From Deseret News archives:

Haunted Castle

By Susan Whitney
Deseret News staff writer

Published: Friday, Oct. 18, 2002 8:29 a.m. MDT

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If you are a huge fan of animation, IMAX-style movies or the rock band Arid, then the 40-minute "Haunted Castle" is a film to see. Otherwise, for an exciting Halloween experience, the neighborhood spook alley is your best bet.

There isn't much plot to this movie. The dialogue is painfully trite. Arid's lead singer, Jasper Steverlinck, sings much better than he acts.

Before this film's release, IMAX theater owners got a letter from the president of their association asking them not to exhibit "Haunted Castle." The note said, in part, "We are extremely concerned that the violent episodes in this film could be degrading to our brand."

In truth, if the brand suffers, it won't be because of the violence. The violence is cartoonish. What is so awful about pretend skeletons with spears piercing their little animated necks? The worst thing that happens, happens to an animated figure in an electric chair.

You wouldn't want to take a 5-year-old to this movie, but teenagers are going to be too sophisticated for it (unless they come to see the digital animation).

Story continues below

The story is this: A fledgling rock star named Johnny (Steverlinck) takes time away from his career to visit the castle that has been left to him in his mom's will. The castle is ruled by a guy named "Mr. D," a spiderlike head who lives in the flames of the fireplace. Mr. D offers Johnny the chance to sell his soul in exchange for stardom, but the spirit of Johnny's mom advises him, from perso- nal experience, that it's a bad deal.

Another animated figure takes Johnny on a tour of the castle and the sense of motion the audience gets on this virtual-reality tour is actually quite fun. Along the way, Johnny sees some skeletons (as does the audience through his eyes). Sitting at harps. Twisting in the wind. He decides not to sell his soul.

Plotlessness aside, if your 11- and 13-year-olds beg you to take them to this movie, go ahead and go. (Wait! Was that a nude in the painting hanging on the castle wall? Hopefully your kids' eyes aren't any sharper than this ancient reviewer's.)

Sit down front, lower your expectations and enjoy the big-screen animation.

"Haunted Castle" is rated PG for animated violence and two uses of mild profanity (one religious-based). Running time: 38 minutes.

E-MAIL: susan@desnews.com