House, a recent supernatural slasher flick dumped onto DVD by Lionsgate, is reportedly based upon a popular novel. "Best-selling novelists Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti transform their supernatural novel into the terrifying film, House," reads the blurb on the back cover art. Having never heard of the novel, I obviously can't judge how faithfully it follows its source.

However, the front cover art is another example of misdirection on the part of the home video distributors. In big letters, the names Michael Madsen and Bill Moseley are centered on the top. Madsen is a prolific B-movie actor, most notably appearing in the first two Species movies as well as Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill; Moseley is another genre veteran, often appearing in Rob Zombie films. Neither, though, in House itself, could be considered a lead - and fans who might be drawn to this film based upon those names may be in for a disappointment.

House, instead, follows a quartet who become stuck in a large house in the middle of nowhere during a thunderstorm because their cars have blown out tires from running over conveniently placed metal upon the roads. One couple, Jack and Stephanie (Reynaldo Rosales and Heidi Dippold), were on their way to therapy, as their marriage is on the rocks after the death of their daughter. The other couple is young and unmarried - and both have tragic secrets of their own.

Why on Earth the four decide to stay in the house longer than five minutes should seem baffling to the viewer - its occupants are clearly crazed, and the phones don't work. But then, it wouldn't be much of a horror movie if characters did the intelligent thing. In any case, they soon are menaced by the Tin Man, a masked and armed killer who sends them a cryptic 3-part message scrawled on a tin can, including a dictate that someone must die before the morning light.

What follows is an admittedly curious spook show as we learn that the house has been used for devil worship and our heroes must face spectral flashbacks of their greatest sins. Suitably odd camera work and a few well-timed jump scares help set up a grim ambience. Also, the mystery of Tin Man is interesting as the antagonist's back story is revealed (don't check out the Internet Movie Database's cast list for this movie - it spoils the ending by revealing who Tin Man is).

Unfortunately, House is nearly undone by acting that approaches histrionics. Dippold is probably the biggest liability here, as her terror is never convincing, but the cast as a whole goes overboard at times, undercutting the effectiveness of the film's premise. It also doesn't help that the film's conclusion goes the feel-good route, negating the Saw-like dread established through most of the film.

Still, I found the movie engaging and watched it with interest throughout - despite its warts. It's worth a rental, if you're curious.

The DVD

Video:

Lionsgate gives House an anamorphic widescreen presentation in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The image seems grainy at times with lots of film noise, but I found this added to the spectral ambience of the movie.

Sound:

House has two audio tracks: Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0. Both are English language. The 5.1 appears to be the default, and it's the track I listened to. It's a suitably dynamic mix, though sometimes dialogue is a bit obscured, especially Tin Man's comments during the film's climax.

Optional subtitles are available in English and Spanish.

Extras:

Trailers for Bella and The Spirit are the only extras on this disc.

Final Thoughts:

House has some successful scares and interesting shots; however, the film is undone by acting that borders on histrionics and a goofy feel-good conclusion that negates the spirit (no pun intended) of the rest of the film. Given the lack of significant extras, this supernatural slasher flick is best suited for a rental.

---------