Haunting At The Beacon (aka The Beacon (2009)/Take 2 Releasing DVD)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C     Feature: C+

 

 

After the recent loss of their child, Bryn and Paul Shaw have moved into Beacon Apartments to move on with their lives.  Things were on the mend until Bryn discovers a ghost of a boy haunting their apartments, now Bryn wants to help this ghost child pass on and perhaps pass on a message to her son, but as she delves into the ghost's past, there are other spirits who don't want her to succeed... or to leave in Haunting At The Beacon.

 

Paul and Bryn moved to get a change of scenery after their loss of their son and Paul tries to help Bryn get over her past depression and her suicidal tendencies.  As Bryn uncovers more of the past she is lured deeper into depression, her guilt for the loss of her son, driving her into madness.  The ghosts who haunt the halls of Beacon Apartments are condemned souls who aren't able to reach heaven, people who may have committed suicide and are trapped in forever torment for instance; their only solace is causing others to feel the same pain and drive them commit suicide and to join them as well.

 

This was not bad as scary ghost stories go, a troubled young couple and trying to helping a child ghost believing they might save their own souls.  It first seemed like there was just going to be two ghosts, an innocent trapped boy ghost and some malicious evil ghost trapping/tormenting the boy ghost, but in a surprising twist near the end you find out the secrets of the building and all of its residents, each with their own story and what might really be going on here.  It was sort of like watching The Usual Suspects with ghosts instead, though not as good a film.  Extras include commentary with director/producer and trailers.

 

 

-   Ricky Chiang