The Frighteners

In the supernatural comedy film "The Frighteners" directed by Peter Jackson, viewers are introduced to the eccentric world of Frank Bannister, once a talented architect, who now finds himself leading a rather unusual life as a paranormal investigator. Following a tragic event that claimed the life of his wife, Frank discovers he has the ability to communicate with ghosts. Using this unique gift to his advantage, he operates as a con artist, scamming unsuspecting clients by exorcising their supposed haunted houses with the help of his ghostly companions.

However, Frank's world takes a dark turn when a malevolent entity emerges, leaving a trail of inexplicable deaths in its wake. As the death toll rises and the town's residents grow increasingly fearful, Frank realizes that he must confront this sinister force head-on. Teaming up with a spirited trio of ghostly allies, including the charismatic cowboy spirit Cyrus, the mischievous gangster ghost Stuart, and the lovable Judge, Frank embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind the malevolence that haunts Fairwater.

"The Frighteners" weaves together a captivating narrative filled with unexpected twists, heart-pounding suspense, and a generous dose of humor. With a stellar ensemble cast - ncluding Michael J. Fox's charismatic performance as the charmingly flawed Frank Bannister, Jeffrey Combs' memorable portrayal of the manic FBI agent Milton Dammers, and Trini Alvarado's portrayal of the inquisitive Dr. Lucy Lynskey - the film ticks the funny bone while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

Release: 1996

Stars: Michael J. Fox, Trini Alvarado, Peter Dobson

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 67%