The Hangman's Curse

A Review by Jamie

Have you ever been picked on? Have you ever been teased simply because you're different? Or have you seen it happen to others, and done nothing? We all have been in one or the other's shoes. It happens. It's life.

In the movie "The Hangman's Curse", a high school is plagued by events happening 10 years previous, with the legendary self-hanging of Abel Fry. Now, a decade later, the group of "misfits" (I identified them as Goths) have somehow gained access to the Forbidden Wing. The wing was said never to be finished when the rest of the school was remodeled, because "money ran out"....But more popular is the school-wide legend that Abel Fry's ghost was set loose, to begin his search for revenge.

The kids of FBI spies, twins Elisha and Elijah Springfield find themselves (again) playing the part of two students. Their parents have been called on to the scene of the high school after a series of student deaths (all football players).

But what Elisha and Elijah find at the school isn't a crazy haunted schoolhouse; it's a normal high school. With all the stereotyped cliques: the popular kids (Elisha becomes one), the geeks (Elijah becomes one), the jocks, the preps, and the loners-the goths.

Elijah quickly finds out the price of being yourself, and becomes just another victim of another bully.

Meanwhile, deep within the school, the goths are up to revenge at last. Sick and tired of being picked on day after day, they call upon the restless ghost of Abel Fry. Ian is misunderstood and lonely, his only friend Crystal-a fellow goth.

But when Crystal, too, is killed, Ian cannot believe that the ghost he thought was on their side would betray them. Clouded by his anger at Abel Fry, Ian starts to give up any hope on surviving high school. That's where Elijah comes in to form an unlikely friendship.

And while Elijah and Ian uncover the truth about Abel Fry, Elisha finds herself in love with one of the kinder jocks, Blake. So when Blake is targeted as the next victim of the killer, Elisha becomes desperate to find out what it is.

With spellbinding events, rich characters, and a shocking twist, you'll find yourself in love with this powerful movie. It's not a horror film (as I originally thought), but a somewhat-supernatural mystery. It's more like a Halloween thriller. You'll find yourself connecting with the characters, and comparing them to people you know in real life.

I strongly recommend this movie. You'll take away a better sense of understanding for all kinds of people, and hopefully sympathize with some.

Because sometimes the truth is really right in front of us.

Note: This movie (though not scary) can be slightly creepy and startling at times. If you're more of a comedy person, this may not be your favorite movie. It has some humor, but the main focus is very serious. It is not gory at all, but if you're not a fan of spiders (any Rons out there?) you may want to bring a blindfold.

MPAA: PG-13
Movie Length: 1 Hour and 46 Minutes
Creation Date: 2003
Director: Rafal Zielinski
Stars: David Keith, Mel Harris, Leighton Meester, Douglas Smith, Jake Richardson.
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