This film has instant cult classic written all over it. I'm a big fan of the genre and watching "Haunting on Fraternity Row" is a fun genre hopping ride.
It's true, the film has it's faults for sure and doesn't really say much at the end of the day and the ending doesn't exactly read or make sense but, there is an over-the-top-ness to this film that is just downright entertaining. Like "The Room" entertaining.
Story structure is predictable after a few scenes in when we think the haunting is going to start and it just turns out to be a series of practical jokes with gratuitous party scenes but, the juicy stuff...the camera and lighting work during the scary parts really does the trick. It doesn't matter how many weird sex party scenes are sandwiched in between unearned romance scenes in a shooting style that doesn't know what it wants...are you a found footage film or an episode of the office? None of the stuff matters because the concept underneath it has some real gems.
The cinematography carries most of weight in this film and does an excellent job at some points to feel very "real" and scary.
I just wish they would have shot this one some handy cams or something to that effect and maybe put a little bit more in the budget for VFX. The monster comes out looking a bit dated, like a stock ghoul video you might see in someone's window durning Halloween.
Overall, if you're looking for the next Blair Witch Project, you've come to the wrong place but, if you're looking to have a good time with a few friends during a "Horror Movie Night" then Haunting on Fraternity Row is right up your alley.
It's true, the film has it's faults for sure and doesn't really say much at the end of the day and the ending doesn't exactly read or make sense but, there is an over-the-top-ness to this film that is just downright entertaining. Like "The Room" entertaining.
Story structure is predictable after a few scenes in when we think the haunting is going to start and it just turns out to be a series of practical jokes with gratuitous party scenes but, the juicy stuff...the camera and lighting work during the scary parts really does the trick. It doesn't matter how many weird sex party scenes are sandwiched in between unearned romance scenes in a shooting style that doesn't know what it wants...are you a found footage film or an episode of the office? None of the stuff matters because the concept underneath it has some real gems.
The cinematography carries most of weight in this film and does an excellent job at some points to feel very "real" and scary.
I just wish they would have shot this one some handy cams or something to that effect and maybe put a little bit more in the budget for VFX. The monster comes out looking a bit dated, like a stock ghoul video you might see in someone's window durning Halloween.
Overall, if you're looking for the next Blair Witch Project, you've come to the wrong place but, if you're looking to have a good time with a few friends during a "Horror Movie Night" then Haunting on Fraternity Row is right up your alley.