After college student Kyle discovers an antique casket while cleaning out an old ladies basement he is warned to make sure it's buried at the dump. Instead he ignores her advice and decides to keep it for himself and has intent to sell it. Before he is able to sell it Kyle along with 2 of his friends discover that the casket is more then just an ordinary casket. Instead it is a machine made to make the user transcend into the world as a ghost. Things go further than they ever expected as they begin to uncover the dark past of the creator who made the casket. Will they be able to turn away from the power of the machine or become another victim to the Ghostmaker?!
Review: When I originally read the plot of this film I was very intrigued by it. When done right a film about ghosts or a spirit world can be awesome. Most the time I would say that alot of films in this category fail. Even after my first viewing of The Ghostmaker I am at a crossroads about it, I am not sure if I like it or not. It was good that they used some what I see as no name actors because it made it more believable. Also the cast is kept to a minimal which I liked because then you get more time understanding the motivation of each character as well as they're past. Personally the only thing I would of changed about the film would be the story, not the part about the coffin but the chain of events. I won't give off what happens, but I will say it was kinda predictable. With that being said I still found this film very entertaining and did keep me on the edge of my seat.
One thing I will say is that when they do the scenes of them becoming a ghost it looks awesome and even gets creepy when one of the guys starts stalking a girl. They are only able to become a ghost for a short time, but like I said it is awesome when they do that. It doesn't look cheap and overly fake like most films with a budget like this one did. The look of them as ghosts kinda reminds me of Dr. Manhattan from The Watchmen. They are blue with a blue aura around them. The only special effects that looked a little back at first was Death, it grew on me after I saw it the first 2 times of it showing up. Death definitely looks way different than I have ever seen it presented in a film before, the look kinda has a steam punk look. There is alot to be desired as far as the overall story goes but I still found myself entertained despite the films shortcomings.
I will mention one last thing, I did think it was going to turn out to be a found footage film due to how it begins but I was very happy when it did not go in that direction. If it would of it would of made this film horrible! Overall like I said it is an entertaining movie, but I don't think I could fully say go buy it. I stick more to the go rent it first recommendation, if you watch it and really like it then I say go buy it.
-Daniel "Damnation" Lee
Director: Mauro Borrelli
Genre: Horror/Drama
DVD Release Year: 2012
Theatrical Release Year: 2012
Time Length: 91 mins.
Company: Lionsgate Films
Website:
www.lionsgatedvd.com
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