Peter Jackson’s Outrageously Irreverent Horror Comedy Arrives to Thrill Audiences on New Streaming Platform
Stream ‘The Frighteners’ on Peacock: A Hidden Gem of Horror Comedy
Discover the Unique Blend of Jackson and Fox in ‘The Frighteners’
When you think of award-winning director Peter Jackson, the epic saga of “The Lord of the Rings” likely comes to mind. And when the name Michael J. Fox is mentioned, the time-traveling adventure of “Back to the Future” is often remembered. Interestingly, these two Hollywood icons collaborated on a lesser-known project—”The Frighteners.” This cult classic from the ’90s is set to stream on Peacock starting October 1, part of the platform’s spooky season offering that includes a lineup of horror titles like the “Leprechaun” series, “The Ring,” “From Dusk Till Dawn,” and the first three “Scream” movies.
Plot: A Supernatural Con Man and His Unusual Predicament
In “The Frighteners,” Michael J. Fox stars as Frank Bannister, a former architect turned psychic con man. After a tragic event involving his wife’s death, Frank discovers he can communicate with ghosts—a skill he uses to scam people by orchestrating hauntings and then offering his services to exorcize the spirits. However, a malevolent entity in town starts targeting both the living and the dead, throwing Frank into a mystery he must solve while navigating a budding romance with one of the victim’s wives, played by Trini Alvarado, and dodging a manic FBI agent portrayed by Jeffrey Combs.
Visual Effects That Defined a New Era of Filmmaking
Released in July 1996, “The Frighteners” managed to hold its ground against major blockbusters like “Independence Day,” due to its groundbreaking visual effects. Directed by Peter Jackson, the project pushed the capabilities of Weta Digital, his New Zealand-based VFX company, into the spotlight. Despite facing challenges, including seeking assistance from VFX legend Wes Takahashi, the film showcased pioneering effects for its time, setting the stage for Jackson’s later success with the “The Lord of the Rings” series.
Box Office and Critical Reception
| Box Office Gross | Production Budget | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| $29 million | $26 million | 66% | 71% |
Although “The Frighteners” faced mixed reviews and modest box office success, with earnings slightly surpassing its budget, the film has grown a loyal fan base over the years. It holds a 66% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences rating it a bit higher at 71%.
Why ‘The Frighteners’ is Worth Watching
- A unique combination of horror and comedy, helmed by a visionary director.
- Groundbreaking VFX that paved the way for future cinematic triumphs.
- Engaging performances from a talented cast including Michael J. Fox.
Don’t miss out on this horror-comedy treasure. Stream “The Frighteners” on Peacock and experience the film that showcased Peter Jackson’s budding talent in crafting visual masterpieces.
