. ...Some of the girls Elisha hangs out with need some extra acting lessons, but, all in all, the movie was great. I loved, that, when Elisha was being bit, and almost dies, she quotes from Psalms, and sings a little of "Jesus Loves Me". I also found out that most of the
actors a Christians, very happy about that! Positive - This movie is a very good christian film and it was somewhat enjoyable. There were parts that were pretty scary. But then it end up being spiders that caused all that stuff. I thought that was really dumb. Other than that the movie was great. Except for the ending. Positive - From a Christian's perspective, this was a good movie. What I liked about it is that its good for a Christian audience as well as a non-Christian audience. It was scary at times but also funny at times. I liked this movie. Only watch it if you like some scary stuff. Positive - I loved this movie. It totally rocked. I loved the portrayal of the characters. The message that I got out of this was really awesome!! This is now my favorite movie. I loved all of the characters because some of them were known, and some were not known. I think the producers and director did a very good job of re-enacting the book. It was very close. Even though the "Able Frye" story, was one that most kids could not relate to, they could definitely relate to the bullying. That was the whole reason behind Abel Frye. He was bullied. I think that the movie did a very good job of telling how kids are bullied and what some outcomes may be. People don't realize that when other people are bullied, they may take extreme actions to stop the pain. People need to stop the bullying and concentrate more on people's feelings. So, as a result I definitely loved this movie. I give props to Frank Peretti. Positive - I loved this movie! I think that people expect Christian films to be all safe and nothing bad or scary happening, but this movie really turned that idea around. I love that it was a horror movie, yet it didn't have the swearing and the profanity and all that other bad stuff in it. But if you are like spiderphobic...you might want to stay away from this one! Go see it or rent it! Positive - This movie was wonderful. It had a good point behind it and is
limited on violence. There is one time though that shows the shadow of
someone hanging himself but that's all. But if you have a fear of spiders
don't go to this movie. I liked the spiders but I'm an 11 year old boy!
There are many parts that will make you jump so don't show this movie to
anyone under the age of ten. The actors were great and the only sexual
content was a quick kiss. If you haven't seen this movie you need to see
it. You'll love it! Positive - I loved this movie!!!… It was the BEST!!!… I think some of Elisha's friends could do a little better on their acting, but that's all. I think it was great that not only did Frank Peretti help with the movie, but also acted in the movie. I liked the spiders, but hey, I'm 10! I'm a girl too, but girls can like bugs can't they? I would only watch this if you like really scary movies. If you've read the book, I would think you should read both books in the series. I really liked it… |
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