Caçadores de Fantasmas

So, I saw this movie on Netflix today, and while I was checking an actor on IMDb I noticed the low rating, which had me worried... but by the end of the film I was utterly dumbfounded BY that low rating. This movie was so enjoyable! At no point did I think to myself "Oh, I didn't like that."

This was not a comedy that got a lot of big laughs from me- but I was always smiling. It wasn't a big show of making me laugh, it just made me enjoy it. I loved the casual jokes from Stan, I loved the way everything tied together so well, I loved the weird and quirky ensemble and I loved how LONG the set up was and how I really got to get involved with every character by the time the danger set in. And on that note, I noticed something I hadn't in a long time- genuine concern for a characters safety! In an odd, roundabout way, it did something so many horror movies have spectacularly failed to do. Because the characters made me laugh, made me happy, I had an emotional connection to them, and I was WORRIED they might die! When I watch a horror movie, I'm generally so uninvested in the characters I forget which ones HAVE already died.

This movie had good, smart humour with likable characters and a fun and interesting premise. I liked every second of it, it never felt too much or too little. It was a damn good movie and I would 100% see a sequel.

Not to be confused with the superior Ghost Team One (2013) this is a "Ghost" themed comedy, or is it?

Starring a bunch of actors on the downswing of their careers including Jon "Napoleon Dynamite" Heder, Justin "Better than being in something like this" Long, David "The Santa Claus" Krumholtz and Melonie Diaz it's quite alarmingly poor.

It tells the story of a man bored with his mundane life who dreams of being a professional ghost hunter. When an opportunity to join the premier ghost hunter show presents itself he forms a team to capture footage to prove himself.

So it's a comedy, the trouble is I don't think anyone told the writer. I think I could probably count half a dozen jokes in the 90 minute runtime, but on the flipside it isn't serious enough to be a straight movie. For this reason the tone is way off, and the cast don't do it any favors especially Heder who I've never seen the appeal of.

Want a comedy "Ghost Team" movie, watch Ghost Team One (2013). This is simply not a comedy.

The Good:

Justin Long

The Bad:

Not even remotely funny

Bland cast

I think people tend to rate indie films lower on principle, which is entirely unfair, particularly in this case. This movie had a lot of heart and pathos along with an abundance of charm and goofiness. A scene with the incomparable Amy Sedaris using her psychic abilities in a tense situation had me rolling. Another element worth mentioning is the score by Joe Hastings, which brought a fun flavor to the film.

The cast had wonderful chemistry, which isn't always a given even when favorite comedians gather. I found myself rooting for them, enjoying their kooky behavior and passion for their geeky endeavors, and wishing there could be a sequel.

I was not expecting much at all from this movie, but was pleasantly surprised. This movie did not make me burst out laughing or fall out of my seat in terror, but it kept me thoroughly engaged for the full duration. It may be feel mildly warm, happy, and sometimes anxious.

I was left with the feeling that this movie was exactly as it was meant to be, a throwback to cheesy horror of the nineties, with a lot of heart. If you've never been on a lame ghost hunt with your friends before, you may not get it. But for those of us who remember poking around in attics, researching old houses on microfilm at the library, ouija boards and candles, and just getting plain scared with your friends, then you will understand this movie, even if the characters are a little old for that stuff.

This movie never attempts to fall back on lame jokes to force a laugh, like the Seth Rogan over-used brand of weed and butt one- liners. It could have but didn't, and I was so appreciative of that.

5 stars for not being a movie for which I would have to make fun of my boyfriend for thinking it was a good idea to watch on a date. 1 star for characters who never become disassociated killers, even under stress. 1 star for the laid back and realistic ending.

This movie was hilarious, surprisingly heart-warming, and actually a decent thriller. It never gets boring, and the cast grows more likable throughout the film. I don't understand how this has gotten so many poor reviews, when it's definitely one of the top "ghost hunter" movies out there.

Anyways, don't believe the bad type. This is legit a movie worth the time. The only part I would complain about ould be the sound editing, as the words can be hard to make out at times. I'd recommend subtitles, not because it's impossible to follow along without them, but because it makes sure you don't miss anything.

Definitely check it out!