goldfinch12416 I caught this film last week at the WMIFF International film festival in Washington, DC. And I can say that I was expecting your run of the mill slasher flick. You know, lots of blood, guts, screaming half naked girls and some big guy running around trying to hack his way through each and everyone of them. What I got was a film that asked you (the viewer) to do something we don't are often expected to when we go to the movies...THINK and follow an actual story with a plot and characters that develop in time. WOW what a concept, a film that actually asks you to think and follow a story. It was like enjoying a well cooked meal. Don't get me wrong I like fast food (half-naked girls running about) as much as the next guy. But I also love a really satisfying meal. You know something that leaves you feeling well nourished and pleasantly full. Not stuffed but full and very satisfied.Michael Merino (The Director-Writer-Producer) and his crew did an excellent job with this film. The score (by Patrick Morganelli) is so haunting and beautiful I wanted the soundtrack for my home. The D/P (Tom Benca) painted the screen with such beautiful shots I forgot is was what they consider a "Lower budget" movie. And the location, well the location was amazing, what a find there!The acting was top of the charts awesome. Ken Arnold who plays Steven (the lead male) is as solid as any actor in Hollywood. He has a great leading man authority to him. Regen Wilson kills as Michael. You just can't take your eyes off of him. Tracy Teague and Julie Price are so beautiful and equally strong as the wives of Arnold and Wilson. Joe Estevez (Charlie Sheens Uncle...really!) was just great, I wish he had been in every scene, he's just an awesome actor and every time he came on the screen I smiled knowing something bad was about to happen. Scream Queen Suzi Lorraine is as sexy and mean as ever. She was the main reason I went to the screening, I'v e been a fan for years. Another actor Mick McGuire who plays the County Inspector was so bizarre and weird that I actually sought out one of the Producers after the screening to ask point blank if he was "touched" and I was told he's one of the brightest guys you'll ever meet. HE, was out there, and in a really great way. Finally the girl in the bath played by Nadia Williams was just sultry and taunting. I highly suggest you get a copy of this film, its a great rainy night, sit on the couch with your G/F...eat some pop corn and enjoy kind of date. It's not to bloody (hardly) the language is fairly clean, nobody is being tortured or abused and the nude factor is minimal and it makes sense when it happens.I was going to rate the movie 8 out of 10, but since I was soooo surprised by the film and saw it's budget was a mere 500K. Well, HOLLYWIERD better take notice, because these guys are coming for you. So 2 extra stars, what the heck. BUY THIS MOVIE, its awesome. Its on sale at AMAZON.

flyingmonkey1999 In an era where it seems like the horror genre has been filled with slasher flicks that compete with one another to elicit an ever-escalating shock value, it feels nice to use one's brain to follow a worthwhile horror story. Michael Merino's touches bring out a little Hitchcock, and I found the movie highly entertaining. Regen Wilson does an especially nice job in his supporting role. In my opinion definitely worth the price of a movie ticket to own this one!" SHAMROCK 76. Keep an eye out for THE HAUNTING of PEARSON PLACE at film festivals worldwide or you can purchase it on line at Amazon or at the production companies website.

katherinebooker1031 Some horror movies survive simply on the visceral, others thrive on the intelligence of story. The Haunting of Pearson Place does both with ample measure, going well above it's pay grade.Writer-director Michael Merino does an excellent job of making us consider why couples do the things they do. He reminds us that most bad things that happen can simply be avoided because we don't think to communicate to one another in an honest and real way.The acting is wonderful, and Mick McGuire steals the show as the ever creepy and always dead Jim Shoemaker. Ken Arnold, Regen Wilson and Julie Price are truly the glue that holds this story together. And Tracy Teague is astonishing as the bitch of a wife that brow beats and constantly degrades her loving husband. If I were her "man" in this film I would have killed her character in the first ten minutes. She's that "good"Joe Estevez (yes of the Estevez-Sheen clan) is brilliant as the odd, off-putting caretaker Bob. You're never sure (until it's too late) if "Bob" is a good guy or just wants a tip. He's the creeper of all creepers and wonderful throughout the film.The editing in my view is simple and to the point, no crazy cuts, and you can follow the story without much effort. It's all laid out before you to enjoy. And enjoy it you will.The score and photography are simply inspiring, almost to beautiful for a horror-super natural thriller. But I suppose thats' the point. The beauty amongst the violence or horror.My only main issue with the film is some of the CGI effects are a bit low end, but knowing something about CGI, I've certainly seen worse in $100 million ( Ahem Hunger Ga_es...) films. CGI is tough.Over all this was a wonderful movie that was delicate, creepy, beautiful and ultimately entertaining. What else could one want?

carmer12416 The Haunting of Pearson Place is a film for the intelligent and fun loving film buff...this film reminds me of The Shining and The Others but with a bit more humor. A great movie with a wonderful cast. The Direction and camera work are just spot on. Joe Estevez shines as Bob. His creepy and askew character just makes you want to wash up. Ken Arnold was a solid anchor that kept the audience wondering what might happen next. Suzi Lorraine, although a bit under used (To be fair I'm a big Suzi Lorraine fan and she should be in every frame) is wild as the haunting Founder. Nadia Williams plays Suzi's sister (The Head Nurse) and she's wrenching yet beautiful. Mick McGuire is awesome as Jim, Tracy Teague is lovely, and so believable as the nagging wife. Kelley Slagle crept me out, her voice and inflections were just spine tingling. And last but far form least the out of this world Regen Wilson steals the show. This is a Hollywood film, on a diet budget. Michael Merino is someone to be watched. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next. I highly recommend this film if you enjoy Super-natural, Horror films...not long on gore, but long on smarts.